Official events benefit from following predictable protocols

Protocol is crucial in events to establish order, professionalism and respect to ensure important events and gatherings run smoothly while also adhering to hierarchy and cultural expectations. It acts as a strategic framework, reducing errors in seating, scheduling and VIP management, which builds trust and maintains a positive, respectful image for your organisation.

Loyal toast

The official loyal toast is "The King and the People of Australia".

Unveiling and openings

When performing an unveiling or opening, the ceremony should be kept as simple as possible. It is suggested that a coloured cloth be fixed to enable a single release action to uncover the plaque or item being unveiled. Under no circumstances should a flag be used for this purpose.

Order of precedence

A table of precedence is used to determine the ranking of officials who are either attending or have a role at a ceremony or function. In applying the table to a particular occasion, many things need to be considered. For example: the location of the event, representation and funding sources. For these reasons we recommend you contact us for advice when planning your official function.

In order to assist you, we will need to know the:

  • event purpose
  • event location
  • host
  • VIPs attending
  • VIP roles (such as speeches, responses, presentations)
  • VIP representatives
  • funding source.
Guide to the order of precedence
  1. The Governor or officer administering the government of Tasmania (the Governor-General takes precedence when in attendance).
  2. The Lieutenant-Governor (if administering the government of Tasmania).
  3. The governors of other states according to population.
  4. The Premier.
  5. The Prime Minister of Australia.
  6. The Lieutenant-Governor (if not administering the government of Tasmania).
  7. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania.
  8. Foreign diplomats:
    1. Foreign ambassadors and high commissioners.
    2. Foreign ministers and envoys.
  9. Tasmanian executive councillors (ministers) under summons to the Executive Council.
  10. The President of the Legislative Council of Tasmania.
  11. The Speaker of the House of Assembly of Tasmania.
  12. The President of the Senate of Australia.
  13. The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia.
  14. The Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.
  15. The Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly of Tasmania.
  16. Federal executive councillors under summons to the Executive Council.
  17. Privy councillors.
  18. Judges of the Supreme Court of Tasmania (according to seniority of appointment).
  19. Judges of the High Court of Australia.
  20. Judges of the Family Court.
  21. Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council (not under summons to the Executive Council).
  22. The Lord Mayor of Hobart (except where the event is held in the municipality of another mayor).
  23. Heads of churches:
    1. Anglican, Catholic, Uniting, according to seniority.
    2. Other denominations, according to seniority.
  24. Head of the Defence Centre, Hobart, local Command of the Naval, Military and Air Forces (according to seniority in rank and date of appointment).
  25. Mayors of cities according to population (note: see 22 above).
  26. Members of the Legislative Council of Tasmania.
  27. Members of the House of Assembly of Tasmania.
  28. Members of the Senate of Australia.
  29. Members of the House of Representatives of Australia.
  30. The Master Warden of Marine Boards according to seniority, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie.
  31. Persons authorised to retain the prefix “Honourable”.
  32. The Chancellor of the University of Tasmania.
  33. Permanent heads of state and federal government departments; and State Funeral only: parliamentary office bearers.
  34. Consular corps (honorary consuls).
  35. Ex-ministers of the state (not under summons to the Executive Council and not now members of the Tasmanian Parliament).

How to address dignitaries

Addressing dignitaries is a foundational element of formal protocol, ceremonial etiquette, and professional diplomacy. It is an important recognition of authority and rank that demonstrates respect and courtesy. It establishes order and hierarchy which is essential for smooth running events, enhances official communications and helps prevent uncomfortable situations or disrespect during ceremonies.

Note:

  1. "The Honourable" can be shortened to "the Hon".
  2. See the Parliament of Tasmania website for members lists, including office addresses, email addresses and other contact details.
  3. See the Parliament of Australia website for the current lists of senators and members and their contact details.
  4. Websites for Tasmanian councils can be found using the Tasmanian council directory.

