From the Governor General, Sam Mostyn AC
As your Governor-General, I am proud to join Australians across the country to celebrate Australian National Flag Day.
In my first year in office, the Australian flag has been a significant feature of my travels here in Australia and around the world.
The Australian flag has flown during moments of gratitude and commemoration – from Remembrance Day at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Gallipoli, and at Commonwealth War Graves sites in Singapore and Sri Lanka. When I presented the posthumous Victoria Cross for Australia to the family of Private Richard Norden in Rockhampton, the Australian flag took pride of place.
Over the past year, I have worn it in my lapel and stood beside it at times of celebration, pride and reflection – as I welcomed Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla to Australia, and in Darwin during the service to mark 50 years since the tragedy of Cyclone Tracy struck that city on Christmas Day in 1974. In Singapore during the recent 2025 World Aquatic Championships, where the Australian team was so successful, the Australian flag was raised many times.
It has been the backdrop to countless ceremonies to invest great Australians as members of the Order of Australia, and to welcome the newest members of our communities as Australian citizens. As the flag flew above us during the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony in Canberra on Australia Day, its beauty and clarity represented the success and optimism of modern Australia, alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
At Australia’s Parliament House, as I performed my constitutional duty at the opening of the 48th Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, our flag flew as a reminder of the strength and stability of our democracy and institutions of government.
In 2025, I am delighted to celebrate with all Australians, as we do each year, the unity and optimism represented by our Australian National Flag.
From the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese MP
The origin of our national flag is a proudly Australian story: a design competition in 1901 that attracted nearly 33,000 entries, a figure made all the more remarkable by the fact that our population then was scarcely more than 3.8 million.
It was a profound expression of the energy and enthusiasm of a youthful nation, and a victory ultimately shared by five entrants: a school student, an apprentice optician, an architect, an artist, and a ship’s officer.
How fitting that the flag that represents our values of fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all was born of such a great collective effort.
It has gone on to fly above us through the good times and the bad, through the gifts of peace and the trials of war. It is a proud symbol of who we are and the great democracy through which we come together.
As we celebrate our flag today, we do so with the maturity to acknowledge that while it is central to our story as a nation, it does not tell the story in its entirety. We can take pride in the fact that this continent is home to the oldest continuous culture on earth just as we take pride in all that we have achieved together since we became a modern nation.
Australia is the best country on earth. Inspired and energised by the hope that our flag embodies, let us renew our determination to make it even better.
Happy Australian National Flag Day.
From the Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley MP
Today Australians come together to mark Australian National Flag Day, honouring the symbol that unites our nation and reflects the spirit of our people.
There is plenty that can divide us. But one thing brings us together – our flag.
It belongs to all of us, and it speaks to the story we share as Australians.
Our flag has flown in times of triumph and in times of trial.
It was carried with pride by the diggers who gave their lives for our freedom and draped their coffins when we brought them home.
It is raised at schools and community gatherings across the country as a reminder of our shared values. And it is embraced by our newest citizens on the day they join our national story.
The Australian flag represents courage, sacrifice and service.
It stands as the emblem of our way of life, a nation built on community, on fairness, and on the belief that every person deserves to feel safe, valued, and at home here.
It carries the strength of generations who chose this country, worked hard, and came together around shared values of tolerance, opportunity, and reward for effort.
As we reflect on our past, we honour those who served beneath the flag, defending not only a nation but the ideals of democracy and freedom.
And as we look to the future, our flag endures as a commitment to unity and to the common good.
In every corner of our nation – from the smallest rural town to our largest cities, from classrooms to council chambers – the Australian flag is a source of pride and belonging.
It is a constant reminder that, whatever our differences, we are bound by a shared history, a shared future, and a shared identity.
On this Australian National Flag Day, let us honour our flag as the enduring emblem of our nation – a symbol of unity, courage, and hope for generations to come.
Happy Australian National Flag Day.
250903 Leader of the Opposition – Statement – Australian National Flag Day 2025
From former Prime Minister, John Howard OM AC
There is only one Australian Flag, and no government should unilaterally elevate others to an equal status.
From the Chief of the Defence Force, David Johnston AC
This year marks the 124th anniversary of the Australian National Flag (ANF). As we celebrate ANF Day, we reflect on the history and significance of our chief national symbol.
Since it was first flown from the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne on 3 September 1901, the ANF has united Australians in times of triumph and adversity.
The ANF holds a special place for the Defence community. It reminds us of our duty to our nation and the people that we serve to defend.
Australian Defence Force members proudly display the ANF as a reminder of all those who have served and sacrificed under it.
On 3 September, I encourage all Australians to reflect on what our flag represents and honour the sacrifices made under it to protect our Australian values and way of life.
From the Director of the Australian War Memorial, Matt Anderson PSM
After three years of construction, the Australian National Flag once again flies proudly on the forecourt of the Australia War Memorial on Flag Day.
The Development project of the Australian War Memorial has seen entries and exits change, exhibitions demounted, hoardings and temporary exhibitions mounted. As a result, for the past three years, the Afghanistan exhibition has been largely represented by the Alex Seton work As of Today.
As of Today was inspired by the moving ramp ceremony tribute for service personnel killed on active service. Our service personnel wear the flag on their uniforms and, sadly, when farewelled by their mates during their ramp ceremony the Australian National Flag has been draped over their coffins where it remained a steadfast guardian for the duration of their final journey home. Alex Seeton’s series of marble flags is a simple, striking statement of the permanency of that honour. It is also a powerful reminder that these young Australians died for us, for our freedoms, and in the hope of a better world.
