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Flags Policy

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Section 1 - Purpose

(1) This Policy specifies the University’s requirements for the display of flags on University grounds and / or property.

Background

(2) Macquarie University is committed to following the Australian National Flag Protocols.

Scope

(3) This Policy applies to the display of flags on University grounds and / or property, including on University flagpoles.

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Section 2 - Policy

Display of Flags on University Flagpoles

(4) Typically, only the Australian National Flag, the State Flag of New South Wales, the Australian Aboriginal Flag, the Torres Strait Islander Flag and the Macquarie University flag are to be displayed on University flagpoles, including during graduation ceremonies.

(5) The Office of the Vice-Chancellor may approve an exception allowing for the display of other flags, such as those of other sovereign nations or other Australian States or Territories during a visit by dignitaries, or on other occasions, if the Office of the Vice-Chancellor deems such display is warranted.

(6) The Australian National Flag takes precedence over all national flags when it is flown in Australia or an Australian territory. After the Australian National Flag, the order of precedence of flags is: National flag of other nations, State and Territory flags, other Australian flags prescribed by the Flags Act 1953, ensigns and pennants. The Australian National flag should not be flown in a position inferior to any other flag or ensign and should not be smaller than any other flag or ensign. More information is available in the Australian Flags booklet: part two.

(7) The Executive Director, Property is responsible for ensuring that flags displayed on University flagpoles are displayed in accordance with the Australian National Flag Protocols and the Australian Flags booklet: part two.

(8) The location of University flagpoles will be determined by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor in consultation with the Executive Director, Property.

(9) The Director, Events and Domestic Protocol will receive requests to display flags on University flagpoles and, in consultation with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, will determine the suitability of such requests.

Half-masting

(10) The Office of the Vice-Chancellor will determine when flags will be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. Half-masting will follow the protocols specified in the Australian National Flag Protocols.

Display of Flags Other Than on University Flagpoles

(11) The University may approve the display of flags on OneVision: Macquarie’s Digital Screen System, on University webpages, within University publications, or at certain events as sanctioned by the University.

(12) This may include display of the flags celebrating community initiatives or events, such as the Rainbow Flag; club flags or pennants; and corporate flags.

(13) The suitability of flags for display at University events will be determined by the Director, Events and Domestic Protocol in consultation with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.

(14) The suitability of flags for display at University events organised by students (e.g. student group events) must be approved in advance by the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Students (or nominee) in consultation with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor as required.

Offensive Flags

(15) The University reserves the right to remove from University grounds and / or property any flags, ensigns, or pennants that it deems offensive and which may constitute a breach of the Student Code of Conduct, Staff Code of Conduct, the Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment Prevention Policy or other University directive.

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Section 3 - Procedures

(16) Nil.

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Section 4 - Guidelines

(17) Nil.

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Section 5 - Definitions

(18) Nil.