General

The following guidelines apply to the Australian National flag and to flags generally around the world:

• The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremonially.
• The flag should be treated with the respect and dignity it deserves as the national emblem.
• The flag should not normally be flown in a position inferior to that of any other flag or ensign. Nor should its size be smaller than that of any other flag or ensign. (See the following diagrams for guidelines about flying the Australian national flag with other flags.)
• When flown in Australia, the Australian national flag takes precedence over all other national flags.
• The flag should always be flown aloft and free and not allowed to fall or lie on the ground.
• The flag should not be used to cover a statue, monument or plaque for an unveiling ceremony; to cover a table or seat; or to mask boxes. barriers or the space between floor and ground level on a dais or platform.
• When the flag is raised or lowered, or when it is carried past in a parade or review, all present should face the flag and remain silent. Those in uniform should salute.
• Two flags should not be flown on the same flagpole.
• The flag should not be flown upside down, not even as a signal of distress.
• When the flag is represented, for example, as an illustration for commercial or advertising purposes:
  • it should be used in a dignified manner and reproduced accurately;
  • it should not be defaced (that is, have superimposed on it printing or illustration);
  • it should not be covered by other objects and
  • all symbolic parts of it should be identifiable.
• The National flag may be displayed at night, but only when properly illuminated. Street lighting or outside house lights may be adequate.
• FLAG DISPOSAL: When a flag has worn out, it should be disposed of privately and in dignified manner. Cutting into small unrecognisable pieces is one method. Beware if burning as most modern flags are made from polyester which could be toxic when burnt.

The Australian Government has a web site 'Australian National Flag" with information about flying the Australian Flag.
(http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/symbols/flag.cfm)
Also available at the Australian Government Flying the Flag website is an offer to join an email subscription list which will inform you about important days and the use of the flag on that day.
(http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/symbols/announcements.cfm)