Complete report - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Transcription

departm ent o f
foreign affairs and trade
Ann ual Rep o rt
08|0 9
ISSN
ISBN
ISBN
ISBN
ISBN
ISBN
1032–2019
978-1-921244-98-8
978-1-921244-99-5
978-1-921612-00-8
978-1-921612-01-5
978-1-921612-02-2
(volume 1)
(volume 2)
(two-volume set)
(volume 1 online)
(volume 2 online)
© Commonwealth of Australia 2009
Copyright information
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968,
no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from
the Commonwealth.
Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed
to the Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Attorney-General’s Department,
Robert Garran Offices, National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, or posted at
http://www.ag.gov.au/cca.
Acknowledgments
Executive Editor
Coordinating Editor
Photographs and Appendixes
Assistant Editor
Editorial Consultant
Indexer
Fiona Hoggart
Eric Spry
Tina Lawson, Katina Clarke
Margaret Barbalet
Jeff Fitzgibbon
Michael Harrington
Internet websites
http://www.dfat.gov.au/dept/annual_reports
http://www.ausaid.gov.au/publications
Contact
Inquiries about the annual report are welcome and should be directed to:
Director, Corporate Planning Section
Executive, Planning and Evaluation Branch
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
R G Casey Building, John McEwen Crescent
Barton ACT 0221
Phone
Fax
Email
02 6261 3299
02 6261 3541
[email protected]
Design and typesetting by ZOO Communications
Printing by Blue Star Print
DFAT ANNUAL R E P O RT 20 0 8 –20 0 9
Contents (Volume 1)
Letter of transmittal
Guide to the report
Section 1: Overviews
Secretary’s review
Departmental overview
Section 2: Performance reporting
iii
viii
1
3
14
21
Outcome 1: Australia’s national interests protected and advanced through
contributions to international security, national economic and trade
performance and global cooperation
22
Output 1.1: Protection and advocacy of Australia’s international
interests through the provision of policy advice to ministers and overseas
diplomatic activity
North Asia
South-East Asia
Americas
Europe
South and West Asia, Middle East and Africa
Pacific
Bilateral, regional and multilateral trade negotiations
Trade development and policy coordination
International organisations, legal and environment
Security, nuclear, disarmament and non-proliferation
23
26
37
48
56
67
77
87
106
115
128
Output 1.2: Secure government communications and security of
overseas missions
137
Output 1.3: Services to other agencies in Australia and overseas (including
Parliament, state representatives, business and other organisations)
146
Output 1.4: Services to diplomatic and consular representatives in Australia 156
Outcome 2: Australians informed about and provided access to consular
and passport services in Australia and overseas
160
Output 2.1: Consular and passport services
Consular services
Passport services
161
162
177
iv
Contents ( Volu m e 1 )
Outcome 3: Public understanding in Australia and overseas of Australia’s
foreign and trade policy and a positive image of Australia internationally
Output 3.1: Public information services and public diplomacy
Public information and media services on Australia’s foreign and
trade policy
Projecting a positive image of Australia internationally
Freedom of information and archival research and clearance
184
185
186
190
206
Outcome 4: Efficient management of the Commonwealth overseas
owned estate
212
Output 4.1: Property management
213
Output 4.2: Contract management
216
Section 3: Corporate management and accountability
Overview
Corporate governance
External scrutiny
Management of human resources
Management of financial resources
Section 4: Appendixes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Ministerial responsibilities
Staffing overview
Agency resource statement and outcome resource summaries
Occupational health and safety Freedom of information
Inquiries by parliamentary committees
Matters before courts and administrative tribunals
Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance
Purchaser–provider arrangements
Advertising and market research Grants and contributions
Consultancy services
List of sponsors
Summary of the overseas network
Section 5: Financial statements
Independent auditor’s report
Statement by the Secretary and Chief Finance Officer
Financial statements
Notes to and forming part of the financial statements
221
223
223
229
231
241
249
251
254
261
266
269
280
284
287
289
292
293
296
300
305
313
315
317
318
330
v
Section 6: Glossaries and indexes
413
Glossary of terms
Glossary of acronyms and abbreviations
Compliance index
Index
415
417
422
425
List of Figures
Figure 1. Location of staff
Figure 2. Senior executive structure
Figure 3. Portfolio outcomes structure
Figure 4. Outcomes and outputs framework
Figure 5. Australia’s trade in goods and services
Figure 13. Direction of Australia’s exports 2008
Figure 14. Travel documents issued
15
17
18
19
29
31
32
33
46
50
59
80
89
178
with
with
with
with
with
with
with
with
Japan
China
Taiwan
the Republic of Korea
ASEAN
the United States
