The Australian Heraldry Society urges the Australian Government to establish an Australian heraldic authority to grant and register arms and to regulate heraldic usage in the States and Territories of Australia.

The case motivating creation of an Australian heraldic authority has been made over several decades. Questions have been asked and statements made in Federal Parliament; reports written making key recommendations to the Federal Government; there has been discussion how creation of a Australian heraldic authority impacts the Monarchy or how some feel it promotes Republicanism. These issues can be viewed in an international context of heraldic authority creation by other nation states. Read some of the issues outlined below so you can make up your own mind ...

1956 - Robert Menzies in Question Time

Mr Menzies responds to Mr Fox in Question Time in the House of Representatives on 24 October 1956. ...more>

1962 - South African Bureau of Heraldry created

The South African Bureau of Heraldry was created as the Republic of South Africa's heraldic authority by the Heraldry Act 1962. At that time the Office of the State Herald of South Africa was created. Its mission is to provide heraldic services to the people of South Africa. ...more> [ www]

1972 - Report by Heraldry Council of Australia

In this year, the two-volume Report, compiled over a number of years, was issued. ...more>

1984 - Flemish Heraldic Council created

The Flemish Heraldic Council or Vlaamse Heraldische Raad was created by decree of the Flemish Government. ...more> [ www]

1988 - Canadian Heraldic Authority created

The Canadian Heraldic Authority was created by prerogative act of the Governor General. At the same time the Office of the Chief Herald of Canada was created. ...more> [ www]

1996 - Report of the South Australian Constitutional Advisory Council

The Report titled "South Australia and Proposals for an Australian Republic" recommended:

Recommendation 41 If Australia's links with the Crown are severed, the South Australian Government should support moves for the Commonwealth to establish an Australian heraldic Authority to make grants of arms, register armorial achievements which migrants and others bring or inherit from overseas countries, and issue guidelines for the settlement of heraldic disputes which may become the subject of litigation.

...more>

2000 - Monarchy vs Republic debate

Whether you are a Monarchist or Republican, creation of an Australian Heraldic Authority is above politics. It is in the national interest writes Stephen Szabo. ...more>

2002 - Introduction of State Arms Bill 2002 into NSW Parliament

The Bill was referred to the Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Law and Justice for examination and report. The Committee called for submissions, held public hearings and reported in December 2002 in favour of the Bill with some proposed amendments. There were two important recommendations:

Recommendation 13 The Committee recommends that the Premier consult with the Commonwealth Government with a view to promoting favourable consideration of the establishment of a Commonwealth heraldic authority to grant and register arms and to regulate heraldic usage in states and territories in Australia.

Recommendation 14 The Committee recommends that the Premier favourably consider the establishment of a New South Wales heraldic authority to grant and register arms and to regulate heraldic usage in New South Wales, until such a time as any Commonwealth heraldic authority is established.

The Bill was re-introduced into the NSW Parliament and enacted as the State Arms, Symbols and Emblems Act 2004. ...more>

2003 - Heraldry Australia meetings

Sydney and Melbourne meetings promote the establishment of an Australian heraldic authority. Support is offered by many Australian heritage and genealogical societies. ...more>

2003 - Peter King MP

Peter King, Member for Wentworth, advocates creation of an Australian Heraldic Authority. ...more>

2004 - Heraldry Australia meetings with various Federal Ministers

The executive and members of Heraldry Australia met with various Federal Ministers. ...more>

2004 - Why an Australian Heraldic Authority?

John Thompson explains why Australians need an indigenous heraldic authority. ...more>

2007 - NSW State election

The views of political parties on Recommendations 13 and 14. ...more>

Australian Government's current position

Despite the fact that the absence of a heraldic authority is constitutionally inappropriate and overlooks the opportunity to assert Australia's independence and sovereignty, the Australian Government baulks at the creation of such an authority based on cost considerations; there is general belief within Government that Australians can adopt their own coats of arms or apply to the College of Arms in London.