Flag Protocols

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (14:54): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney-General and the Premier in the other place a question about protocol.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: To my disappointment, while driving through Victoria Square today I noticed the Aboriginal flag was at half-mast alongside the Australian flag at full-mast. The flags atop Parliament House and elsewhere remain at full-mast. State and federal protocols state the appropriate uses and flying of the flags. Flags can only be flown at half-mast together in times of mourning the death of distinguished persons and/or significant national commemorative occasions, such as ANZAC Day. The Australian flag takes precedence.

I understand some sections of the Indigenous community have proclaimed an unofficial week of silence to express their disappointment at the result. However, an official period of mourning has not been declared for any event as far as I am aware, nor has there been a death of an important person in the Indigenous community. I have never witnessed differences in the heights of our flags at once. It was either authorised or the actions of someone acting alone.

What is on display in Victoria Square can be viewed as an affront directed at all Australians following a democratic vote, provoking more division. It's time for our leaders to appeal for calm and understanding. My question to the Attorney-General and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs is:

1. Did he or the government authorise or endorse the Aboriginal flag to be flown at half-mast and for what reason, when the government's own protocol office has accepted guidelines?

2. Can he understand the offence this will cause and is in breach of state and federal protocols?

3. Will the government now direct that proper protocols be followed and flags flown at the appropriate full-mast?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:57): I thank the honourable member for his questions. I am happy to find out, but I suspect the flag the honourable member is referring to is the Adelaide City Council's flag. I am happy to pass on the honourable member's comments to the Adelaide City Council for their information.