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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 celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. 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.

From Friday 26 May to Saturday 3 June 2023 (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 buildings and establishments occupied by Western Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies.

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 2 flagpoles are available, it is at the discretion of the authority concerned to determine which of the 2 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.

Advice on flag-flying protocol can be found at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website.

The financial and staffing implications arising from weekend flag and public holiday marshal duties are the responsibility of each organisation.

For any other enquiries, please contact the Protocol and State Events office via email protocolbranch@dpc.wa.gov.au or telephone 61 8 6552 6333.