Flying of flags: Anniversary of the Apology to Members of the Stolen Generations
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.
Sunday 13 February 2022
On 13 February 2008, the Australian Parliament made a formal apology to members of the Stolen Generations. To acknowledge the anniversary of the occasion and in national recognition of Indigenous Australians, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag should be flown where possible, alongside the Australian National Flag from Western Australian Government buildings and establishments all day on Sunday, 13 February 2022. Local government agencies as well as non-government organisations are also welcome to participate.
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.
On this occasion and in accordance with flag protocol, the Australian Aboriginal Flag or the Torres Strait Islander Flag may follow the Australian National Flag ahead of the Western Australian State Flag and other ensigns and pennants. Both flags have equal status and may be flown in any order after the Australian National Flag.
More information
Additional information relating to flag protocol can be found in the ‘Australian Flags’ booklet.
For any other enquiries, please contact Protocol and State Events, Department of the Premier and Cabinet via email protocolbranch@dpc.wa.gov.au or telephone 61 8 6552 6333.
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Protocol and State Events