Torres Strait Islander flag

The flag was officially recognised and presented to the people of Torres Strait on 29 May 1992 at the sixth ‘Torres Strait Cultural Festival’. In the same year, it was recognised by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and given equal prominence with the Australian Aboriginal Flag. The Federal Government initiated steps in 1994 to give the flag legal recognition.

After a period of public consultation, the Government decided in July 1995 that the flag should be proclaimed a ‘Flag of Australia’ under section 5 of the Flags Act 1953 (HYPERLINK). The flag was proclaimed by the Governor General of Australia, William Hayden, on 14 July 1995.

The Torres Strait Island Regional Council and our 15 communities own the copyright of the Torres Strait Islander Flag. We give permission for requests to reproduce the Torres Strait Islander Flag subject only under the following conditions:

- where appropriate, recognition is given to the original designer, the late Mr Bernard Namok

- original PMS colours are used

- permission must be received in writing from us, prior to its use.

To request permission to reproduce the Torres Strait Islander Flag, contact us.

Allow 10 business days for your request to be processed.

You do not need permission to fly the Torres Strait Islander flag. But, if you have any questions about how and when to display the flag, contact the below.

Commonwealth Flag Officer
Awards and National Symbols
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

3-5 National Circuit
Barton ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6271 5629
Website: pmc.gov.au