Flag of Queensland


The state flag of Queensland is a British Blue Ensign with the state badge on a white disc added in the fly. The badge is a light blue Maltese cross with a Saint Edward's Crown in the centre of the cross. The flag dates from 1876, with minor variations, and the badge was designed by William Hemmant, the Colonial Secretary and Treasurer of Queensland in 1876.

History

1859 Separation Flag

On 10 December 1859, over 180 days after Queensland's formal separation from the Colony of New South Wales, the Separation Flag was flown at 08:00 in Brisbane under a twenty-one gun salute, marking the proclamation of Queensland's separation from New South Wales. The flag was described as being sky blue with the St George's Cross and union in the corner. The flag was also known as the "Moreton Bay Flag".

1870 proposed flag

In 1865, the British admiralty stated that colonial vessels should fly the British Blue Ensign defaced with the state badge. As Queensland did not have a badge at this time, one depicting Queen Victoria on a blue disc surrounded by the name "Queensland" was suggested. However, this proved to be too difficult to reproduce, leading to new design being considered.

1876–1963

As the previous design was found to be unworkable, a new design was submitted to the Admiralty for approval:
The Maltese Cross impaled with the Crown was chosen out of four proposed designs to replace Victoria's head.

1963 to present

Following Queen Elizabeth II decision to use the Crown of St Edward as her royal cypher, in 1963 the State Emblem and the State flag was once again updated with the design of the crown following the preference of the monarch.
King Charles III decided to use the Tudor Crown on his royal cypher following his accession to the throne in 2022. However, the Labor Queensland government stated on 4 May 2023 that they do not plan to update the crown on the state emblem or flag. This position was maintained by the newly elected Liberal-National government on 31 January 2026.

Government distribution

The Queensland Government offers free state flags to eligible organisations including: