Protocol and State Events in Western Australia

We work in close cooperation with federal, state and local government authorities to develop a suitable program for visiting dignitaries.

Official visits are facilitated following prior agreement between our Government and the Government of the visiting dignitary.

Foreign ambassadors and high commissioners (heads of mission) residing in Canberra generally make a first official visit to each Australian state and territory.

Heads of mission wishing to make their first official visit to WA should contact the Protocol unit on the email opposite.

We deliver events on behalf of the Premier and provide advice to the Premier’s office and Ministerial offices on policy and procedures for government hospitality.

Some examples of these events are listed below.

After a general election, the first meeting of the two Houses is known as the Opening of Parliament. 

The occasion is often marked by a ceremony and the level of formality is determined by the Government of the day.

Steeped in tradition, the more formal style is based on the United Kingdom’s Westminster System of Government and represents the meeting of the 'Trinity of Parliament' as follows:

• Crown's Representative (the Governor)
• Legislative Council
• House of Assembly.

We work with the two Houses of Parliament in making arrangements for the ceremonial arrival of the Governor of Western Australian at the official opening of Parliament.

For more information about the Parliament in WA, visit the Parliament House website.

The Governor acts as The King’s representative in WA. A Governor’s term of office is usually between four and five years, and as this term draws to a close, a new Governor is appointed. 

As the Head of State, it is the King’s responsibility to commission the next Governor based on advice from the State Premier.

Following the nomination of the Governor-designate, a swearing-in ceremony takes place at Government House.

We work closely with the staff of Government House to organise this event.

For more information regarding the Governor, visit the Government House website.

Various meetings and events take place in conjunction with these Cabinet visits, including community events hosted by the Premier.

We work with local members, government authorities and community service providers to coordinate these events.

This includes State funerals and memorial services, State receptions for visiting high-level dignitaries, welcome home celebrations for sporting representatives and State signing ceremonies.

We work closely with relevant Consular Corps members in WA during the coordination of visits and events. We also  liaise with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding proposed new consular appointments.

Members of the Consular Corps in WA requiring assistance are welcome to contact us.

WA has no official table of precedence, however a general pattern consistent with the Commonwealth and other states is usually followed, with a degree of flexibility allowing the circumstances of each event to be taken into consideration.

Our staff can assist with advice relating to precedence and the correct order of acknowledgment of dignitaries at events.

It should be noted that each event is unique and precedence may vary depending on a variety of factors, including funding of the event or project, location of the event, and hosts.

To request advice, please contact us on the email opposite.

Use of the title 'The Honourable'

The Governor of Western Australia has authority to confer the title 'The Honourable' to certain members of Parliament and the judiciary. Notice of all persons conferred the honorific is published in the Government Gazette. Use of this title is administered by the Parliamentary and Executive Government Branch. 

The criteria by which individuals become eligible to use the title are explained below.

Governors of Western Australia are now accorded the title for the duration of their service and entitled to retain it after leaving office.

Parliamentarians serving in the following capacities are entitled to use the title while in office as follows:

• Premier
• Ministers
• President of the Legislative Council
• Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
• Members of the Legislative Council

The Governor may approve the retention of the title for Parliamentarians upon leaving office, subject to the following qualifying lengths of service:

• Premier - One year
• Ministers - Three years
• President of the Legislative Council - Three years
• Speaker of the Legislative Assembly - Three years
• Members of the Legislative Council - 10 years' continuous service

The Chief Justice and judges of the Supreme Court are eligible to use the title following their appointment. They may retain it upon leaving office, subject to the Governor's approval.

Guidance in relation to the titles and forms of address of specific officeholders is available here A Western Australian Government guide to titles and forms of address. 

Gifts

Gift exchange is a common diplomatic custom practiced by many countries around the world. Gifts are presented as a token of respect, and to promote goodwill and strengthen diplomatic relations.

We arrange gifts on behalf of the Premier, or his representative. We do not select and purchase gifts for Ministers or other Parliamentarians acting in their own capacity, however we may provide advice regarding appropriate gift suggestions on request.

Typical gifts include photographic books featuring imagery of WA, high quality WA craft items, WA wine and products made from materials that are unique to WA.

Presentation packs

Overseas exchange students and teachers travelling for 12 months or longer may request a presentation pack, which can be presented as a gift to a host school.

Exchange students and teachers may also request a full-size Western Australian State flag from their local member of Parliament, with the purpose of presenting the flag to their overseas host.

Presentation packs can be requested by contacting us on the email opposite.

Requests can be made for congratulatory messages to be sent to WA residents celebrating their 90th, 100th, 105th (and every year thereafter) birthdays, and couples celebrating their 50th, 60th, 65th, 70th or 75th wedding anniversaries.

Government House is responsible for the management of these requests and applications should be made at least four to six weeks in advance. For further information about congratulatory messages, or to access an application form, visit Government House - Congratulatory Messages. 

We provide advice regarding the appropriate flying of flags, including on days of significance; operate a flag loan service for community organisations and individuals, as well as facilitating an annual flag allocation to WA Members of Parliament.

For information regarding these services and guidance regarding the flying of flags, see Protocol and State events - Flags.

For details relating to our State symbols, see Symbols of Western Australia.