Leslie Massey
The Australian National Flag is the correct flag to be flown on land by individuals, public, private and commercial organisations. It may also be flown on government ships, fishing vessels, and pleasure craft. The flag is flown on Australian National Flag Day, which is celebrated on 3 September, commemorating the day the flag flew for the first time in 1901. The flag is also flown at half-mast on the death of a notable local citizen or on the day of their funeral. On ANZAC Day, the flag is flown at half-mast until noon. When flown alone on top of or in front of a building, the Australian National Flag should be flown in the centre or as near as possible to it. The flag should be flown aloft and free and should not be allowed to fall or lie on the ground.
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What You'll Learn
- The Australian National Flag takes precedence over all other flags when flown in Australia or on Australian territory
- The flag should be flown aloft and free, as close to the top of the flag mast as possible
- The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously
- The flag may be displayed at night, but only when it is properly illuminated
- The flag should be flown at half-mast on the death of a notable local citizen or on the day, or part of the day, of their funeral
The Australian National Flag takes precedence over all other flags when flown in Australia or on Australian territory
The Australian National Flag is afforded a great deal of respect and is subject to a number of protocols. When flown in Australia or on Australian territory, it takes precedence over all other flags. This means that it should not be flown in an inferior position to any other flag or ensign, nor should it be smaller in size. The only exception to this rule is the United Nations flag, which takes precedence on United Nations Day.
The Australian National Flag should be flown aloft and free, as close to the top of the flag mast as possible, with the rope tightly secured. It should not be allowed to fall or lie on the ground. When the flag is being raised or lowered, or when it is being carried in a parade, all present should face the flag and remain silent, with those in uniform saluting. The flag should be raised briskly and no earlier than first light, and lowered ceremoniously no later than dusk. It should not be flown upside down, not even as a signal of distress.
The Australian National Flag can be flown at half-mast on the death of a notable local citizen or on the day of their funeral. It is also flown at half-mast on ANZAC Day until noon, and on Remembrance Day from 10:30 am to 11:02 am. When flown alone on a building with two flagpoles, it should be flown on the left flagpole from the perspective of someone facing the building. If the building has more than two flagpoles, it should be flown in the centre or as near to the centre as possible. When flown with other national flags, they should be the same size and flown on flagpoles of the same height.
The Australian National Flag is the correct flag to be flown on land by individuals, public, private, and commercial organisations. It may also be flown on government ships, fishing vessels, pleasure craft, and small craft. The Australian Red Ensign is the proper flag to be flown by Australian-registered ships, and it may also be flown by government ships, fishing vessels, pleasure craft, and small craft as an alternative to the Australian National Flag.
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The flag should be flown aloft and free, as close to the top of the flag mast as possible
The Australian National Flag is afforded a great deal of respect and there are many guidelines to follow when flying it. The flag should be flown aloft and free, as close to the top of the flag mast as possible, with the rope tightly secured. It should not be flown in an inferior position to any other flag, with the exception of the United Nations flag on United Nations Day. The flag should not be flown in a position that is smaller than that of another flag or ensign.
When flying the Australian flag, it should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously. It should not be allowed to fall or lie on the ground. When the flag is raised or lowered, or when it is carried in a parade or review, all present should face the flag and remain silent. Those in uniform should salute. The flag should be raised no earlier than first light and no later than dusk and should only be flown at night when it is properly illuminated.
The Australian National Flag takes precedence over all flags when flown in Australia or an Australian territory. If there are two flagpoles, the Australian flag should be flown on the left when facing the flagpoles. If there is more than one row of flagpoles, the Australian flag should be flown on the far left pole nearest the kerb. If there are two Australian flags, one can be flown at each end of a line of flags. If there are multiple flagpoles in a straight row, the Australian flag should be flown in the centre or as near to it as possible.
The flag should not be flown upside down, not even as a signal of distress. It should not be used as a covering for a statue, monument or plaque during an unveiling ceremony, nor should it be used as a table or seat cover.
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The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously
The Australian flag is a symbol of the country and should always be treated with respect and dignity. When raising the flag, it is important to do so briskly, with purpose and energy. This demonstrates a sense of pride and honour in the flag and all it represents. The act of raising the flag briskly also ensures that it reaches its full height swiftly, unfurling and flying proudly in a manner that is both visually appealing and respectful.
