Australian flags include the Australian National flag, the Australian Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag. Each of these flags may be flown every day of the year. The Australian National flag was first flown in 1901.
Show respect and dignity for all Australian flags
The Australian National flag takes precedence in positioning over all other flags or ensigns. On Australian soil, the Australian National flag takes precedence over other national flags.
Fly the flag
The following must be observed when flying the Australian National flag:
- Raise it no earlier than first light
- Lower it no later than dusk
- If you wish to fly the Australian National flag by night, it must be lighted.
Raise the flag quickly and lower it ceremoniously
During the raising and lowering of the Australian National flag, everyone present must be silent and face the flag. This also applies to when the flag is carried in a parade. Those in uniform are obliged to salute the flag.
Tips
- When flying the Australian flag at half-mast for mourning purposes (for example, upon the death of a celebrated Australian personage or a war hero), the flag should sit one flag-width below full mast.
- According to the Flags Act 1953, the order of flags is: Australian National flag, followed by State and Territory flags and then other flags under the Flags Act, ensigns and then pennants.
- The Australian National Flag consists of:
- The Union Jack (also called a Canton) - this depicts Australia's past links with Great Britain.
- The Southern Cross - 5 stars that emphasise the importance of navigation to Australia and the southerly location of Australia geographically; this constellation is only viewable from the southern hemisphere.
- The Commonwealth Star - also known as the Star of Federation - this shows the unity of the six States and the combined Territories of the Commonwealth.
Warnings
- Do not fly two flags from the same flagpole.
- Never fly damaged, faded or tattered flags. Such flags should be disposed of in private and with dignity. The Australian Government states that a flag in such a condition "may be cut into small unrecognisable pieces then disposed of with the normal rubbish collection."
- Never fly the flag upside down. The Australian Government stresses that this is not even appropriate as a signal of distress.
- Never allow a flag to fall or lie upon the ground.
Things You'll Need
- Australian flag
- Booklet on Australian flag protocol (available online in PDF format or via your local Member of Parliament or Senator)
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