Scouts Australia are deeply saddened and share our condolences at the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Head of State of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Royal Patron of Scouts Australia. Scouts in Australia and in all Commonwealth countries mourn her loss and commemorate the legacy of her service. Scout Groups, Districts, Regions and Branches should consider appropriate communications in line with the Australian national plans.
To support and respect the transition within Scouting, the following frequently asked questions have been published for our Members and are current as at the time of publishing.
Australian National flag to fly at half-mast
As a mark of mourning and respect and in accordance with
protocol, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast immediately
and until further notice. Vice-Regal Standards are to
remain at full-mast.
It is customary to fly the flag at half-mast from the
time of announcement of the death of The Sovereign until the day after the
funeral, except on the day the accession of the new Sovereign is proclaimed.
·
When flying the Australian National Flag with
other flags, all flags in the set should be flown at half-mast.
·
If a set of flags includes the flags of other
nations, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic
representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.
·
An acceptable half-mast position would be when
the top of the flag is a third of the distance down from the top of the
flagpole.
·
Flags may be flown at half-mast overnight,
provided they are illuminated.
·
Information on flag protocol is available at http://www.pmc.gov.au/flag.
Saluting of Australian National Flag when at Half Mast
A flag is broken at the top of the flagpole or raised to the top of the flagpole and it is there the salute takes place. It is then lowered to Half Mast and left there for the nominated duration (noting it should not to be left unfurled overnight unless illuminated or where there is a specific exemption approved). When it comes time for a closing ceremony the flag is raised to the top of the flagpole, saluted and then lowered. Note the placement of a flag at Half Mast on a fixed stave is more difficult and is generally not applied. Therefore, current guidance is that the Australian National Flag is not saluted at Half Mast.
Scout Promise
There are two versions of the Australian Scout Promise. Individuals may select which version they wish to make. With the proclamation of King Charles III having now occurred the version of the Australian Scout Promise referencing the Monarch has been amended.
On my honour
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to my God, and
To the King of Australia,
To help other people,
And to live by the Scout Law.
OR
On my honour, I promise
To do my best,
To be true to my spiritual beliefs,
To contribute to my community and our world,
To help other people,
And to live by the Scout Law.
Queen’s Scout Award
Any Venturer Scout Peak Awards that are already recorded as approved at the Branch will retain the name of Queen’s Scout Award, irrespective of whether they have been presented to the recipient.
The processing of all new Queen’s Scout Award applications are now paused.
The renaming of the Award will be confirmed upon confirmation of the next Patron of Scouts Australia. The processing of Venturer Scout Peak Awards under the new name will resume on the first business day after the announcement of the next Patron.
The existing Queen’s Scout Award emblem is a stylised image of the St Edward's Crown that is traditionally used for the coronation of British monarchs. Should a Royal Patronage be accepted, and should the award therefore become the King’s Scout Award, the emblem will remain the same.
Wearing the Queens Platinum Jubilee Scouting Badge
The Jubilee Events Taskforce, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has confirmed it is appropriate to wear the Queens Platinum Jubilee Scouting Badge on our Uniforms until 31/12/22 as first approved. Wearing this continues to reflect a sign of respect for Her Majesty.
Black mourning armbands
Scouts Australia will not be directing the wearing of black armbands during the 10day mourning period. The wearing of mourning armbands should be a personal decision. This may be a discussion point at Unit Level and if so, remains the choice of youth and/or adults to do so of their own volition.
Any national or local media enquiries in Australia should be directed to the National Office.