Commonwealth Star

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The Commonwealth Star or Star of Federation, is a seven-pointed star symbolising the Federation of Australia. Six points of the Star represent the six original states of the Commonwealth of Australia, while the seventh point represents the territories and any future states. The original Star had only six points; however, the proclamation in 1905 of the Territory of Papua led to the addition of the seventh point in 1908 to represent it and future territories.

The Commonwealth Star is found on both the Flag of Australia and the Coat of Arms of Australia. On the Australian Flag the Star appears in the lower left quarter, beneath the Union Jack. In the Coat of Arms, the Star forms the crest, atop a blue and gold wreath.

The Star is also used on the Australian currency, and as an ornament to official buildings such as Parliament House, Canberra.