Flying Flags at half-mast

The act of flying a flag at half-mast serves as a poignant symbol of mourning and respect. However, it’s essential to understand the correct protocol for this solemn gesture to ensure it conveys the intended message.

The positioning of a flag at half-mast varies depending on the flag’s size and the length of the flagpole. To avoid any misconceptions, it’s crucial to lower the flag to a position that is unmistakably half-mast. Typically, this involves positioning the top of the flag at approximately one-third of the distance down from the top of the flagpole.

In certain circumstances, the Australian Government issues directives for all flags to be flown at half-mast. To stay informed about these occasions, you can register for email notifications through the Commonwealth Flag Network.

Locally, flags can be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect upon the passing of a local citizen or on the day of their funeral, or a portion thereof. When it comes time to lower a flag from a half-mast position, it should be briefly raised to the peak and then lowered ceremoniously.

It’s important to note that a flag should not be flown at half-mast during the night-time, regardless of whether it’s illuminated or not, unless specific directives have been issued to keep the flag at half-mast for an extended period.

When flying the Australian National Flag alongside other flags, the correct protocol dictates that all flags within the set should be flown at half-mast, harmonising the tribute paid to those being honoured.

• The flag is brought to the half-mast position by first raising it to the masthead and then immediately lowering it slowly to the half-mast position. The flag should be raised again to the top before being lowered for the day.

• The position of the flag when flying at half-mast will depend on the size of the flag and the length of the flagpole. It is essential that it be lowered at least to a position recognizably “half-mast” so as to avoid the appearance of a flag, which has accidentally fallen away from the masthead owing to a loose halyard. A Satisfactory Position for half-masting would normally be when the top of the flag is one-third of the distance down from the top of the mast.

• Australian flag protocol allows any private citizen and/or organizations to fly the national flag at half mast at their own discretion.

• The flags of other nations should not be flown at half mast (unless they too have declared national mourning) and should not be flown at full mast alongside flags at half mast and so should be removed.

• Any house flags or other lesser flags on the same stand of flags should either be flown at half mast or removed.