Invite a dignitary to your event
Protocol protects and enhances the reputation of the University by providing support and advice for University staff and the Vice-Chancellor on planning and managing University events.
Protocol is guided by the Ministerial and Dignitary Protocol Guidelines, which apply to all UQ staff and students who want to engage with dignitaries or invite dignitaries to a UQ event.
The guidelines ensure that all invitations sent to dignitaries are strategic and monitored in order to protect the University’s relationship with these key external stakeholders.
How Protocol can help you:
- Provide advice on how to plan a strategic, successful event
- Assist you with inviting dignitaries to your event and managing dignitaries at your event
- Liaise with the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor and President on your behalf
- Provide information on suppliers
Please contact us if you have any questions, we are happy to assist.
1. Who is a dignitary
• Australian and State Chief Scientists | • Former Head of State/Government and Prime Ministers of Australia | • Members of other Legislatures (MLA) |
• Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of universities (domestic) | • Former Premiers of Australian States and Chief Minister of Territories in Australia | • Members of Parliament – Federal and State (MP) |
• Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of universities and colleges (international) | • Governor-General (Vice-Regal) | • Members of the Consular Corps – Consul-Generals, Honorary Consuls* |
• Chief executive officers/managing directors of significant Australian and international companies* | • Governors of all States (Vice-Regal) | • Nobel Laureates* |
• Chief Justice of Australia and Justices of The High Court of Australia* | • Head of Mission – Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Charge d’affaires* | • Premiers of Australian States |
• Chief Minister of Territories in Australia | • Head of State/Government (Presidents, Chancellor, Chief Executive) | • Prime Minister of Australia |
• Councillors (Cr) | • Heads of international organisations – United Nations | • Prominent alumni, donors and bequestors* |
• Figures that would attract media interest, generate controversy or pose a security risk* | • Honorary doctorates of UQ* | • Religious Leaders |
• Figures whose presence could impact the profile of the University* | • Knights and Dames* | • Royalty (Regal) |
• Former Chief Justices and Chief Justices of The Supreme Court* | • Leaders of the Opposition – Federal and State (MP) | • Senior Foreign Dignitaries* |
• Former Governors of all States | • Mayors of cities and towns* | • Senior Military Officers (Army, Air Force, Navy)* |
• Former Governors-General | • Mayors of local Councils | • Senior Public Servants/Advisors* |
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| • The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Brisbane |
Protocol does not need to be involved with visiting Professors (unless specifically requested by the UQ Vice-Chancellor).
* Level of Protocol involvement to be decided at the discretion of the Vice-Chancellor. Please seek Protocol advice.
If you are unsure about if the person you are looking to invite is a Protocol Dignitary/VIP, please contact Protocol for advice.