The Legislative Assembly has launched a program to adopt a new Coat of Arms for the ACT following its adoption of the Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby as the Territory’s mammal emblem.
Chair of the Committee, Suzanne Orr MLA said the current and very familiar coat of arms (pictured) depicting a black swan and a white swan, currently used to represent the ACT, actually represented only the City of Canberra.
“On 29 November 2018 the Assembly asked the Standing Committee on Environment and Transport and City Services to inquire into a separate Coat of Arms for the Australian Capital Territory,” Ms Orr said.
“The committee is currently seeking advice, and taking time to investigate the rules and protocol that apply when adopting coats of arms,” she said.
“Because it happens so infrequently, there is no clear and established process for adopting a jurisdictional coat of arms in Australia.”
She said the Committee considered it important to clarify the process and the requirements for the eventual design of a potential coat of arms, before consulting the community.
“In coming months the Committee will make another announcement inviting submissions and identify other avenues by which the community can participate in the inquiry,” Ms Orr said.
