Flag announcement: National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week 2022

National Sorry Day: Thursday 26 May 2022
National Reconciliation Week: Friday 27 May 2022 to Friday 3 June 2022

National Sorry Day acknowledges and raises awareness of the history and continued effect of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from their families, communities and culture. National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. Further information about National Reconciliation Week this year is available on the Reconciliation Australia website.

Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags on National Sorry Day and throughout National Reconciliation Week recognises the significance of these events for all Australians and is a sign of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.

From Thursday 26 May to Friday 3 June 2022 the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag should be flown on additional flagpoles, where available, next to or near the Australian National Flag on Australian Government buildings and establishments. Other organisations are encouraged to follow this protocol.

If there is only one flagpole available at a flag station, the Australian Aboriginal Flag or the Torres Strait Islander Flag should not replace the Australian National Flag. Where two flagpoles are available, it is at the discretion of the authority concerned to determine which of the two flags is flown with the Australian National Flag. The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag are equal in precedence and may be flown in any order after the Australian National Flag.

Further information on flag protocol can be found on the Department’s website.

The financial and staffing implications arising from weekend flag and public holiday marshal duties are the responsibility of each organisation.

Your assistance is appreciated.

Authorised by:
Commonwealth Flag Officer