the European Union
New Zealand
List of Tables
Table 1. Australia’s trade in goods and services with North Asian economies
Table 2. Australia’s trade in goods and services with South-East Asia
Table 3. Australia’s trade in goods and services with the Americas
Table 4. Australia’s trade in goods and services with Europe
Table 5. Australia’s trade in goods and services with countries in South Asia
and the GCC
Table 6
Requests processed under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
Table 7. Requests assessed under the Archives Act 1983
Table 8. Employees by classification, gender and location
Table 9. Ongoing and non-ongoing employees, full-time and part-time
Table 10. Employees by categories of employment
Table 11. Senior executive service by level and location
Table 12. Senior executive service by gender
Table 13. Senior executive service: gains and losses during the year
Table 14. Senior executive service: inter-agency mobility during the year
Table 15. Employees by location and gender
Table 16. Employees covered by the Collective Agreement, Australian
Workplace Agreements and Section 24 Determination under the
Public Service Act 1999
vi
27
38
53
65
68
207
209
254
255
255
255
256
256
256
257
258
Contents ( Volu m e 1 )
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
Table 33.
Performance bonus payments by level
260
Agency resource statement 2008–09
261
Total resources available for outcome 1
262
263
264
265
Occupational health and safety statistics
268
Advertising and market research
292
Grants programs
293
Contributions to international organisations and
peacekeeping operations
294
Consultancy services contracts
297
List of sponsors
300
Embassies, high commissions, consulates and multilateral missions 305
Consulates managed by Austrade
308
Consulates headed by honorary consuls
308
Places where Canada provides consular services to
Australian citizens
310
Places where Australia provides consular services to
Canadian citizens
311
vii
Guide to the report
This is the Secretary’s report to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Trade
on the performance of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Volume 1) and AusAID
(Volume 2) during the financial year 2008–09. The report is prepared in accordance with
the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Requirements for Annual Reports, as
approved on behalf of the Parliament by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit
on 17 June 2009.
Information and statistics, unless otherwise indicated, cover the financial year
2008–09, or relate to the situation as at 30 June 2009. All dollars are Australian unless
otherwise specified.
Guide to Volume 1
The report of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Volume 1) uses the same
outcome–output structure as outlined in the Portfolio Budget Statements 2008–09 for the
foreign affairs and trade portfolio. This structure contains a number of changes from that
used in 2007–08. In particular the department’s performance in 2008–09 is measured
against key performance indicators and corresponding targets for each output (replacing
both effectiveness indicators and quality and quantity measures).
For clarity, the new performance information has been grouped against outputs rather than
outcomes. Readers will find the relevant key performance indicators and corresponding
targets listed at the beginning of each output.
Quantity measures have been included in reporting against outputs where the information
is available and usefully contributes to the overall reporting of the department’s
performance in achieving the Government’s outcomes.
We have included trade statistics covering services as well as goods. The latest goods
and services trade statistics relate to calendar year 2008. They are not part of the
department’s performance reporting but are included as background information for the
benefit of readers.
viii
G u i de to t he report
Section 1 contains:
• the Secretary’s review for 2008–09
• the departmental overview, including:
— role and functions
— organisational structure
— senior executive structure
— portfolio structure
— outcomes and outputs framework.
Section 2 contains the department’s outcome–output performance information reporting.
In line with the Portfolio Budget Statements 2008–09:
— performance is reported by outcome and output
— reporting addresses all key performance indicators and targets.
Section 3 reports on enabling services that do not appear under the outcome structure.
It includes reporting on corporate governance, external scrutiny and management of
human and financial resources.
Section 4 includes appendixes providing reports required under specific legislation and
useful additional information.
Section 5 contains the audited financial statements for 2008–09.
Section 6 contains glossaries and indexes.
Further information
Publications
Portfolio Budget Statements 2008–09 and 2009–10
Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements 2008–09
Website
http://www.dfat.gov.au
ix
The Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, addressing the
G20 London Summit in April 2009.
