It was almost inevitable that the visit of Prince William close to the Australia day celebrations would provoke the Republican lobby to demand a new Australian flag.
If we do eventually become a republic, that will not automatically see our present flag discredited. Some countries retained the Union Jack on their national flag as a symbol of their origin - and it should be remembered that the American state of Hawaii proudly bears this symbol - with the full support of their citizens.
A TV network called a snap poll to gauge the feeling for a flag change - and the result was overwhelming support for retaining our beloved ensign. Only eighteen percent supported change - with a whopping eighty two percent demanding it remain unchanged.
If in the future this feeling changes then a simple adjustment might best serve the needs of this nation.
Suppose we removed the Union Jack - and replaced it with the Aboriginal flag ?
We would be simply changing the message from a statement of from where we originated as settlers, to an acknowledgment of the Indigenous people who were the original owners of this land.
It would be a unifying move - a flag which included the Koori culture and at the same time honoured those who came after I788 by way of the stars of the Southern Cross and the Federation star.
A national flag - after all is said and done - is supposed to be inclusive of all Australia's people !
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