The Prime Minister has announced a National Day of Mourning for Australia on Thursday 22 September 2022 for the late Sovereign, Elizabeth the Second. Further information is available in the Prime Minister's media release.
As a mark of mourning and respect and in accordance with protocol, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Thursday, 22 September 2022 (from the beginning until the end of the day in your locality) from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Vice-Regal Standards are to remain at full mast.
A minute of silence will be observed at 11 am Australian Eastern Standard Time.
State and territory governments and other organisations are encouraged to participate.
- When flying the Australian National Flag with other flags, all flags in the set should be flown at half-mast.
- If a set of flags includes the flags of other nations, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.
- An acceptable half-mast position would be when the top of the flag is a third of the distance down from the top of the flagpole.
- Information on flag protocol is available on the Department's website.
The financial and staffing implications arising from public holiday flag marshal duties are the responsibility of each organisation.
Your assistance is appreciated.
Commonwealth Flag Officer