Photo: Auspic
Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, in talks with the Republic of
Korea’s Minister for Trade, Mr Kim Jong-hoon, to launch
free trade agreement negotiations in Melbourne on
18 May 2009.
Photo: Peter Casamento
Opposite »
Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Mr Smith, meeting the Indian Prime
Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh,
in New Delhi. Mr Smith visited
New Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad
in September 2008.
Photo: Adarsh Minocha, Foto Fare,
New Delhi
x
OVERVIEWS
Section 1
SECTION 1
Overviews
2
Ove rvi ews | S EC R ETA RY ’S R EV I EW
SECTION 1
SECRETARY’S REVIEW
Mr Michael L’Estrange AO, Secretary
during the reporting period.
Photo: Michael Jensen
Ms Gillian Bird, Acting Secretary.
The international year in review
The international environment in 2008–09 was testing. The crisis in financial markets
severely affected the global financial system and economy, threatening Australia’s
prosperity. This event gave rise to an important development in global architecture with
the establishment of the G20 Leaders’ Summit to coordinate the international response
to the crisis. The Afghanistan conflict and the enduring threats of nuclear weapons
proliferation and terrorism were among the security challenges that Australia faced.
The department supported the Prime Minister in helping to fashion and influence the
two G20 Leaders’ Summits held to stabilise the global economic order, and in securing
support for the Government’s G20 objectives. We helped formulate and implement
the Government’s policy response, including its agenda for a sustainable and globally
consistent regulatory framework for international financial markets, and for action against
protectionism.
The department supported the Government’s efforts to promote G20 outcomes and to
strengthen regional security and prosperity through regional institutions such as the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) and the East Asia Summit (EAS). We
helped focus APEC on the urgent need for a Doha Round outcome to support global
economic recovery through further trade liberalisation. We worked successfully to secure a
statement by EAS leaders in June 2009 backing the coordinated international response to
the global economic crisis.
To realise the Government’s goal of enhancing Asia-Pacific regional architecture, we
helped advance the Asia Pacific community (APc) proposal. We supported the Prime
Minister’s Special Envoy, Mr Richard Woolcott AC, during his regional consultations on
the APc and in the preparation of his report to the Prime Minister. We supported the
Government in successfully negotiating Australia’s membership of the Asia–Europe
Meeting in 2010.
3
SECTION 1
We supported the Government’s push for a successful outcome to the Doha Round, which
would improve market access for Australian exporters of goods and services. We played
a central role in ensuring that the Government’s trade finance programs helped Australian
exporters respond to the economic downturn and position themselves for recovery. We
concluded a landmark free trade agreement with our ten ASEAN neighbours.
Taking forward the Government’s renewed focus on multilateralism, the department
supported Australia’s contribution to international efforts on climate change, human
rights, nuclear non-proliferation and other global issues. We actively promoted Australia’s
candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council in 2013–2014.
The department acted to strengthen regional efforts to combat people smuggling,
reinvigorating the ministerial-level Bali process on people smuggling and trafficking
in persons.
Australia expanded the scope of its international engagement, while strengthening
relations with those countries with the greatest influence on its strategic and economic
interests. The department worked to enhance Australia’s relationship with the United
States. We worked to deepen Australia’s strategic and economic engagement with North
Asia and India, and to build practical cooperation with key partners in South-East Asia and
the South Pacific. We built on our strong relationship with the United Kingdom and took
forward relations with the European Union. We advanced the Government’s objective of
broadening and deepening ties with Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The department provided comprehensive consular assistance to the increasing number of
Australians travelling overseas, responding to more than 60 crisis situations that affected
Australians overseas.
Strengthening multilateral and regional engagement
The department took forward the Government’s commitment to revitalise Australia’s
engagement with the United Nations and to help strengthen the multilateral system’s
capacity to solve global problems. We continued to campaign actively on Australia’s
candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in
2013–2014, supporting high-level advocacy by the Government.
To advance the Government’s renewed focus on multilateralism and to strengthen
Australia’s support for international human rights mechanisms, the department promoted
the inclusion of protection of civilians in the mandates of UN peacekeeping operations.
We facilitated Australia’s ratification of international human rights treaties, including
conventions against torture and discrimination against women and people with disabilities.
We worked with the UN Development Program to achieve genuine progress towards
the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in the Asia-Pacific
region. With the Department of Climate Change, we supported Australia’s participation in
international climate change negotiations.