Guide to addressing dignitaries

Tasmanian government

Premier of Tasmania

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Honourable Jeremy Rockliff MP, Premier of Tasmania
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Premier
  • Addressed in person: Premier

Opposition Leader

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Honourable Josh Willie MP
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Mr Willie
  • Addressed in person: Mr Willie

Speaker of the House of Assembly

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Honourable Jacquie Petrusma MP
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Honourable Speaker
  • Addressed in person: Honourable Speaker or Speaker

President of the Legislative Council

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Honourable Craig Farrell MLC, President of the Legislative Council
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear President or My Dear President
  • Addressed in person: Mr President

Tasmanian Government ministers

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Honourable Jane Citizen MP (or MLC), Minister for XXX
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Minister
  • Addressed in person: Minister Citizen

Tasmanian member of the House of Assembly (backbencher)

  • Referred to in correspondence: Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss John Citizen MP, Member for XXX
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Mr Citizen
  • Addressed in person: Mr Citizen

Tasmanian member of the Legislative Council

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Honourable John Citizen MLC, Member for XXX
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Mr Citizen
  • Addressed in person: Mr Citizen

Members of parliament with post-nominals

  • Referred to in correspondence: Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss/The Honourable John Citizen [insert post-nominal] MP/MLC, Member for XXX
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Mr Citizen
  • Addressed in person: Mr Citizen
Tasmanian local government

Lord Mayor (capital city)

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of Hobart, Councillor Anna Reynolds
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Lord Mayor
  • Addressed in person: Lord Mayor

Mayors

  • Referred to in correspondence: Mayor John Citizen, Mayor of XXX Council
  • Salutation in correspondence: Mayor Citizen
  • Addressed in person: Mayor Citizen

Deputy Mayors

  • Referred to in correspondence: Deputy Mayor John Citizen, Deputy Mayor of XXX Council
  • Salutation in correspondence: Deputy Mayor Citizen
  • Addressed in person: Deputy Mayor Citizen
Australian government

Prime Minister of Australia

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Prime Minister
  • Addressed in person: Prime Minister

Leader of the Federal Opposition

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Honourable Angus Taylor MP
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Mr Taylor
  • Addressed in person: Mr Taylor

Federal government ministers

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Honourable Jane Citizen MP, Minister for XXX
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Minister
  • Addressed in person: Minister

Federal members of parliament

  • Referred to in correspondence: Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss John Citizen MP, Member for XXX
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Mr Citizen
  • Addressed in person: Mr Citizen

Federal senators

  • Referred to in correspondence: Senator John Citizen
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Senator
  • Addressed in person: Senator Citizen

Federal members of parliament with post-nominals

  • Referred to in correspondence: Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss John Citizen [insert post-nominal] MP, Member for XXX
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Mr Citizen
  • Addressed in person: Mr Citizen
Governors

Governor-General

  • Referred to in correspondence: Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC
  • Salutation in correspondence: Your Excellency
  • Addressed in person: Your Excellency

Governor of Tasmania

  • Referred to in correspondence: Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania
  • Salutation in correspondence: Your Excellency
  • Addressed in person: At first meeting “Your Excellency,” otherwise “Excellency”

Former Tasmanian governors (residing in Tasmania)

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Honourable William Cox AC RFD ED QC / Emeritus Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Mr Cox / Dear Professor Warner
  • Addressed in person: Mr Cox / Professor Warner
Other dignitaries

Chief Justice of Tasmania

  • Referred to in correspondence: The Honourable Chief Justice Chris Shanahan, Chief Justice of Tasmania
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Chief Justice
  • Addressed in person: Chief Justice

Ambassadors or high commissioners

  • Referred to in correspondence: His/Her Excellency Mr John Citizen
  • Salutation in correspondence: Your Excellency
  • Addressed in person: On first meeting “Your Excellency,” subsequently “Excellency”

Consuls-general

  • Referred to in correspondence: Ms Jane Citizen
  • Salutation in correspondence: Dear Ms Citizen
  • Addressed in person: Consul-General

Contact

Email: protocol@dpac.tas.gov.au