Flying of flags: National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week
Flying the Indigenous flags on National Sorry Day and throughout National Reconciliation Week recognises the significance of these events for all Australians and is a sign of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.
National Sorry Day, 26 May 2021
National Sorry Day acknowledges and raises awareness of the history and continued effect of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from their families, communities and culture.
National Reconciliation Week, 27 May to 3 June 2021
National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.
Flying the Indigenous flags
From Wednesday, 26 May to Thursday, 3 June 2021 (inclusive), the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag should be flown on additional flagpoles, where available, next to or near the Australian National Flag on Western Australian government buildings and establishments. Other organisations are also encouraged to follow this protocol.
If there is only one flagpole available at a flag station, the Australian Aboriginal Flag or the Torres Strait Islander Flag should not replace the Australian National Flag. If two flagpoles are available, it is at the discretion of the authority concerned to determine which of the two flags is flown with the Australian National Flag. The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag have equal status and may be flown in any order after the Australian National Flag. On this occasion, in accordance with flag protocol, the Australian Aboriginal Flag or the Torres Strait Islander Flag may follow the Australian National Flag ahead of state and territory flags and other ensigns and pennants.
More information
Further information on the order of precedence for flying the Australian National Flag along with other flags, can be found in the ‘Australian Flags’ booklet.
For further advice, please contact Protocol and State Events, Department of the Premier and Cabinet on 61 8 6552 6333.