National Flag

Requesting a flag from your local MP

The provision of a flag is subject to each Parliamentarian’s annual office budget and internal policies.  As the number of flags may be limited, availability is not guaranteed and flags may only be provided upon approval of an application.

Schools and not-for-profit organisations can request an Australian National Flag through their local Member of Parliament (MP). who have not obtained a complementary flag from the Federal Government for Baker in the preceding two year period.

Members of the Parliament of Australia are allocated flags for distribution to eligible organisations in their electorate. Flags are formally presented to approved applicants and are ideal for:

• Schools

• Not-for-profit organisations

• RSL 

To request a flag:

1. Contact your local federal MP’s electorate office. Here

2. Provide details about your organisation and how the flag will be used

3. Complete required form and submit via email or in person to my electorate office for assessment. 

Alternatively flags can be purchased from flagworld.com.au

The Australian National Flag

The Australian National Flag is one of the country’s most important national symbols. It represents Australia’s history, values, and identity.

The current design was first flown in 1901 and officially proclaimed in 1903. It consists of:

• The Union Jack – in the upper left corner, acknowledging Australia’s historical links to the United Kingdom.

• The Commonwealth Star – a large seven-pointed star beneath the Union Jack. Six points represent the six states, and the seventh represents Australia’s territories.

• The Southern Cross – a constellation of five stars on the right-hand side, visible in the southern hemisphere and symbolising Australia’s geographical location.

The flag’s design is protected under the Flags Act 1953, which formalises its description and use.

A Symbol of Unity

The Australian National Flag represents the unity of the states and territories, the country’s heritage, and its place in the southern hemisphere. Displaying and handling it correctly reflects respect for Australia and the people it represents.

How to Display the Australian National Flag

Displaying the flag correctly shows respect and pride.

General Rules

• The flag should always be flown in a position of honour.

• The Union Jack must appear in the top left corner (from the viewer’s perspective).

• The flag should not touch the ground.

• It must be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

• If flown at night, it should be properly illuminated.

Half-Mast Protocol

The flag is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning:

1. Raise the flag to the top of the pole first.

2. Then lower it to one-third down the pole.

3. When lowering for the day, raise it to the top again before bringing it down fully.

How to Fold the Australian National Flag

While there is no single legally prescribed folding method, the following respectful approach is recommended:

1. Hold the flag horizontally with two people if possible.

2. Fold it lengthwise once, keeping the Union Jack visible.

3. Fold it lengthwise again.

4. Continue folding neatly into a compact rectangle.

5. Store it in a clean, dry place.

The key principle is that the flag is folded carefully and respectfully, ensuring it does not touch the ground.