What are the rules for flying the Australian flag?

Run up a pole, draped over shoulders, printed on thongs: on Australia Day the flag is displayed in a variety of ways, but what are the official rules?

Australian flag protocols

• Any person may fly the flag
• Must be treated with dignity and respect
• Must not fall or lie on the ground
• Must be kept in good condition
• Must not be defaced with words or pictures
• Must not be flown at night, unless illuminated

Source: Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet

Chosen in a public competition in 1901, the familiar Union Jack, Southern Cross and seven-pointed star of the Australian flag are a much-loved and sometimes controversial symbol of the nation.

We love to fly it high, wear it, stick it on our cars and generally wave it around as a sign of love for our country, especially at times like Australia Day and Anzac Day.

But can you do what you like with the Australian flag?

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet is responsible for the protocols of its use under the Flags Act 1953.

The protocols are guidelines based on long-standing practice for its respectful use.

They also explain the etiquette of raising it, flying it with other flags, and using it at polling places and funerals for example.

While there are no specific penalties regarding the misuse or desecration of the flag, you may be charged if the flag is used in connection with other activities such as breaching the peace or destroying property.

Australian Flag Association chair Allan Pidgeon said flying the flag came down to one fundamental rule.

"As a symbol of the nation it is able to be used by every Australian, but it just needs to be treated with respect," he said.

Images of the flag can be used on clothing, as long as it's not defaced or covered, and the main symbolic elements are identifiable.

It is not however officially recommended to drape it around yourself to ensure it does not touch the ground.

Mr Pidgeon welcomed most respectful displays of the national flag, but was not a fan of some.

"Obviously it's probably not right to have the flag draped over your body," he said.

"I certainly do object to flag boardshorts and flag things which I've seen."

However he admitted the rules could be bent a little for certain occasions.

"The day of celebration for Australia Day, we're probably able to be a little more relaxed than we might be for example on Anzac Day, which is a much more solemn day of commemoration," he said.

"The bottom line is the flag should be treated with respect, if it's draped around you that's probably your right as an Australian to do," Mr Pidgeon said.

Church and state

In a small church in northern New South Wales, the flag has been flying beside the altar for as long as locals can remember.

Kingscliff parish priest Father Paul McDonald inherited it five years ago when he took over the church.

He said having it there was a matter for each community.

"I've left it there; there was no reason to change it because there are no regulations of any kind governing the display of flags in public churches, either in the code of canon law or the liturgical books," he said.

He said it was a reminder that we live in a country that respects religious freedom.

"Visitors sometimes comment because it may not have been in their local church and so it stands out," he said.

"But I've never received anything but positive feedback."

Despite regular calls for change, Mr Pidgeon said the flag design should stay and was especially popular with young people.

"[It's] meant to be an enduring symbol of the nation," he said.

"Because society is changing so fast, people value something that has an enduring quality, that has some permanence."

Posted 21 Jan 201821 Jan 2018Sun 21 Jan 2018 at 8:07pm

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More on:

• ANZAC Day
• Australia
• Australia Day
• Community and Society
• Kingscliff
• National Days

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• Agnés was injected with an 'off-label' drug used in cosmetic procedures. She says her 'whole body is rotting' Can anyone fly the Australian flag?

  Any person may fly the Australian National Flag. However, the flag should be treated with the respect and dignity it deserves as the nation's most important national symbol. Flag protocol is based on longstanding international and national practice.

  What is the protocol for the Australian flag?

  The Australian National Flag should always be flown on the far left of a person facing the building. With the exception of a flagpole fitted with a gaff, a house flag or club pennant should never be flown above a national flag.

  Who can wear the Australian flag?

  "As a symbol of the nation it is able to be used by every Australian, but it just needs to be treated with respect," he said. Images of the flag can be used on clothing, as long as it's not defaced or covered, and the main symbolic elements are identifiable.

  Can you fly a flag without the Australian flag?

  The Australian National Flag takes precedence over all flags when flown in Australia or an Australian territory. 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.