The department worked closely with other agencies and through regional and multilateral
architecture to address other environmental concerns. Working with the Department of
4
The department worked to secure Australia’s interests in regional institutions. We acted
to enhance the role of the EAS in addressing regional issues. We supported Australia’s
continued strong contribution to APEC, the leading economic forum in the Asia-Pacific
region. We helped secure APEC agreement on the fundamental importance of behind-theborder reform to trade and investment by contributing to the first APEC ministerial meeting
dedicated to structural reform in Melbourne. We supported the attendance of the Prime
Minister at the APEC Leaders’ Week and our Portfolio Ministers at the APEC Ministerial
Meeting in Peru in November 2008.
To promote democratic development in the Asia-Pacific region, the department helped
facilitate the inaugural Bali Democracy Forum in December 2008, which the Prime Minister
and the Indonesian President, Dr Yudhoyono, co-chaired. To enhance effective regional
disaster management, we supported the Minister for Foreign Affairs’ attendance at the
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in July 2008, which focused on disaster relief responses to
Cyclone Nargis in Burma. We participated in the ARF’s first multinational disaster relief
exercise in the Philippines.
Enhancing national security
The department contributed to Australia’s participation in the NATO-led International
Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan by working with the Department of Defence and
other agencies to support additional deployments of military and civilian resources. We
supported the Minister for Foreign Affairs in his advocacy of a comprehensive strategy
for stabilising and rebuilding Afghanistan at the International Conference on Afghanistan
in March 2009. Australia–NATO relations were further strengthened with the visit by the
Minister for Foreign Affairs to NATO Headquarters in December 2008.
The department advanced the Government’s intensified engagement with Pakistan,
including by assisting visits by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s
Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. We contributed to international efforts to
assist Pakistan address its acute security and economic challenges through intensive
multilateral engagement, including with the Friends of Democratic Pakistan and the
Pakistan Donors’ Conference.
The department worked closely with the Department of Defence in Iraq, providing wholeof-government coordination for Australia’s engagement and negotiating a status of forces
agreement covering a limited number of Australian Defence Force personnel remaining in
Iraq until 31 July 2009. We supported high-level exchanges with Iraq by the Deputy Prime
Minister to Baghdad in June 2009 and by the Iraqi Prime Minister to Australia in March
2009. We concluded six new agreements to support expanded bilateral cooperation in
areas such as education and trade and investment.
5
SECTION 1
Resources, Energy and Tourism, we garnered strong international support for the Global
Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, which the Prime Minister launched in April 2009.
We and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, working closely
with the Special Envoy on Whaling, built support for reform of the International Whaling
Commission and continued to urge Japan to end its ‘scientific’ whaling program.
SECTION 1
The department worked to advance global efforts to promote non-proliferation and
disarmament through its policy and operational support for the International Commission
on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (ICNND). Co-chaired by former Australian
Foreign Minister, the Hon Gareth Evans AO QC, and the former Japanese Minister for the
Environment and for Foreign Affairs, Ms Yoriko Kawaguchi, the ICNND made significant
progress in preparing its major report in the lead-up to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Review Conference scheduled for May 2010.
The department contributed to multilateral initiatives to prevent the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons. We led efforts to advance the
Government’s support for the Convention on Cluster Munitions, a landmark humanitarian
treaty which the Minister for Foreign Affairs signed in Oslo in December 2008.
To promote the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT),
we supported the Minister for Foreign Affairs in his role as chair of the September 2008
ministerial meeting of CTBT member states. Through the Conference on Disarmament, we
advanced work towards negotiation of a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty. We worked to take
forward the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), including by hosting the MTCR’s
annual plenary and technical meetings in November 2008.
The department worked closely with the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea
and other countries for a UN Security Council resolution applying strengthened sanctions
against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) following its long-range
ballistic missile launch in April and nuclear test in May 2009. We sustained Australia’s
diplomatic efforts to register the Government’s deep concerns about Iran’s nuclear
activities, including through close collaboration with international partners.
To implement the Government’s international counter-terrorism (CT) commitments,
the department cooperated intensively with foreign partners and coordinated the CT
activities of Australian agencies overseas. As chair of the February 2009 meeting of
the Commonwealth Committee on Terrorism, Australia secured agreement on a revised
Commonwealth Plan of Action on Terrorism. Australia also agreed on a range of practical
CT activities in trilateral consultations with the United States and Japan. We helped
maintain Australia’s practical efforts to improve the CT capability of regional partners; and
concluded a memorandum of understanding on CT cooperation with Bangladesh, one of
14 such agreements.
