Flag Policy - Operational Guidelines for Flying Flags (Version 0724) - Purpose, Objective, Scope & Half-Mast Rules

Aug 27, 2026

Flag Policy sets operational guidelines for how the Shire manages and displays the Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag, the Torres Strait Islander Flag, and other recognised flags. It defines the purpose, objective, and scope for council buildings and reserves, including display priorities, requirements for NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Weeks, and when flags may be flown at half-mast. It also details rules for safe, dignified use and statutory references to applicable flag protocols and legislation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose

Objective

Scope

Policy

Shire Buildings

Special Dates

Flags Flown at Half-Mast

Rules for flying flags

Rules for flying flags at half-mast

Guidelines

Statutory Environment

Flag Policy PURPOSE This policy has been created, as the Shire of Quairading (the Shire) recognises the cultural significance of the Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and any other recognised flag and pennant as the symbol of a nation, state or organisation and it is important for the Shire to be aware of and observe the appropriate principles and flag flying protocols. OBJECTIVE This policy is to provide operational guidelines and identify the protocols used for flying flags under the care and control of the Shire. The Shire will fly flags at the entrance to the Administration Building and will ensure that the flags are displayed with due diligence, dignity and attention to position. SCOPE This Policy applies to flags flown at Council buildings and reserves only. The order is relevant to the number of poles available at the site and does not constitute a requirement for additional poles. POLICY Flags will be flown in accordance with the Australian National Flag Protocols. 1 Shire Buildings The Australian National Flag is to be flown/displayed at Shire premises in ordinary working hours on ordinary working days. Where additional flag poles exist, other flags may be flown/displayed in the following order of priority: a. Australian Aboriginal Flag and/or Torres Strait Islander Flag b. Western Australia State Flag 2 Special Dates Not withstanding Section 1, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and/or Torres Strait Islander Flag are to be flown/displayed with the Australian National Flag for the duration of NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week each year. 3 Flags Flown at Half-Mast The Shire may fly flags at half-mast on specific occasions to commemorate a solemn occasion, including: a. To coincide with national, state or regionally significant events (generally at the behest of the various levels of government protocol arrangements) . b. When a current or former Elected Member of the Shire passes away. c. When a current or former Staff Member of the Shire passes away. d. When a funeral service or burial is conducted in the District. e. When a local resident passes away, even if the funeral service and/or burial are conducted outside the district. When the flags are flown at half-mast, acknowledgement of the reason will be made via the Shire’s Facebook page. 4 Rules for flying flags a. The Australian National Flag must only be flown at night if illuminated. b. When flying the Australian National Flag and any other flags in a line of flagpolesthe Australian National Flag should be flown on the far left of a person facing the flags. c. The flag should never be allowed to fall or lie on the ground. d. The flag should never be used to cover a statue, monument or plaque for an unveiling ceremony, to cover a table or seat or to mask boxes. e. The flag should not be flown when in a damaged, faded or dilapidated condition. f. The flag should not normally be flown in a position inferior to that of any other flag or ensign. g. The Australian National Flag should not be smaller than any other flag or ensign. h. The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously. i. The flag should be flown aloft and free, as close as possible to the top of the flag mast, with the rope tightly secured. j. The flag should be raised no earlier than first light and should be lowered no later than dusk. k. Two flags should not be flown from the same flagpole. l. The flag should not be flown upside down, not even as a signal of distress. m. Flags will not be flown in hazardous conditions. 5 Rules for flying flags at half-mast a. Flags are flown in the half-mast position as a sign of mourning. b. When flying the Australian National Flag with other flags, all flags in the set should be flown at half-mast. The Australian National Flag should be raised first and lowered last. c. To bring the flag to the half-mast position, the flag must first be raised

FAQs

What is the purpose and objective of the Flag Policy?

The policy outlines operational guidelines and establishes the flag flying protocols the Shire must follow. It also ensures proper principles and attention to display with dignity.

Which flags can be flown at Shire buildings, and what is the order of priority?

The Australian National Flag is flown during ordinary working hours. If additional poles exist, other flags may be flown by priority: Australian Aboriginal Flag and/or Torres Strait Islander Flag, then the Western Australia State Flag.

When may flags be flown at half-mast, and what rules apply?

Flags may be flown at half-mast to commemorate solemn occasions, including significant events and the passing of current or former elected members, staff members, or local residents. When at half-mast, all flags in the set must be flown at half-mast, the Australian National Flag raised first and lowered last, and flags must never be flown at night at half-mast.

Aug 27, 2026

Upload by Emma Mercer