<P> The Red Kangaroo and Emu that support the shield have never been designated as official animal emblems of the nation . They owe their unofficial recognition to the fact that they are native Australian fauna ( found only on that continent ) , and likely chosen because they are the most well - known native Australian animals large enough to be positioned together in scale holding up the shield . They were chosen to symbolise a nation moving forward , based on the fact that neither animal can move backwards easily -- i.e. symbolising progress . It has been claimed that the kangaroo is , and must be seen to be , male . </P>
<P> The Red Kangaroo and Emu that support the shield have never been designated as official animal emblems of the nation . They owe their unofficial recognition to the fact that they are native Australian fauna ( found only on that continent ) , and likely chosen because they are the most well - known native Australian animals large enough to be positioned together in scale holding up the shield . They were chosen to symbolise a nation moving forward , based on the fact that neither animal can move backwards easily -- i.e. symbolising progress . It has been claimed that the kangaroo is , and must be seen to be , male . </P>
what does the emu and kangaroo represent on the coat of arms
what does the emu and kangaroo represent on the coat of arms
a nation moving forward
a nation moving forward