Every time the Australian National Flag is flown it should remind us of our rich 65,000 year old national history, a democracy we must never take for granted, and that we live in a land of unbounded opportunity. We have other flags of national significance, but we have one Australian National Flag. At the Australian War Memorial we fly that flag proudly.
From Chairman of the Merchant Navy Memorial Fund, Sean Barrett
On this day, 3 September, we commemorate a defining moment in our national story. On this date in 1901 the original version of the Australian National Flag was flown, after being selected alongside the Australian Red Ensign in a competition held following federation.
Both were formally approved for use by King Edward VII on 20th Feb 1903, marking the first occasion our young nation sailed forward under its own recognised symbols.
Each year, Australian National Flag Day reminds us of the enduring values of unity, resilience, and service that the flag represents. On the same date, we mark Merchant Navy Day, paying solemn tribute to the men and women of the Australian Merchant Navy who served under the Red Ensign during times of war and peace.
In the darkest days of the two World Wars, these civilian mariners carried vital supplies, equipment, and personnel across dangerous seas. Their courage came at great cost, and many did not return. Their sacrifice has secured the Merchant Navy’s rightful place alongside the Navy, Army, and Air Force as our nation’s “fourth service.”
Today, as the Australian flag flies proudly across the land and the Red Ensign is honoured at sea, we remember those who served and sacrificed under both. Together, these flags symbolise the freedom, security, and shared destiny of all Australians.
Lest we forget.
From the Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley AC KC
A nation’s flag is a symbol of its peoples and its nationhood. For the newly federated Commonwealth of Australia, it was a proud day when, on 3 September 1901, the Australian flag was raised above the Melbourne Exhibition Building, the first home of the new Australian Parliament.
Looking to the people for inspiration, Australia’s first Prime Minister Sir Edmund Barton had announced a competition for its design. The response was enthusiastic, with 32,823 entries being received. The £200 prize money was ultimately shared among the creators of five nearly identical designs.
Since that first historic occasion, the Australian flag has flown over our National Parliament, Government Houses, and State Parliaments. It has given strength of purpose to our defence personnel on and off the battlefield as they have served our nation. It has been raised proudly at ceremonial occasions when Australians have been honoured. It has taken pride of place as our Olympians and Paralympians have lifted their medals up high for the world to see. It is flown across the nation for us to see.
During the citizenship ceremonies I am honoured to attend each year, our national flag is front and centre as conferees pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people.
In 1995, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag were proclaimed as flags of Australia honouring First Nations Australians’ unique, continuous history extending back 65,000 years.
On this 124th anniversary of our National Flag, I convey best wishes to the Australian National Flag Association (NSW) and to all Australians.
From Greg Warren, NSW State MP
Australian National Flag Day is a moment to reflect on who we are and what unites us as a nation. Together, we are defined by opportunity, fairness, and a sense of belonging.
Our flag is a symbol of that spirit. It represents a country where every person, regardless of their background, has the chance to learn, grow and build the life they want for themselves.
We are fortunate to live in a society where public education is a right, not a privilege. It opens doors for children in our cities and regions, for those from migrant families, and for those who carry the rich legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors dating back 65,000 years.
The NSW Government is proud to serve a country where every citizen has the opportunity to live a happy and rewarding life.
From the Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli MP
Australian National Flag Day is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity that defines Australian culture, and to acknowledge the ongoing journey toward reconciliation and equality.
This day begins with recognition that Australia’s story starts with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose 65,000 years of continuous culture, knowledge, and connection to Country, forms the foundation upon which our multicultural society has grown.
The current Australian flag emerged from a public design competition in 1901 that attracted more than 32,000 entries.
After reviewing all submissions, Prime Minister Edmund Barton announced that five entrants had submitted nearly identical winning designs and would share the £200 prize money.
The democratic spirit of that original competition reminds us that Australia’s strength comes from listening to all its people and ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping our collective future.
Many Australians today recognise that our national symbols should reflect the full spectrum of voices and experiences that make up contemporary Australia.
In Queensland and across Australia, we embrace shared democratic ideals centered on freedom, respect, dignity, and opportunity for everyone.
Australian National Flag Day reminds Queenslanders — and all Australians — of the power of unity and what we can accomplish when we work together towards a shared vision for a better future.
From the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO
On 3 September, it will be the 124th anniversary of the Australian National Flag. This day provides us
with an opportunity to reflect on the pride and admiration we have for our country.
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the significance of 65,000 years
of history and culture that has shaped and honoured this country.
The City of Sydney proudly flies the Australian National Flag from all our buildings. We display it at
citizenship ceremonies and at other official events. Our flag is a symbol of our responsibilities to each
other and the environment.
On behalf of the City of Sydney, I send my best wishes for National Flag Day 2025.
From Kerry Stokes AC, Chairman, Seven West Media
On September 3, 2025, we celebrate the proud 124-year history of our national flag.
It is a flag we have fought under, celebrated and joined together as a community, which is both diverse and tolerant.
The flag represents our proud history and shared pride in what is the best country in the world.
We have great opportunities in this country and have the skills and aspirations to make it greater in the years ahead, as we work and live together under one flag.
Let us celebrate this day with pride and optimism about the future.