Australian Prime Minister about “Ginan”

On 22 July, in his opening speech of the 48th Parliament, the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese proudly referred to the star Epsilon Crucis, as “Ginan”, describing it as an “Australian star” because of the constellation’s position as a symbol of Australian identity. He noted that it “features in the Australian flag but not in the flag of New Zealand”, which was formalised by the IAU named the star to be known globally by its Aboriginal name in the Wardaman language.

🎥 Watch the moment (around min 30–35):

Literally, he said:

“We [the peoples of Australia] have so many facets and they come together to make a unique whole. They come together here on the ground and … in the sky above us. Look up in a clear night, when you’re far from city lights, and you will see the Dark Emu with the Southern Cross shining on its head. And when you look at the Southern Cross, look at the star that twinkles most softly. It’s the part of the Southern Cross that features on the Australian flag but not on the flag of New Zealand. Several years ago now, the International Astronomical Union formally recognized it as “Ginan”, the name given to it by the Wardaman people in the Northern Territory. To the Wardaman it represents a special red dillybag filled with songs of knowledge. It is an Australian star, a piece of ourselves reflected back at us from our great southern sky. And … on us from the giant flag pole on the top of this building.”