Australian national flag to fly at half-mast – 5 January 2023

On Thursday 5 January 2023, a Funeral Service for His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be held at St Peter’s Square, Vatican City.

His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was Bishop of Rome, head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy See from 2005 to 2013.

As a mark of mourning and respect, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Thursday 5 January 2023 from all buildings and establishments occupied by Western Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are encouraged to participate.

In accordance with flag protocol, all flags and ensigns at each flag station should be flown at half-mast during daylight hours. However, should it be the custom to fly the flags of other nations at your flag station, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.

If further information regarding flag protocol is required, please contact Protocol and State Events on 6552 6333 or via email to protocolbranch@dpc.wa.gov.au More information is also available on the Australian Government website.

Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Protocol and State Events