On the other hand, when it is time to lower the flag, the action should be performed in a slow, ceremonious manner. This respectful and deliberate action is a way of paying homage to the country and its values, serving as a reminder of the flag's significance and the importance of the nation's identity. Lowering the flag ceremoniously also ensures that the process is carried out with care and attention, allowing all present to observe and acknowledge the ritual with the reverence it deserves.
The contrasting speeds at which the flag is raised and lowered are intentional and carry specific meanings. The brisk raising symbolises the energy, vibrancy, and forward momentum of the nation, while the slow lowering represents reflection, gratitude, and a solemn appreciation for Australia's past, present, and future. These distinct actions are a way to instil a sense of patriotism and national pride while also honouring the country's history and values.
It is also worth noting that these specific instructions for raising and lowering the flag are outlined in the Australian Government's official protocol for the flag. These guidelines ensure that the flag is treated with the utmost respect and dignity at all times, fostering a sense of national unity and pride among all Australians. By adhering to these protocols, individuals can actively demonstrate their respect for the country and its values, fostering a sense of community and shared identity.
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The flag may be displayed at night, but only when it is properly illuminated
The Australian National Flag is the correct flag to be flown on land by individuals, public, private and commercial organisations. It may be flown at any time during the day, but only from first light until dusk. The flag may also be displayed at night, but only when it is properly illuminated.
The Australian National Flag should be displayed only in a manner befitting the national emblem. It should be flown aloft and free, as close to the top of the flag mast as possible, with the rope tightly secured. When the flag is raised or lowered, or when it is carried in a parade or review, all present should face the flag and remain silent. Those in uniform should salute.
The flag should not be subjected to indignity or displayed in a position inferior to any other flag or ensign. It should not be flown in a position inferior to that of another flag or ensign, nor should it be smaller in size. The flag should not be allowed to fall or lie upon the ground. It should not be used as a covering for a statue, monument, or plaque during an unveiling ceremony, nor should it be used as a table or seat cover.
The Australian National Flag takes precedence over all flags when flown in Australia or an Australian territory. It should be the largest flag on display and flown on the left of a row of flags. If there are two Australian National Flags, one can be flown at each end of a line of flags. When flown alone on top of or in front of a building with more than two flagpoles, the flag should be flown in the centre or as near as possible to it.
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The flag should be flown at half-mast on the death of a notable local citizen or on the day, or part of the day, of their funeral
The Australian National Flag (ANF) is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. The flag must be lowered to a position recognisably half-mast, with the top of the flag a third of the distance down from the top of the flagpole. The flag should never be flown at half-mast at night, even if it is illuminated.
The ANF is to be flown at half-mast on the death of a notable local citizen or on the day, or part of the day, of their funeral. This has been done in the past for naturalist Steve Irwin, actor Heath Ledger, opera singer Dame Joan Sutherland, and former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. In the case of cricketer Phillip Hughes, who died after being struck during a cricket match, the Australian flag was flown at half-mast at Cricket NSW headquarters and the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the day of his death.
The Australian government may also direct that the ANF be flown at half-mast on the death of distinguished Australian or international citizens, or in the event of a natural disaster or tragedy. For example, the flag was flown at half-mast across the country following the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 incident in 2014, and after the 2014 Sydney hostage crisis.
In accordance with flag protocol, all flags and ensigns at each flag station should be flown at half-mast during daylight hours. If other nations' flags are flown at the same flag station, permission should be sought from the relevant diplomatic representative to lower those flags as well.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian flag is flown at half-mast on the death of a notable local citizen or on the day, or part of the day, of their funeral. It is also flown at half-mast on the death of the head of state of another country with which Australia has diplomatic relations, on ANZAC Day until noon, and on Remembrance Day from 10:30 am to 11:02 am.
The Australian flag takes precedence over all other flags when flown in Australia or an Australian territory, and should be positioned superiorly. When flown with other national flags, the Australian flag should be the same size and flown on flagpoles of the same height.
The flag should be flown aloft and free, as close to the top of the flag mast as possible with the rope tightly secured. It should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously, no earlier than first light and no later than dusk. The flag should not be flown in a position inferior to any other flag or ensign, nor should it be flown upside down.
When flown alone on top of or in front of a building with more than two flagpoles, the Australian flag should be flown in the centre or as near as possible to it. If there are two Australian flags, one can be flown at each end of a line of flags. The flag may be displayed at night, but only when it is properly illuminated.
