SUMMERS, Lise

Seeking the sinister swan.Western Australia's identity is firmly connected to the symbolism of the black swan - it forms part of the State's crest for example. But Western Australia was quite late in developing or formally registering the crest, and really only did so following a controversy about the way in which the swan was depicted on certain flags in the city. Rather than swimming towards the flag pole, or dexter, these swans, determinedly different, swam to the sinister.

Coat of arms – Barnett replaced 'globe badge' Sept 2008 – Had a history in being involved in symbols of state.Previously involved in getting State Flag Act 2006 in place – 2nd reading speech 1 June (Foundation Day) fixed the swan to dexter - was previously to sinister – rationale – direction disrespected the union jack – say what? We've been giving the bird to the UK? How long for? Why? Was there some meaning in the swan's direction? In fact, the swan had generally been swimming to the right since 1953, when Athol Thomas had raised it in November in an editorial article in the Western Mail. The Australian flag Bill was in train, and flags on the national agenda. Swans both dexter and sinister were seen on flags around town, and was causing some confusion; however, disrespect was not mentioned. Clarification as to which way the swan swam was required. The State Flag Act 2006 formally prevented anyone from changing the swan around.

But still left with question of why it had swum to the left.

Twenty years earlier, the flag and the badge on which it was based, were causing confusion. The question of trade mark for the state was being discussed, and the State badge was a natural contender. However, the question of the direction of the Swan needed to be confirmed. 1934 'secession flag' showed a sinister swan, as does the official Admiralty book of Imperial flags.. received in WA in 1936.Secession flag – Governor's flag with wreath and crown replace by black orle. Throughout July and August in 1936 the airmail letters flew between Louis Shapcott and the Agent General in London. Expending an unauthorised, and somewhat debatable, guinea, the Agent General deployed researchers to look at archives in Kew, talk to the heralds, and to the Admiralty. Agent general concludes that the sinister swan must have been identified and instituted sometime between 1829 and 1858, and the dexter use of the swan, not just right, but proper. Not sure I agree – about the time that is, not the swan.

Revisiting the origins of the flag.

1866 – Admiralty gives permission for 'defacing' the Blue Ensign – follow up with a second despatch in 1869. Weld aware that WA has not done this, so in 1870 creates a state ensign drawing a picture (not found). 1874 Weld comments on the seal and 'coat of arms' on gazette. Robinson, in 1875, notes that there is both a governor's flag - a swan in centre of UJ is governor's badge, but approves swan next to UJ as flag, and for nearly 100 years so it is. (Again no picture found). Robinson sends three images of the seal, but does not comment on the direction of the swan.

Weld also approves the badge for Tasmania in 1876, again lion to sinister. But changed very quickly to dexter.

Conclusion – Weld is heraldically dyslexic, or is having a pun or punne on words – what is blazon. sinister because not representative government, convicts, or rather that it is in a cadet position – baton sinister?

So why hunt for the sinister swan – mere antiquarianism or something more. Moral – need to be more visually literate. Coat of arms 2008 a brand for government, indicating at first glance, a degree of gravitas, of history and legitimacy, that may be exaggerated. Meaning is lost, or distorted, over time. Myths become more prevalent. Need to view and review both history and the sources we use. In the meantime, the swan on the WA parliament badge, and the legislative assembly both swim to sinister. So does the swan representing WA on the Commonwealth coat of arms. Next time you're in Perth, look at the coat of arms above the post office. Oh, and try to figure out what the kangaroo and the emu are looking at.