Royal United Services Institute of Queensland (RUSIQ)
Last updated: March 2026
1. Purpose
This Code of Conduct & Event Rules sets out the standards of behaviour and event conditions applying to lectures, conferences, discussions, and other activities conducted by the Royal United Services Institute of Queensland (RUSIQ).
It is intended to support a respectful, safe, serious, and non-partisan environment for discussion of defence, national security, strategic affairs, and related matters.
2. Institutional Character
RUSIQ is a non-partisan, non-sectarian, and independent institute. It exists to promote informed inquiry, robust discussion, and responsible citizenship in matters of defence and national security.
Attendees, members, speakers, guests, and participants are expected to respect the Institute’s character and not use RUSIQ events or platforms for:
- party-political campaigning
- partisan organising or solicitation
- ideological intimidation
- conduct inconsistent with the serious and public-minded purpose of the Institute
This does not prevent vigorous discussion of public policy, government decisions, defence issues, or political questions relevant to the subject matter of an event. It does mean that RUSIQ is not a platform for campaigning on behalf of a political party, faction, or candidate.
3. Expected Conduct
All attendees are expected to behave respectfully and to contribute, where appropriate, in a manner consistent with the purpose of the event and the standards of the Institute. This reflects the conduct expectations already expressed in your current Charter draft.
Participants must not engage in behaviour that is:
- disruptive
- abusive, threatening, or intimidating
- unsafe
- harassing or discriminatory
- persistently obstructive of speakers, organisers, or other attendees
- inconsistent with the orderly and respectful conduct of the event
RUSIQ values open debate and differing views. Disagreement is welcome. Disorder is not.
4. Compliance with Directions
Attendees must comply with reasonable directions given by:
- RUSIQ office holders, staff, volunteers, or event representatives
- venue personnel
- security staff
- relevant government or Defence authorities where applicable
Failure to comply with reasonable directions may result in refusal of entry, removal from the event, suspension of attendance privileges, or other action considered appropriate in the circumstances.
5. The RUSI Rule
Unless otherwise stated, RUSIQ events are conducted under the RUSI Rule.
Under this rule:
- prepared remarks are on the record
- comments made in response to questions, including non-prepared remarks, are not attributable to the individual or to the event unless permission is given
This reflects the existing wording used by RUSIQ in its current Charter draft.
Any person wishing to quote or attribute remarks that are not attributable under this rule should seek the permission of the speaker concerned before doing so.
The existence of recordings, photography, note-taking, or media coverage does not override the RUSI Rule where it has been stated to apply.
6. Questions, Discussion, and Participation
RUSIQ events benefit not only from the remarks of speakers, but from the discussion that follows. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and contribute thoughtfully.
Questions and comments should be:
- relevant to the topic
- concise
- respectful in tone
- directed to the ideas under discussion rather than personal attack
RUSIQ reserves the right to moderate questions, discussion, and audience participation in order to preserve the quality, safety, and orderly conduct of the event.
7. Event Changes and Cancellations
RUSIQ may need to make changes to events due to operational, security, logistical, speaker, or venue requirements, as already reflected in the current draft Charter.
RUSIQ reserves the right to:
- change event dates, times, speakers, or formats
- change venues, including between RUSIQ and third-party venues
- cancel events where necessary
Where an event is cancelled, ticket holders may be offered a refund or transfer in accordance with the applicable Terms of Sale.
Program or speaker changes do not automatically entitle a participant to a refund unless required by law or expressly stated otherwise.
8. Venues and Third-Party Conditions
Some RUSIQ events are held at third-party venues or at venues subject to separate operational and security requirements. This reflects the position already set out in the current Charter draft.
Attendees must comply with:
- venue terms and conditions
- safety or security requirements
- operational instructions issued by the venue or relevant authorities
RUSIQ is not responsible for:
- venue-specific restrictions or conditions
- changes imposed by the venue
- the acts or omissions of third-party venue operators
9. Security and Access Requirements
Certain events may involve additional access requirements, particularly where government, military, or Defence-related facilities are involved. This mirrors the practical position already described in the current draft Charter.
This may include:
- provision of identification or personal details in advance
- compliance with access, vetting, or registration procedures
- adherence to venue, security, or government instructions
Failure to meet applicable access or security requirements may result in refusal of entry without refund, subject to any applicable law.
10. Photography, Filming, and Recording
Photography, filming, and recording may occur at RUSIQ events in accordance with the RUSIQ Media Policy.
Any attendee who wishes to raise concerns regarding photography, filming, or recording should do so in accordance with that policy and, where possible, at the time of the event.
Requests to remove remarks, questions, or comments from event recordings should be raised at the event and brought to the attention of the President or a RUSIQ representative as soon as practicable. This reflects the approach already indicated in the current Charter draft.
11. Removal, Refusal of Entry, and Protective Action
RUSIQ may refuse entry to, or remove from an event, any person whose behaviour is:
- disruptive
- unsafe
- abusive or intimidating
- inconsistent with the purpose of the event
- in breach of these Code of Conduct & Event Rules
- in breach of applicable venue or security requirements
RUSIQ may also take reasonable protective action where necessary to preserve the safety, dignity, or proper functioning of an event.
Nothing in this policy limits any stronger action that may be required by law, venue requirements, or urgent safety concerns.
12. Non-Commercial and Non-Campaigning Use of Events
RUSIQ events are not to be used for unauthorised commercial promotion, direct solicitation, or party-political campaigning.
Without prior permission, attendees must not:
- distribute campaign material
- conduct unauthorised promotional activity
- use the event as a platform for partisan recruitment or electioneering
- present themselves as speaking on behalf of RUSIQ without authority
This does not prevent professional networking, informed exchange, or respectful discussion relevant to the Institute’s purpose.
13. Relationship to Other Policies
This Code of Conduct & Event Rules should be read alongside other relevant RUSIQ documents, including:
- the Charter
- the Media Policy
- the Privacy Policy
- the Terms of Sale
- any applicable Rules, Constitution, or By-Laws of the Institute
In the event of inconsistency, applicable law and the Institute’s governing rules prevail.
14. Contact
Questions regarding this Code of Conduct & Event Rules may be directed to: