Frequently asked flag questions
What is flag protocol?
Australian & our state flags are some of our important symbols as a nation. Flags should be flowen with respect and dignity. These protocols will assist you when flying the Australian or Australian State flag. This porotocol advice specifically applies to the Australian Flag & State Flags, but would also apply to most commonwealth countries.
Your Quality Australian made Flag is manufactured from 100% woven polyester defence force grade bunting material. What you hold is the best fabric available for flag manufacture as tested and proven by the Australian Defence Force, to ensure the longest possible working life we urge you to read and observe the tips below.
Protocol demands that Flags should not be flown at night unless floodlit. They should be hoisted at or after sunrise and lowered before sunset. It should be noted that flags flown 24 hrs a day will not last as long as a flag flown from sunrise to sunset.
The flag should always be flown freely and as close as possible to the top of the flagpole with the rope tightly secured (unless flying the flag at halfmast).
The flag should always be flown freely and as close as possible to the top of the flagpole with the rope tightly secured (unless flying the flag at halfmast).
The Australian National Flag should be raised first and lowered last, unless all other flags at the ceremony are raised and lowered simultaneously
When the Australian National Flag is flown with flags of other nations, all flags should be the same size and flown on flagpoles of the same height
The Australian National Flag should fly on the left of a person facing the flags, when it is flown with one other national flag
Do not fly two flags from the same flagpole
Do not fly the flag if it is damaged, faded or dilapidated. If your flag is in need or repair FoxFlags offers a repair service.
Do not fly the flag upside down, even as a signal of distress.
Do not allow the flag to fall or lie on the ground or be used as a cover (although it can be used to cover a coffin at a funeral).
A flag should always be:
- Treated with the respect.
- Raised and lowered with dignity.
- Flown as close to the top of the flag mast as possible, with the rope tightly secured.
- Raised at first light and lowered no later than dusk (OR).
- Always well lit if flown at night.
Read more about the protocols for flying the Australian National Flag with state and other flags.
Flag protocol examples
On, or in front of a building with one flagpole with cross arms
- Government Buildings throughout Australia
– The flag of the State is to be flown. - Statutory Authorities throughout the State
– It is recommended that the State Flag be flown. - State Government Schools
– The Australian National Flag is to be flown.
On, or in front of a building with one flagpole with cross arms
- Government Buildings throughout Australia
– The flag of the State is to be flown. - Statutory Authorities throughout the State
– It is recommended that the State Flag be flown. - State Government Schools
– The Australian National Flag is to be flown.
On, or in front of a building with one flagpole with cross arms
- Government Buildings throughout Australia
– The flag of the State is to be flown. - Statutory Authorities throughout the State
– It is recommended that the State Flag be flown. - State Government Schools
– The Australian National Flag is to be flown.
On, or in front of a building with one flagpole with cross arms
- Government Buildings throughout Australia
– The flag of the State is to be flown. - Statutory Authorities throughout the State
– It is recommended that the State Flag be flown. - State Government Schools
– The Australian National Flag is to be flown.
Learn about the Flag above Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra
Frequently asked questions
How big is the flag?
The flag is 12.8 metres long and 6.4 metres high, which is about the same size as the side of a double-decker bus. It weighs 22 kilograms.
How often is it flown?
The flag is flown seven days a week and 24 hours a day—under the Australian national flag protocols, it can be flown at night because it is floodlit.
When is it flown at half mast?
The flag is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. The Commonwealth Flag Network provides half-masting messages and other nationally significant event announcements.
How big is the flag mast?
The flag mast is one of the largest stainless steel structures in the world. Constructed from polished Newcastle steel, it is 81 metres tall and weighs 220 tonnes.