Australian Flags booklet

Australian Flags can be used as an educational resource and a source of general information about the history and proper use of the Australian National Flag and other flags of Australia by the Australian community, flag marshals and visitors to Australia.

Flying the Australian National Flag with state and other flags

When flying the Australian National Flag with state flags and/or other flags (such as the Australian Aboriginal Flag, the Torres Strait Islander Flag, local government flags, house flags, club pennants, corporate and company flags) in a line of flagpoles, the order of the flags should follow the rules of precedence. 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.

Drawn image of 3 flags with the Australian flag on the left

For example, if the Australian National Flag was being flown with a state flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and a local government flag, the Australian National Flag would be flown on the far left (the position of honour), followed by the state flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the local government flag.

If there are two Australian National Flags, one can be flown at each end of a line of flags.

Drawn image of 4 flags haging from a building with the Australian flag on the far left and right

If one flagpole is higher than other poles, the Australian National Flag should be flown on that flagpole.

For example, when displaying the Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag on a flag stand where the centre flagpole is highest, the Australian National Flag should be placed in the centre.

The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag may be flown at any time. The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag may be flown together or either flag may be flown individually, depending on the preference of the organisation. The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag are equal in precedence so may be flown in any order.

In a single or double row of flagpoles, arranged at right angles from a structure, such as a building or memorial, the Australian National Flag should be flown on the far left flagpole nearest the kerb. If two Australian National Flags are available the second flag should be flown on the flagpole on the right nearest the kerb.

Drawn image of 3 flags in a row with the Australian flag first

In a double row of flagpoles, where there is no formal focal point, such as a building or memorial, the Australian National Flag should be flown on the diagonal corners of the arrangement, with all other flags being arranged according to precedence as for a single row.

Drawn image of 2 rows of flags with the Australian flag first from both sides