Australian National Flag Day is celebrated annually on 3 September, and is an important time to commemorate a key symbol of our shared Australian identity and history.
Our National Flag was first flown at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne on 3 September 1901, and was chosen through an international design competition. Entries were submitted from nearly 1 per cent of the population at that time.
I encourage all Australians to join in celebration of our most prominent national symbol with pride.
Our National Flag is often proudly flown alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has information on the history of the Australian flag and a range of resources to promote awareness of Australia's national symbols within the community.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman:
“Our National Flag is a reminder of our shared identity and history.”
“Flag Day is an opportunity to celebrate Australian history, and I encourage all who fly or display the Australian National Flag proudly today.”
“The Australian National Flag is flown in celebration and in mourning, and is a symbol of Australian values and freedoms.”