Table of Precedence

Some events require consideration of a range of protocol elements and you may have certain dignitaries at attendance at your event. Knowing the order and status in which to formally address them is important.

The Northern Territory Table of Precedence represents the formal and ceremonial status of members of parliament, government, and the judiciary and other dignitaries.

• It is appropriate to, at the commencement of formalities, acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which the occasion is being held.

Current office holders

1. The Administrator of the Northern Territory
   Note: A Deputy of the Administrator who is not also Chief Justice, when not administering the Government of the Northern Territory, has within the Northern Territory precedence immediately after the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
2. The Chief Minister
3. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
4. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory
5. Federal Executive Councillors - under summons                                          
   (alphabetically by surname)
6. Members of the Executive Council and Ministers of the Northern Territory
   (in order of the Administrative Arrangement Orders)
7. The Leader of the Opposition
8. Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory            
   (alphabetically by surname)
9. Members of the Senate representing the Northern Territory                  
   (alphabetically by surname)
10. Members of the House of Representatives whose electorates are within the Northern Territory                                                                                      
    (alphabetically by surname)
11. The Lord Mayor of Darwin
    (within the City of Darwin)
12. Judges of the Supreme Court
    (in order of date of appointment)
13. Mayors of cities and municipalities
    (according to population)

Former office holders

1. 1. Former Administrators of the Northern Territory  
      (residing in the NT and according to the date of leaving office)
   2. Former Chief Ministers of the Northern Territory
      (residing in the NT and according to the date of leaving office)
   3. Former Speakers of the Legislative Assembly
      (residing in the NT and according to the date of leaving office)
   4. Former Chief Justices of the Supreme Court
      (residing in the NT and according to the date of leaving office)
2. Former Members of the Executive Council of the Northern Territory  
   (residing in the NT, according to the date of leaving office and alphabetically by surname) (to be listed up to 10 years after leaving office)
3. Federal Executive Councillors - not under summons
   (residing in the NT and according to the date of leaving office)

Government officials and other dignitaries

17. Land Council chairs – Northern Land Council, Central Land Council, Tiwi Land Council, Anindilyakawa Land Council
    (in order as listed or, according to the Land on which the occasion is being held)
18. The Chancellor of the Charles Darwin University
19. Chief Executive Officers of Agencies and Heads of Government Owned Corporations
    (alphabetically by surname)
20. Statutory Officers appointed by the Administrator of the Northern Territory  
    (alphabetically by surname)
21. Senior Officer in local Command of the Naval, Military and Air Forces
    (according to seniority)
22. Members of the Consular Corps of the Northern Territory
    (by rank then in order by appointment)
23. Heads of Religious Communities
    (according to the date of assuming office in the Northern Territory)

For further information contact Protocol NT Protocol.CMC@nt.gov.au or 08 8999 6238