The department contributed to whole-of-government efforts to combat people smuggling.
We coordinated the Third Bali Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling
and Trafficking in Persons, which the Minister for Foreign Affairs and his Indonesian
counterpart co-chaired, and which generated renewed regional commitment to preventing
people smuggling and trafficking.
The department was closely involved in implementing the National Security Statement,
which the Prime Minister delivered in Parliament on 4 December 2008. We worked with
other Government agencies to address the range of national security and strategic policy
issues identified as priorities in the Statement. We collaborated with the Department of
the Prime Minister and Cabinet on the evolving national security architecture, including by
participating in the new National Intelligence Coordination Committee.
6
Promoting trade and investment
The department worked intensively to support the Minister for Trade’s commitment to
achieving an ambitious outcome to the Doha Round negotiations that would accelerate
global economic recovery and improve market access for Australian agriculture, industrial
products and services. We organised a Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting in Bali and a
trade ministers’ gathering in Paris in June 2009, both chaired by the Minister for Trade,
at which he secured agreements from key WTO members to intensify engagement on the
Doha Round.
The department continued to actively pursue Australia’s trade interests through the
WTO dispute settlement system. We led the whole-of-government task force to defend
Australia’s position in the dispute brought by New Zealand against Australia’s quarantine
measures regarding the importation of apples from New Zealand.
The department acted to advance the Minister for Trade’s agenda to improve Australia’s
export competitiveness by contributing to whole-of-government work on behind-the-border
reform. We ensured international competitiveness and trade implications were taken
into account in designing the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and in determining
Australia’s approach to reform in sectors such as autos, energy and infrastructure.
We ensured that Australian exporters were well informed, including through our trade
statistical and market information services. We helped state and territory governments
and the business community to maximise international trade opportunities, including by
supporting overseas visits by state and territory ministers to promote trade, investment,
tourism and education.
The department led Australia’s negotiations on regional and bilateral free trade
agreements (FTAs) with key trading partners. We supported the Minister for Trade in
ensuring the successful conclusion of the ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand FTA, the
most liberal agreement ASEAN has ever concluded and Australia’s largest FTA, covering
20 per cent of Australia’s total trade. We began work on Australia’s participation in the
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, a plurilateral FTA aimed at enhancing economic
integration in the Asia-Pacific region.
The department started negotiations on a bilateral FTA with the Republic of Korea,
Australia’s third-largest export market. We resumed FTA negotiations with Malaysia,
finalised an FTA feasibility study with Indonesia and made substantial progress on an FTA
feasibility study with India. We continued extensive negotiations on FTAs with Japan, China
and the Gulf Cooperation Council member countries. We worked to strengthen existing
agreements with Chile, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.
7
SECTION 1
The department helped build Australia’s practical cooperation on security issues with
Japan and the United States through the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD). We hosted
an inaugural TSD meeting of humanitarian relief and disaster response experts to improve
trilateral coordination on disaster management.
SECTION 1
Enhancing key relationships
The department helped ensure the vitality of Australia’s partnership with the United
States across the breadth of Australia’s political, economic and security interests. During
the US elections and following the subsequent inauguration of President Obama, we
ensured the Government was well positioned to pursue Australia’s interests with the
United States, including through early visits by the Prime Minister and the Minister for
Trade. We supported the Minister for Foreign Affairs in attending the Australia–United
States Ministerial consultations in April 2009.
The department supported intensified high-level dialogue with North Asia, reflecting the
region’s critical strategic and economic importance to Australia. Building on Australia’s
mature and broad-ranging relationship with Japan, we worked to deepen complementary
economic ties and common strategic interests. The ‘2+2’ meeting of Australian and
Japanese foreign and defence ministers in December 2008 reaffirmed the commitment
voiced by the Prime Minister and his Japanese counterpart in their June 2008 joint
statement to promote bilateral security cooperation.
To enhance Australia’s growing links with China, the department facilitated a program of
high-level dialogue, including visits by the Prime Minister and the Governor-General. We
supported the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the second Australia–China Strategic Dialogue
held in China in March 2009 and coordinated the Minister’s visit to western China. By
supporting the Minister for Trade in his intensive and high-level advocacy, including four
visits to China, we helped enhance trade and investment across a range of sectors with
Australia’s second-largest two-way trading partner. We conveyed Australia’s concerns
about human rights issues in China at the annual bilateral Human Rights Dialogue in
Canberra in February 2009.
