Protocol NT

Protocol NT provides expert protocol advice and support to the Chief Minister, Ministers, the Leader of the Opposition, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Northern Territory (NT) Government and other stakeholders with the aim of promoting positive relationships and outcomes for the benefit of the Territory.

Protocol NT:

• manages a range of traditional protocol functions within the NT relating to ceremony, table of precedence, forms of address, the NT flag, Coat of Arms and other official emblems of the Territory;
• coordinates official Ministerial-hosted functions and major government ceremonial and special events, including state funerals and memorial services;
• supports the planning and delivery of royal, head of state, head of mission and other dignitary visits to the NT;
• liaises with the diplomatic and consular corps to facilitate engagement with the Chief Minister, NT ministers, the Northern Territory Government and other NT stakeholders;
• operates official chauffeur services;
• provides advice relating to official gifts and  formal gift exchanges
• offers general protocol-related event management advice to NT businesses and the general public.

These services help government promote the Territory as a place to live, work and invest, contribute to the growth of stronger national and international relationships and help foster a strong community spirit through recognising achievement and celebrating important events.

NT Flag and emblems

To read about the history and use of the NT Flag, including how and when to fly a national and/or Territory flag at half-mast, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

Organisations can sign up for NT flag marshal notifications here, to receive information regarding occasions where it is appropriate to fly the NT Flag and Australian National Flag at half-mast.

Read about the Coat of Arms and other official emblems.

Commonwealth Table of Precedence

The Commonwealth Table of Precedence lists the order for seating and acknowledging government officials and other dignitaries at ceremonies and functions that include dignitaries from outside the Territory.

Guidance for events and ceremonies held in the NT

Protocol information is available to guide the coordination of events in the NT, including guidance regarding the representation of elected officials, correct acknowledgement of dignitaries and appropriate use of post-nominals. Read the guidance for events and ceremonies held in the NT.

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

Including a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country during formalities is an important recognition of the Traditional Owners of the land on which an event is being held.

• ‘Welcome to Country’: can only be offered by a Traditional Owner of the land on which the event is taking place.
• ‘Acknowledgement of Country’: can be given by a non-Traditional Owner and while no formal wording is required, something like the following would be appropriate.

“I acknowledge that we gather on the traditional lands of the Larrakia people and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.”

A Welcome to Country would only occur once, however each speaker at an event may, or may not offer an Acknowledgement of Country as part of their speech.

Dress code

Invitations to official functions indicate required dress standards according to the Northern Territory Dress Code. Read about the dress code for official functions in the NT.

Contact

Contact Protocol NT by emailing protocol.cmc@nt.gov.au or calling 08 8999 6238.