Below right are pictures of the state flags with a close-up of their flag's badges.

New South Wales

NSW Flag adopted: 18 February 1876

The badge depicts a red Cross of St. George. At the end of both arms of the Cross is an eight pointed gold star. In the centre of the Cross is a Golden Lion passant guardant.

The badge has a white disc background.

Queensland

QLD Flag adopted: 1953

The badge depicts a light blue Maltese Cross with the St Edwards Crown in the centre of the cross.

As in Victoria, the design of the flag is changed in accordance with the style of crown chosen by the reigning monarch.

The last change occurred in 1953 after Queen Elizabeth II adopted the St. Edwards Crown for her coronation in 1952. The background of the badge is a white disc.

South Australia

SA Flag adopted: 13 January 1904

The badge on the flag of South Australia depicts a Piping Shrike (Gymnorhina tibicen) with erect wings outstretched. Although it's often referred to as an Australian magpie, it isn't a true magpie.

The badge background is a yellow disc.

Tasmania

TAS Flag adopted: 29 November 1875

The badge on the flag of Tasmania depicts a Red Lion facing left. The symbolism of the lion is assumed to indicate the state's historical tie with England. The original lion on the badge was altered slightly in 1975 to appear as it does today.

The badge background is a white disc.

Victoria

VIC Flag adopted: 1953

The badge depicts the Southern Cross with the St Edwards Crown above it. The Southern Cross stars vary in size and range from five to eight points.

As in Queensland, the design of the flag is changed in accordance with the style of crown chosen by the reigning monarch.

The last change occurred in 1953 after Queen Elizabeth II adopted the St. Edwards Crown for her coronation in 1952.

Western Australia

WA Flag adopted: 1953

The native Black Swan has long been a symbol of Western Australia. Before Western Australia became a state, the original colony was referred to as the Swan River Settlement (although swans are found throughout Australia). Because of this, the swan was suggested as the obvious choice for a badge by Governor Weld in 1870.

Today the swan swims right to left. Prior to 1953 the swan was swimming left to right.