Australia urged to follow New Zealand's lead on flag rethink



New Zealanders are likely to go to the polls to vote on a new flag, in a move that has prompted renewed debate about changing Australia's national flag.

New Zealand prime minister John Key says the existing flag, which features a Union Jack in the corner, is out of date and does not represent the country's identity.

"The design of the New Zealand flag symbolises a colonial and post-colonial era whose time has passed," Mr Key said in a speech today.

"The flag remains dominated by the Union Jack in a way that we ourselves are no longer dominated by the United Kingdom."

Mr Key has made no secret of his preference for the Silver Fern, but insists he is willing to consider all options and ideas ahead of a referendum during the next parliamentary term.

Those pushing for a change to Australia's flag believe Mr Key's comments will be a boost for the domestic campaign, declaring it would make Australia "look stupid" if the status quo remained.

Should Australia follow New Zealand's lead and consider changing the national flag? Have your say below.
"(New Zealand) has got this fabulous logo... which they use on their football jerseys - it just gives them an immediate recognition," Ausflag executive director Harold Scruby told ABC News.

"We go round the world and people ask us what part of Britain we're from. Is that a way to market Australia?"

The similarities between the Australian and New Zealand flags have often led to calls for change.

On one occasion while travelling overseas, former prime minister Bob Hawke was greeted by the New Zealand flag.

Mr Key says he is making the comments in the lead-up to the centenary to Anzac not to erase the country's past, but to think about New Zealand's future.

"I do not underestimate the significance of the flag to New Zealand's servicemen and women and their families, but being respectful of our history does not lock us permanently in the past."

Canada had also used the Union Jack in some of its previous flags, but in 1965 formally adopted the distinctive Maple leaf design.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are due to visit New Zealand and Australia next month.
Australia urged to follow New Zealand's lead on flag rethink - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)