Correct Way to Fly Your Flag

Priority Flag Poles (Flying Flags in Australia)

In Australia the national flag always takes priority over other national flags, state flags, aspirant people's flags, club, corporate and association flags. Often that precedence is shown by the primacy of the flag pole.

For instance, where there are two flag poles before a building or structure and two national flags are to be flown, the Australian flag should be hoisted on the pole on the left of the viewer from the street.

The same etiquette applies when an Australian flag and a State flag are flown on two poles. As it is when an Aboriginal or Torres Straight Island flag is flown. The priority pole is always given to the Australian Flag as in the illustrations below.

In a line more than three national flags the Australian flag in the centre. If more than a single Australian flag is available in that situation then it is protocol to fly an Australian flag each end. If the numbers don't allow the Australian flag to take centre position then in the case of three other national flags and an Australian; the left hand pole to the viewer from the street takes priority.

Imagine three flags flying on or before a building. The Australian flag, another nation's flag and an Australian State flag. Its an OK to fly the Australian on the left hand priority pole. Next in the centre the other national flag then on the right hand, the State Flag.

Note! The only flag that may take precedence over the Australian flag is the Queen's Personal Australian Standard, but never on the same pole.