Australia mourns the passing of the Honourable William (Bill) George Hayden AC, 21st Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia (1989-1996). He provided a lifetime of service to Australia as a Parliamentarian and as Governor-General. The Prime Minister has issued a media statement on his website.
As a mark of mourning and respect, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Sunday 22 October 2023 from all buildings and establishments occupied by the Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome 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.
A later message will be issued when details of the funeral service are confirmed.
Your assistance is appreciated.
Commonwealth Flag Officer