Events and Hospitality
Overview
The Executive Government and Protocol Branch arranges hospitality functions hosted by the Premier or his representative. The Branch also provides advice to the Premier’s office and Ministerial offices on policy and procedures for government hospitality.
Details of some of the events the Branch is responsible for organising are listed below.
State Funerals
State Funerals are co-ordinated by the Branch on behalf of the Premier. Eligibility for a State Funeral in Western Australia is determined by a policy based on a long-standing Cabinet decision.
Notification of State Funerals will feature in newspaper advertisements prior to the event.
Official Opening of Parliament
After a general election is held, the first day the two Houses meet is known as the Opening of Parliament. The occasion is often marked by a ceremony and the level of formality is determined by the Government of the day. The Opening of Parliament may also be held on the first sitting of a new term of Parliament.
Steeped in tradition, the more formal style Opening of Parliament is based on the United Kingdom’s Westminster System of Government and represents the meeting of the 'Trinity of Parliament', that is the:
- Crown's Representative (the Governor)
- Legislative Council, and
- House of Assembly.
The Branch works in conjunction with the two houses of Parliament in making arrangements for the ceremonial Opening of Parliament.
To visit the Parliament House website click here.
Swearing-in of the Governor
A Governor’s term of office is usually between four and five years, and as this term draws to a finish a new Governor is appointed. The Governor acts as the Queen’s representative in Western Australia, and as the head of Government, it is the Queen’s responsibility to commission the next Governor based on advice from the State Premier.
Following the nomination of the Governor-designate, a swearing-in ceremony takes place at Government House. The Branch works closely with the staff of Government House to organise this event.
To visit the Government House website click here.
Regional Cabinet
Each year, State Cabinet travels to regional centres throughout Western Australia as part of the Regional Cabinet program. There are various meetings and events which take place in conjunction with these Cabinet visits, one of which is a community event hosted by the Premier. The Executive Government and Protocol Branch works in conjunction with the Cabinet Services Branch, local government authorities and community service providers to coordinate these functions.