Even though opinion polls show that the Australian Flag is more popular than ever, there is very little awareness of its unique and proud history – and a lamentable lack of understanding about the “rules” of flag protocol. In particular there seems to be a tendency to promote the “flag of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia” as some sort of alternate or quasi- Australian National Flag. 

 
Section 5 of the Flags Act 1953 (headed “Other Flags”) provides that “The Governor-General may, by Proclamation, appoint such other flags and ensigns of Australia as he or she thinks fit.” It was under this provision that the ‘Australian Aboriginal Flag’ was appointed as the “flag of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia” (emphasis added) on 14 July 1995. It appears that this step was taken without consulting or acknowledging the designer of the flag, or even seeking to ascertain his or her identity. Similarly, the Torres Strait Islander Flag was proclaimed on the same date as “the flag of the Torres Strait Islander people of Australia” (emphasis added).

Other flags proclaimed under Section 5 of the Flags Act include the Australian White Ensign, the Royal Australian Air Force Ensign, and the Australian Defence Force Ensign. Not all flags in Australia are established under the Flags Act 1953. In 1995, the Commonwealth Government estimated that there were over twenty other official flags. Official flags may be established in a number of ways including by Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, by legislative instrument, by proclamation or by the use of the Royal Prerogative. These official flags include the Customs Flag, the Civil Air Ensign, the Norfolk Island Flag, the Flags of the States and the State Governors, the Flags of the Northern Territory and the ACT, the Governor-General's Flag and the Queen's Personal Flag.

At the time the Australian Aboriginal flag was first proclaimed, then Chair of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation Mr Patrick [now Senator] Dodson said: “Official recognition doesn’t mean that these flags have equal status to the national flag, still less supplant it. It does not create ‘nations within a nation’. It does mean that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags – among the most popular and recognisable flags in Australia – have legal status and protection… Most importantly, the Government’s decision says to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: ‘You are a valued and unique part of the fabric of our nation’ ….” (Sydney Morning Herald 6 July 1995, emphasis added.)

Download document outlining "What is the Status of the Flag of the Aboriginal Peoples of Australia".

CELEBRATE OUR FLAG!

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FLAG DAY –  3 SEPTEMBER, 2024

  All Australians are encouraged to make a special effort to fly or
display the Australian flag for its 123rd 'birthday''*.

  Many places around Australia hold a special flag raising to mark ‘Flag Day’: everyone is welcome at events in Queensland including:

*SATURDAY AUGUST 31 - OPEN DAY AND PARADE AT CABOOLUTURE HISTORICAL VILLAGE, 280 Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture 4510

  A full programme of events to celebrate our flag’s 123rd
‘birthday’ will start at 9am; led by the 11th Light Horse Caboolture
Troop and Military Museum.

   Highlights include pipes and drums band, highland dancers, military
cadets, cavalcade of transport with vintage military vehicles and
classic cars, flag raising ceremony and grand parade.
  See www.historicalvillage.com.au 


*TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 3 - AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FLAG DAY_

  *8.45 for 9am King George Square Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by the Lord Mayor and Brisbane City Council - all welcome.  See
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-and-events/event/australian-national-flag-day-176512238

  *9am Daisy Hill State School - special flag raising assembly


*FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6

  *9am Ipswich Central State School - special flag raising assembly