2020-03-10 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

Page 12 of 35

ATTACHMENT 1

  @.|       NOOSA                                                        Council Policy
  !@ | COUNCIL                                                         FLAG POLICY
 Corporate Plan Reference:                 Excellence as a Council
 Endorsed by Council:                      19 March 2020
 Policy Author:                            Customer Service Manager

POLICY BACKGROUND
Council is committed to the respectful and dignified flying of the Australian National flag and all other
flags in accordance with relevant protocols as specified within the Australian flags booklet published
by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
This policy aims to set out the arrangements for the flying of the Australian National and other flags
on Council premises.
COUNCIL POLICY

The Policy aims to establish a consistent approach to flying flags in Council's care and control and
to ensure observance with relevant protocols.
The flags that are to be flown permanently are:
.     The Australian National Flag
.     The Queensland State Flag
.     The Aboriginal Flag
.     The Noosa Shire Council Flag

Council will comply with the guidelines of the flag protocol as set by the Australian Government in all
instances where it has control over the display or management of flags. This may include the
lowering of specific flags to half-mast or the flying of specific flags.

Flying of flags at half mast
Flags are flown in the half-mast position as a sign of mouming. To bring the flag to the half-mast
position, the flag must be raised to the top of the mast, then immediately lowered slowly to the half-
mast position. An acceptable position would be when the top of the flag is a third of the distance
down from the top of the flag pole. When flying the Australian National flag at half-mast with other
flags, all flags in the set should be flown in the same position.
The Australian National flag should be raised first and lowered last. Under no circumstances should
a flag be flown at half-mast at night. The Protocol Unit of the Department of Premier and Cabinet
provides notices to Council when all flags must be flown at half mast, such as on the death of a
member of the Royal Family, the head of state, Governor-General or distinguished Australian citizen.
At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer or delegate, the Australian flag will be flown at half-
mast to acknowledge the passing of a past Mayor or Councillor on the day of the funeral. Council
will also acknowledge the death of a current Councillor, Council staff member or community leader
and other esteemed community identities such as Living Treasures on the day of that person’s
funeral.

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