To administer responsibilities to the diplomatic and consular corps in Australia under the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act 1967 and the Consular Privileges and Immunity Act 1972, which give force of law in Australia to the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
To assist international organisations in Australia in accordance with the International Organisations (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1963.
The sub-program is administered by the Protocol Branch, which maintained close contact with other agencies to ensure that any proposed changes to regulations or acts did not conflict with the Commonwealth’s obligations under the conventions and normal diplomatic and consular practices.
Protection of diplomatic and consular missions and staff is an important responsibility of the Australian Government under its international obligations. The Department has a key coordinating role with government agencies and diplomatic and consular missions in this regard. During the year there were some 160 security related incidents at diplomatic and consular missions, the most serious of which was a fire-bombing attempt at the residence of the Lebanese Consul-General in Sydney. Other incidents included sit-ins, trespass, damage and demonstrations at diplomatic and consular premises.
Other important activities of the branch included the provision of protocol services to the diplomatic and consular corps in relation to: privileges associated with the importing, registering and disposal of motor vehicles (approximately 1700 vehicles had diplomatic registration in 1993-94); the processing of exemptions and clearances from Australian Customs duty; payment of the non-beneficial portion of rates on diplomatic lands; coordination with the National Capital Planning Authority and the ACT Government on matters relating to the leasing of sites to diplomatic missions. The branch liaised closely with the Department’s regional offices on matters relating to consular privileges and immunities for consular offices and staff in the States.
The branch continued to negotiate on bilateral arrangements to facilitate employment overseas by dependants of Australian diplomatic and consular officers. Discussions were held with 20 countries, the objective being to supplement the agreements which are already in place with five countries.
The branch continued to receive representations from foreign missions in Australia on the payment of sales tax.
At 30 June 1994 there were 72 diplomatic missions resident in Canberra, 26 non-resident diplomatic missions overseas and 286 consular posts (representing 95 countries) throughout Australia. The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq withdrew its representation on 24 May 1994. The Cook Islands High Commission and the Embassy of the State of Eritrea established missions in Canberra. Details of the diplomatic and consular representation are set out in publications available from the Protocol Branch.
The branch handled the appointment of 26 foreign ambassadors and high commissioners, including the presentation of their credentials to the Governor-General or letters of introduction to the Prime Minister. Exequaturs (documents officially recognising accreditation) were issued to 47 heads of consular posts.
The branch processed approval from 82 countries for the appointment of 44 heads of Australian diplomatic missions and consular posts and permanent representatives to international organisations.
This sub-program was assessed according to:
satisfactory management of Australia’s obligations under the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations;
satisfactory management of the requirements of representatives of foreign governments and international agencies in Australia; and
effective liaison with Federal and State and Territory government agencies arising from the above.