Publications

Diplomatic missions have the following options to establish chanceries in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT); building a new chancery; purchasing or renting a free-standing building and; renting commercial office space.

Individuals, agencies and contractors offering domestic services such as cleaning, ironing, gardening and maintenance can be found through local newspapers, telephone directories and online advertising. Caterers, wait staff and drivers can be hired locally on an ad hoc or ongoing basis. Accredited providers are also available to meet childcare needs.

To drive in Australia, foreign officials must possess a driver licence issued by the relevant Australian state or territory authority. For a foreign official to be accredited as a driver at a mission or post, the sending State's Ministry of Foreign Affairs will need to provide evidence of at least five years' driving experience in the sending State.

Under Australia's Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act 1967 ('the DPI Act') and Consular Privileges and Immunities Act 1972 ('the CPI Act'), diplomatic missions, consular posts, their staff and family members who form part of staff households, enjoy privileges and immunities in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963.

This chapter provides information about the nomination and accreditation of new heads of diplomatic missions in Canberra.