Titles and Forms of Address
Guide to titles and forms of address
A guide to using appropriate titles and forms of address in Western Australia can be accessed by clicking here.
Use of the title ‘Honourable’
The Governor of Western Australia has authority to confer the title ‘Honourable’ to certain Members of Parliament and the Judiciary. Notice of all persons conferred the honorific is published in the Government Gazette. Use of this title is administered by the Executive Government and Protocol Branch.
The criteria by which individuals become eligible to use the title are explained below.
Parliamentarians serving in the following capacities are entitled to use the title ‘Honourable’ while in office:
- Premier
- Ministers
- President of the Legislative Council
- Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
- Members of the Legislative Council
The Governor may approve the retention of the title for Parliamentarians upon leaving office, subject to the following qualifying lengths of service:
- Premier - 1 year
- Ministers - 3 years
- President of the Legislative Council - 3 years
- Speaker of the Legislative Assembly - 3 years
- Members of the Legislative Council - 10 years continuous service
The Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court are eligible to use the title ‘Honourable’ following their appointment. They may retain the title upon leaving office, subject to the Governor’s approval.