One of the most iconic ways to honour Australia Day is by flying the Australian national flag, a symbol of our unity, history and values. Australia Day is a time to come together, celebrate our shared heritage, and reflect on what it means to call this great country home.
“In accordance with flag protocol, all Australian Government departments and associated portfolio agencies should fly or display the Australian National Flag all day.
“Other organisations are welcome to participate,” Commonwealth Flag Officer, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
When three ratepayers in the Huon Valley collectively asked the Huon Valley Council a public question for their 31 April 2025, Ordinary Meeting of Council, Council responded
Council staff are not rostered to work on weekends or public holidays and therefore do not raise the Australian Flag on any weekends or public holidays including Australia Day.
Public Question
The subject of flying the Australian flag, is [sic] a representation of the Commonwealth of Australia.
The flag was not flown on Australia Day, we find this disrespectful to the people of Australia and what we stand for.
Councillors are elected to represent the wider community, we see the absence of the flag as a dereliction of [sic] their duty to all community members. As shareholders we request that the flag be raised on all future public occasions.
Council Response
Council follows the Australian National Flag protocols which govern how our flag is to be raised, lowered and flown. Our staff are honoured to fly the flag every weekday.
Council staff are not rostered to work on weekends or public holidays and therefore do not raise the Australian Flag on any weekends or public holidays including Australia Day.
A number of councils across Tasmania do have a flag policy. The Huon Valley Council does not have a published flag policy.
Council do roster staff on weekends to include waste transfer stations, on call officers for animal issues and for community input sessions around Council surveys.