The department helped strengthen Australia’s ties with the Republic of Korea by
supporting a visit to Canberra by President Lee in March 2009, during which he and the
Prime Minister issued a joint statement on enhanced global and security cooperation.
We contributed to the Government’s productive dialogue with the ROK to promote global
economic recovery through the G20 Leaders’ Summit, including support for the ROK to
host the Summit in 2010.
To support the Government’s commitment to taking Australia’s relationship with India
to the front rank of our international partnerships, the department facilitated a visit by
the Minister for Foreign Affairs in September 2008. We managed a program of other
ministerial and media visits to support Australia’s broad-based people-to-people ties
with India, and to improve understanding in India of Australia’s cultural diversity and
student safety measures. We enhanced the Government’s engagement with South Asia
by securing observer status for Australia in the South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC).
The department helped deepen engagement with Indonesia through bilateral cooperation
and in regional and multilateral forums. We advanced Australia’s security interests
by implementing the Australia–Indonesia Agreement on the Framework for Security
Cooperation (the Lombok Treaty) through an ambitious plan of action to enhance
cooperation on defence, law enforcement, counter-terrorism and disaster response.
8
SECTION 1
We hosted a landmark conference in February 2009 aimed at fostering people-to-people
links, which the Prime Minister opened and our Portfolio Ministers attended.
The department fostered practical links with other ASEAN states. We boosted
Australia’s engagement with Thailand by organising the inaugural Australia–Thailand
Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, co-chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs
and his Thai counterpart in Perth in May 2009. We supported a visit to Malaysia by the
Prime Minister in July 2008, during which Australia and Malaysia established a sister
schools program and agreed a joint training program for teachers from Afghanistan.
We coordinated activities to commemorate 35 years of diplomatic relations between
Australia and Vietnam, including visits by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vietnam’s
Prime Minister; and began work towards establishing a Comprehensive Partnership. We
helped enhance strategic dialogue with the Philippines by supporting the participation
of our Portfolio Ministers at the bilateral ministerial meeting in Manila in October 2008,
which produced practical initiatives in mining and nursing. To advance the Government’s
comprehensive economic and security ties with Singapore, we supported an active
program of high-level visits, including by the Prime Minister and the Governor‑General.
We continued to press for political reconciliation and democratic progress in Burma,
including by implementation of a targeted sanctions regime.
We continued to assist East Timor through support for Australia’s leadership of the
International Stabilisation Force and working with AusAID to alleviate poverty and
strengthen economic growth.
In response to the Prime Minister’s Port Moresby Declaration in March 2008, the
department acted to enhance Australia’s engagement with Pacific island countries. We
worked with AusAID to conclude Pacific Development Partnerships, aimed at promoting
development outcomes, governance and economic growth, with Papua New Guinea,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Tonga, Nauru and Tuvalu. We supported the
Minister for Trade in securing the backing of Pacific Islands Forum Trade Ministers for
starting negotiations on PACER Plus, which will incorporate trade capacity-building and
trade development within a framework of enhanced regional economic integration.
The department helped bolster Australia’s substantial partnership with Papua New Guinea
by facilitating regular high-level exchanges, including the visit to Australia by the PNG
Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare. We managed the 19th Australia–PNG Ministerial
Forum in June 2009, which reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to consolidating
this relationship. We continued to coordinate Australian agencies’ involvement in the
Strongim Gavman Program, through which Australia and PNG work together to strengthen
PNG’s financial and economic management, public sector reform, law and justice and
border security.
The department worked to fulfil the Government’s commitment to supporting peace and
prosperity in Solomon Islands through practical bilateral cooperation and Australia’s
leadership of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands. Working with Pacific
Islands Forum members, the Commonwealth and other concerned members of the
international community, we continued to promote and actively support international
pressure on Fiji’s military regime to return the country to democracy and the rule of law,
and to respect human rights.
9
SECTION 1
The department enhanced Australia’s partnership with New Zealand by facilitating regular
high-level bilateral contacts, including the annual Closer Economic Relations Ministerial
Meeting in August 2008. We worked closely with New Zealand on coordinated approaches
to development assistance and economic growth in the Pacific island region.
