21 June, 2017

Australian National Flag to fly at half-mast

His Excellency Womtelo Reverend Baldwin Lonsdale (1950 – 2017)

His Excellency Womtelo Reverend Baldwin Lonsdale, President of the Republic of Vanuatu, died on 17 June 2017. The funeral is being held today, Wednesday 21 June 2017 in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

The Prime Minister has offered condolences to the people of Vanuatu and advised that the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia will represent Australia at the funeral. The Prime Minister’s statement is on his website at http://www.pm.gov.au/media/2017-06-19/governor-general-attend-funeral-president-vanuatu

As a mark of mourning and respect, and in accordance with protocol, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Wednesday 21 June 2017 Australia wide from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate.

In accordance with flag protocol, all flags and ensigns at each flag station should be flown at half-mast during daylight hours. However, should it be the custom to fly the flags of other nations at your flag station, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.

Further information on the protocols for half-masting the Australian National Flag is at http://www.dpmc.gov.au/government/australian-national-flag/australian-national-flag-protocols.

Apologies for the late notice.