Flagpole Funding Initiative Eligibility Criteria

Funding allows schools to:

• purchase and install a new flagpole for schools that do not have a flagpole
  
  
• repair an existing flagpole
  
  
• replace a flagpole where the cost of any repairs is excessive in relation to the replacement cost
  
  
• install a plaque acknowledging the Australian Government’s funding contribution.

Where the current location of a flagpole renders it unsafe for use by a school community a school may be eligible for a replacement. In such circumstances schools should seek advice from DEEWR.

Functioning is defined as ‘operate as intended at manufacture’. In some circumstances the current location of a flagpole may render it non-functioning and advice should be sought from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (see contact details below) in these instances. In exceptional circumstances a school may seek reimbursement of more than $1,500.

The amount of $1,500 is GST exclusive. Schools should claim input tax credits for any GST paid on purchases. The actual costs associated with the purchase and installation of a flagpole, up to $1,500, will be reimbursed. 

Schools are free to choose any flagpole supplier.

Funding is for one flagpole only per school campus. Schools with an existing functioning flagpole may not apply for a second flagpole.

Flags are available at no cost from local Australian Government Members of Parliament. Funding does not cover the purchase of flags.

Funding does not cover landscaping around the flagpole or any other ornamentation. 

Schools undergoing building or remodelling projects are expected to incorporate the installation of a flagpole in the overall revised building design, where this affects an existing flagpole.

If a school has already received Australian Government funding for a flagpole under the Flagpole Funding Initiative it is not eligible for further funding under this Initiative.  It is the school’s responsibility to ensure the flagpole is kept in good condition and is insured against damage.

Eligible schools

All state registered primary and secondary schools which are eligible to receive Australian Government general recurrent funding appropriated under the Schools Assistance (Learning Together through Choice and Opportunity) Act 2004 and which do not have a functioning flagpole may apply for funding under this initiative.

Where a school has two or more campuses located at different addresses each campus may be eligible for flagpole funding.

In a combined school, where a primary school and a secondary school are co-located and share the same physical address but have separate principals, teachers and administration or, where the primary students are restricted to separate playgrounds and facilities from the secondary students, both primary and secondary schools may be eligible for flagpole funding.

Schools must submit an application and ensure their eligibility for funding is confirmed before purchasing or repairing a flagpole.

From the date an application is acknowledged by DEEWR, schools have up to 6 months to provide required documentation to enable reimbursement. A school may seek an extension beyond the six month period in exceptional circumstances.

Ineligible schools

Schools which are not eligible to receive Australian Government general recurrent funding appropriated under the Schools Assistance (Learning Together through Choice and Opportunity) Act 2004 are not eligible for funding under this initiative. Other educational which are not eligible for funding include kindergartens, early childhood centres, pre-schools, TAFE colleges and universities.  

As the names of the preschool year varies from state to state, the table below shows the ineligible years using the local name:

*Yr 1 minus 2 i.e. not part of primary = not eligible