Aussie flag etiquette mirrors US flag etiquette, which was derived from British flag etiquette:
The Australian National Flag should never touch anything beneath it - ground, floor, water, or merchandise. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
As a symbol of a nation, flags should be treated with respect.
