For guidance about using the Aboriginal flag, its colours, or the Torres Strait Islander flag refer to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

AIATSIS acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

The flag’s design consists of a coloured rectangle divided in half horizontally. The top half of the flag is black to symbolise Aboriginal people. The red in the lower half stands for the earth and the colour of ochre, which has ceremonial significance. The circle of yellow in the centre of the flag represents the sun. The designer Harold Thomas says the colours of the flag represent the Aboriginal people of Australia and their spiritual connection to the land.

In view of the flag’s wide acceptance and importance in Australian society, the Commonwealth took steps in 1994 to give the flag legal recognition. On 14 July 1995, the Governor General of Australia William Hayden proclaimed both the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag to be 'Flags of Australia' under the Flags Act 1953. However it wasn't until 1997 that the Federal Court of Australia officially recognised Harold Thomas as the author of the flag. This decision meant the flag was protected under the Copyright Act 1968 and can only be reproduced in accordance with this legislation or with the permission of Mr Thomas.

Explore the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia in all its diversity.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

The Aboriginal flag was designed and created by artist Harold Thomas, a Luritja man from central Australia and a member of the Stolen Generations. The flag has become a symbol of Aboriginal Australia and holds special legal and political status worldwide.

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff in honor and remembrance of the victims of the horrific tragedy in Allen, Texas.

The Stanner Reading Room and Client Access rooms will be closed from Tuesday 1st October 2024 to Monday 14th of October 2024, and will re-open on Tuesday 15th October 2024

I've got a symbol that represents me and who I am, whether I live in Redfern or Adelaide or Perth, I'm proud of it. – Harold Thomas

The flag was first raised on 9 July in 1971 at a land rights rally in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Adelaide, on then-National Aborigines Day. It has become an enduring symbol of Aboriginal strength, representing Aboriginal people and their ongoing spiritual connection to the land.