Protocol officer, NSW
Addressing the Queen, prompting the Prime Minister or telling the Governor-General where to go, is the role of senior protocol officer Paula Fitzpatrick, a member of the NSW Premier’s protocol and special events team.
“We co-ordinate functions on the Premier’s behalf”, she explained, “and look after guests of the government who are visitors to the state.”
Much of Paula’s job is done behind the scenes, but her work is integral to the smooth running of state events which often include royalty, overseas delegates and senior statesmen. She is already preparing the Pope’s schedule during his visit to Sydney later this year for World Youth Day.
“Attention to detail is paramount in my job,” Paula said. “I have to ensure details are correct in relation to timed running sheets, guest lists, invitations, including correct titles. I tend to triple-check everything.”
She uses “protocol” books on a regular basis to make sure she stays abreast of appropriate etiquette and the Premier is briefed accordingly.
Knowing how to greet the Queen – “in the first and last meeting, “Your Majesty”, otherwise “Ma’am” – and if you can shake hands with her – “the initiative needs to come from the Queen” – is the sort of knowledge Paula has acquired over many years working for the Premier.
“I’ve been in the office for 10 years and 20 years in the public service,” she explained.
“After completing the school certificate I did a secretarial diploma and then started applying for jobs. I had a choice of three positions [in the public service] and the only reason I picked the Premier’s department was because the job description didn’t include answering the phone – I hated answering the phone – which is ironic considering what I do now.”
Over time, including a stint overseas, Paula worked her way up the public service eventually gaining enough knowledge to be considered for the role of protocol officer and then senior protocol officer.
Highlights of her job include being announced to the Queen and socialising with Princess Mary of Denmark, whom she describes as “incredibly nice and very down to earth”.
“Talking to people about my job, I don’t realise how special it is until it has been brought to my attention. Meeting all of these VIPs and heads of state is pretty amazing,” she admitted.
