The Australian Government values the presence of diplomatic and consular representatives in Australia.
These guidelines consolidate information from DFAT and other Australian Government agencies for foreign missions, consular posts, international organisations, representative offices, officials, dependents and staff in Australia.
Australia takes its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations seriously. This includes supporting the effective operation of missions, posts and offices, and administering privileges, immunities and related arrangements fairly and consistently.
Conversely, privileges and immunities exist to support official functions. They do not exempt foreign officials or their dependents from respecting Australian laws, regulations and community expectations.
DFAT encourages open communication with missions and posts to support cooperation and address issues transparently and consistently.
Protocol Branch can be contacted at protocol.branch@dfat.gov.au.
For urgent matters outside business hours, contact the Protocol Branch Emergency Duty Officer on 0418 167 127.
Further information about the Chief of Protocol is available at Biography of Jonathan Muir.
Contents
- 1. Introduction to Australia and its system of government
- 2. Heads of mission
- 3. Diplomatic missions, consular posts and other representative offices
- 4. Visas and accreditation
- 5. Privileges and immunities
- 6. Tax concessions
- 7. Motor vehicles
- 8. Driving in Australia
- 9. Private domestic workers
- 10. Locally engaged staff
- 11. Diplomatic missions – build, buy or rent
- 12. Protective security
- 13. Firearms
- 14. Airport facilitation for senior foreign visitors
- 15. Airport facilitation for visiting heads of state, heads of government, foreign ministers and guests of government
- 16. Official visits