The department worked to implement the Government’s policy of enhanced cooperation
with the European Union (EU) by concluding a new Partnership Framework, which the
Minister for Foreign Affairs launched in Paris in October 2008. The agreement aims
to boost Australia–EU engagement across a range of issues, including through closer
practical cooperation on international trade, climate change, international security
threats and development assistance. We helped secure a range of beneficial trade and
investment outcomes from the Australia–European Commission (EC) Trade Policy Dialogue
in June 2009, in which the Minister for Trade and his EC counterpart participated for the
first time.
The department helped maintain Australia’s enduring links with the United Kingdom,
including by supporting the Minister for Foreign Affairs in participating in the second
Australia–UK Ministerial Dialogue. This, and visits by the Prime Minister and other
ministers, served to underpin broad-based bilateral cooperation and engagement on
critical issues—most significantly on global responses to the economic crisis. We
contributed to developing the National Security Partnership, a framework for strengthened
security cooperation which the Prime Minister and his UK counterpart, Mr Brown,
announced in March 2009.
The department continued to support Australia’s broad and productive dialogue with
Canada on issues of mutual concern, including climate change and clean energy, and on
international efforts to build stability and democracy in Afghanistan.
We worked to implement the Government’s commitment to increased engagement with
Africa through enhanced trade and investment links, expanded development assistance
and stronger people-to-people ties. The department supported the Minister for Foreign
Affairs’ participation in the Executive Council meeting of the African Union in Addis Ababa
in January 2009, in which he gave the first address by an Australian Foreign Minister. We
supported the Governor-General’s visit to ten African countries in March–April 2009 and
visits to Australia by African ministers. We acted to strengthen Australia’s commercial
engagement throughout Africa, especially in the resources sector. We continued to
lead Australia’s response in pressing for political transformation in Zimbabwe and to
work with AusAID in providing humanitarian, and ‘humanitarian plus’, assistance to the
Zimbabwean people.
The department worked to expand trade, investment and people-to-people links with
Latin America and the Caribbean. We supported the visit to Peru by the Prime Minister
and our Portfolio Ministers for the APEC Summit in November 2008, during which the
Prime Minister announced that Australia would re-establish its diplomatic presence in Lima
in 2010. A highlight of the year was the entry into force in March 2009 of the Australia–
Chile FTA, Australia’s first with a Latin American country.
The department advanced the Government’s increased engagement with the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by securing agreement for an Australia–GCC foreign
minister-level dialogue and seeking to advance FTA negotiations.
10
SECTION 1
Enhancing consular and passport services
Australians travelled overseas in record numbers, resulting in increased demand for the
department’s consular assistance and for passport services. The department continued
to provide a highly efficient and responsive consular service. Our smartraveller public
information program advised Australian travellers of the importance of checking travel
advisories before travelling and registering their travel plans. We provided accurate and
up-to-date country-specific travel advice for 165 destinations to enable Australians to
make informed decisions and manage the risks associated with travel.
By strengthening our consular case and crisis management capacities, we were able to
respond quickly and effectively to more than 60 international crises in which the safety of
Australians travelling and residing overseas was at risk. The department’s consular case
load in remote and dangerous areas grew.
The department’s passport service to Australian travellers and expatriates remained
responsive and efficient in the context of continued strong growth in passport
applications. The average turnaround time for the issuance of travel documents was
5.1 days, well within the advertised client service commitment of ten working days.
A significant achievement for 2008–09 was the launch of the N series passport,
Australia’s most secure, attractive and advanced passport yet. We improved the
integrity of passport decision-making and issuance processes, including the use of
facial recognition technology to detect and prevent fraud, to further enhance the security
standards of our passport systems.
Promoting a positive image of Australia
Through its public diplomacy programs, the department worked to influence international
opinion and to project positive images of Australia. We brought to Australia 22 opinionshapers and decision-makers under our visits programs, enhancing understanding of
Australia’s policy environment, society and culture. We promoted informed coverage of
Australia in the international media by hosting visits by 84 journalists from 16 countries.
The department delivered Australia’s first major cultural program in Indonesia for many
years to increase appreciation and understanding among Indonesians of Australia’s
cultural diversity, in particular Indigenous visual arts and film. We promoted the Australian
film industry by staging 15 Australian film festivals throughout our overseas network.
The department worked to showcase Australian business expertise and culture to
the rapidly expanding Chinese market and to a wider global audience by managing
preparations for Australia’s participation in the World Expo in Shanghai in 2010.
We ensured that Australia was the first nation to complete the foundations of its
national pavilion.
