When is the flag at Parliament House changed?
Australian Parliament House flag mast and flag
DPS Auspic
Australian Parliament House flag mast and flag
DPS Auspic
Description
The flag mast above Australian Parliament House has 4, angled, stainless-steel legs, forming a pyramid-like shape. The legs are anchored into the roof above the centre of Parliament House. The flag mast rises 81 metres high and flies the Australia flag above Parliament House 24 hours a day. This photo shows a second Australian flag in the foreground.
Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.
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.