Australia does not have its own heraldic authority which grants or records arms, though the College of Arms in London claims to be "the official heraldic authority for... Australia".[1] Its authority is disputed by the Australian Heraldry Society.[2]
The Australian Heraldry Society argues that the heraldic authority for Australia is vested in the King of Australia, who can delegate that authority to whoever they choose.[2] In response to questions submitted by the Society, on 7 February 2018 prime minister Malcolm Turnbull stated:[2]
The practice of the College of Arms in England granting armorial bearings to Australians is well established as one way Australians can obtain heraldic insignia if they wish to do so.
There is nothing preventing any person or organisation from commissioning a local artist, graphics studio or heraldry specialist to design and produce a coat of arms or identifying symbol. Those arms would have the same standing and authority in Australia as arms prepared by the College of Arms in England.
The Australian Heraldry Society was founded in Melbourne in 1992, originally as Heraldry Australia before changing its name in 2008. The society has its roots in the Australian branch of The Heraldry Society of England, which was established in Melbourne in 1973.
The object of the society is "to promote the advancement of education in the science, art, history, practice and development of heraldry and allied subjects and the encouragement of their study and practice in Australia". They produce a bi-monthly newsletter, called The Red Escutcheon, and a triannual journal, called Heraldry in Australia.[29]
^"Council overview". www.darwin.nt.gov.au. Darwin City Council. 3 July 2009. Archived from the original on 3 July 2009. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
^"Coat of Arms". www.launceston.tas.gov.au. Launceston City Council. 22 July 2008. Archived from the original on 22 July 2008. Retrieved 18 February 2023.