When is the flag at Parliament House changed?

Flagmast on top of Parliament House with a second Australian flag in the foreground.

Australian Parliament House flagmast and flag.

DPS Auspic

Australian Parliament House flagmast and flag.

Flagmast on top of Parliament House with a second Australian flag in the foreground.

DPS Auspic

Description

This photograph shows the stainless steel flagmast on top of Parliament House with a second Australian flag in the foreground.

The Australian flag above Parliament House is usually changed on the first Wednesday of every month. If the weather is too windy or stormy, the flag will be changed on the next fine day.

It takes 3 people to raise and lower the flag. A hydraulically-operated cage called the Alimak is used to transport 2 people 60 metres up the flagmast to a platform, while below one person controls the winches used during the operation.

To find out more about the flag and the people who look after it, watch the Pinnacle of Parliament House video on the Australian Parliament House website.