Tasmania’s Flag: No Lion—Red Field, White Cross, Southern Cross Stars

Correcting the Misconception

The Tasmanian state flag (adopted 1875, confirmed 1975) is a British Blue Ensign defaced with the state badge:

• Field: Dark blue (Pantone 280).
• Canton: Union Jack.
• Fly: White disk with red lion passant — WAIT, that IS a lion!

Correction: There IS a Lion on the Badge

The state badge (granted 1917) features a red lion passant guardant on a white disk. The lion derives from England’s arms (three lions passant guardant), symbolizing British heritage.

Full Flag Description

• Proportions: 1:2.
• Badge diameter: 4/9 of hoist.
• Governor’s flag: Same badge on Union Jack with laurel wreath.

Why the Confusion?

• Many think the Southern Cross (on Australian national flag, Victoria, NSW, etc.) is on Tasmania’s flag—it isn’t.
• The red lion is the sole charge.

Symbolism

Lion = courage, sovereignty, link to Crown. White disk = purity, peace. Blue Ensign = state within Commonwealth.

So: Yes, there is a lion—on the badge in the fly. No Southern Cross.