No PRB 139 / 17

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade presents its compliments to all diplomatic missions and consular posts in Australia and has the honour to refer to instances which have come to the Department's attention in which vehicles with diplomatic or consular number plates (DC, DX or CC) have been observed being used for commercial purposes, such as food delivery or taxi services (including Uber services).

The Department has the honour to advise that Australian authorities register vehicles with DC, DX or CC number plates to facilitate the official work of diplomatic missions and consular posts. and for the personal use of members of the diplomatic and consular corps and their families.

The use of these vehicles for commercial activities, such as food delivery or taxi services (including Uber services), is not consistent with these purposes.

The Department wishes to advise that it will take appropriate action if DC, DX or CC-plated vehicles registered to missions or posts, or to their staff or family members, are used for commercial purposes outside the normal scope of diplomatic or consular activities.

The Department confirms that personal use of DC, DX and CC vehicles by family members of the diplomatic or consular corps for transport to and from a place of employment is one of the acceptable uses of these vehicles.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade avails itself of this opportunity to renew to all diplomatic missions and consulates the assurances of its highest consideration.

CANBERRA
28 April 2017