Why are there more Australian flags than usual flying today?
It is because it is Australian National Flag Day.
Australian National Flag Day celebrates the first time the flag was
flown, over the dome of the
Exhibition Building in Melbourne on 3 September 1901. On this day
Australia’s first Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Sir Edmund
Barton, announced the winners of a competition to design a national flag
for Australia.
3 September is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate the
anniversary of the Australian National Flag by flying or displaying the
Flag.
Where facilities permit, organisations are encoraged multiple Australian
National Flags on this day.
This day also marks Merchant Navy Day. It is an
opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of thousands of
Australia’s merchant mariners during wartime. Organisations and individuals
commemorating Merchant Navy Day are invited to fly the Australian Red
Ensign. When the Australian Red Ensign is flown along with the Australian
National Flag, the Australian National Flag is flown in the position of
honour.
On the first Tuesday of every month (except January) the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia holds a monthly meeting. At this meeting they decide on (among other things) the current settings for official interest rates. The official interest rates have a significant effect on financial markets, home buyers, mortgage holders and self-funded retirees. The rates are usually announced by mid afternoon.