11
SECTION 1
Enhancing security of Australia’s overseas missions and
communications
The security environment in which Australia’s overseas missions operate is often
dangerous and unpredictable. To enhance overseas staff security, the department
completed an extensive program of chancery security upgrades, including eight
relocations.
The use of the department’s classified communications system by other Australian
Government agencies increased, both in Australia and at diplomatic missions overseas.
We worked closely with these agencies to develop new agreements on the supply of, and
support for, communications infrastructure.
The department continued to manage its resources efficiently and flexibly. We achieved
efficiencies and higher productivity through careful prioritising and regular review of
budget allocations. We improved our records management systems with a successful pilot
program for a new Electronic Document and Records Management System to move from
paper-based to electronic filing.
Outlook
In 2009–10, the department will work to develop the Government’s policy response
to global economic developments and engagement with global governance machinery,
particularly the G20. We will continue to support the Prime Minister, our Portfolio
Ministers and other ministers in advancing Australia’s position in forthcoming
G20 Leaders’ Summits.
The department will continue to promote and advance the Asia Pacific community initiative
by organising a major international conference of academics and senior officials from
regional governments in December 2009.
We will continue to promote Australia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the
UN Security Council in 2013–2014. The department will engage extensively with regional
and multilateral systems, as well as with Australia’s key bilateral partners, in negotiating
effective solutions to global challenges, such as climate change, terrorism, WMD
proliferation and people smuggling. We will continue preparing for the UN Climate Change
Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009, working closely with the Department of
Climate Change.
The department will work to achieve the Government’s non-proliferation and disarmament
aims, including by supporting the ICNND’s efforts to shape a global consensus in the
lead-up to the 2010 NPT Review Conference. We will remain closely engaged with partners
in North Asia and the United States, and through the UN Security Council, to encourage
the DPRK to abandon its nuclear weapons program. We will continue to coordinate CT
activities in South-East Asia and Australia’s contribution to stability in Afghanistan. We
12
The department will continue to work actively with regional partners to ensure an effective
coordinated response to people smuggling.
Delivering an ambitious outcome to the Doha Round and pursuing trade liberalisation
through multilateral, regional and bilateral initiatives will remain Australia’s highest trade
priorities in 2009–10. We will continue to support the efforts of the Minister for Trade to
maintain international momentum to conclude the Round.
The department will work to enhance Australia’s alliance with the United States and the
Government’s relationship with the Obama Administration through practical and strategic
cooperation. We will continue to develop our important partnerships with Japan, China
and the Republic of Korea, and with Indonesia and other countries in South-East Asia.
We will support a deepening of Australia’s engagement with countries and regions that
directly and increasingly affect Australia’s economic, security, development and diplomatic
interests, including India, Pakistan, Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The department will use Australia’s leadership role as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum
in 2009–10 to redouble cooperation with Pacific island nations on responses to climate
change and the global economic crisis, advance regional economic integration and make
progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.
We will keep developing our capacity to meet the growing consular case load, with a
focus on maintaining a responsive and high-quality consular service to Australians as
they travel overseas in ever-increasing numbers. We will keep improving Australia’s
passports system, incorporating enhanced security regimes and fraud prevention and
detection technologies.
In an environment of continued high security risk, the department will strengthen
security arrangements for Australia’s overseas network, including current security-related
construction projects for new chanceries in Jakarta and Bangkok.
We will continue to manage resources adroitly and flexibly in our responses to the
Government’s policy initiatives and budget priorities, and to monitor closely and review as
necessary departmental expenditure. The outcomes for the department in the 2009–10
Budget will help us to pursue the Government’s priorities more effectively and build,
over time, diplomatic resources that are more in-depth and diversified. This will include
additional resources for our work on people smuggling and in Africa, Latin America, the
Caribbean, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Gillian Bird
Acting Secretary
13
SECTION 1
will strengthen dialogue with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe on
security issues of common interest.
SECTION 1
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
Role and functions
The department is responsible for advancing the interests of Australia and Australians
internationally. The department’s staff in Canberra, in our state and territory offices
and around the world work to achieve the department’s four outcomes, outlined in our
Portfolio Budget Statements 2008–09 and presented in Figure 4:
• the protection and advancement of Australia’s national interests through
contributions to international security, national economic and trade performance and
global cooperation
• the provision to Australians of information about and access to consular and passport
services in Australia and overseas
• public understanding in Australia and overseas of Australia’s foreign and trade policy
and a positive image of Australia internationally
• efficient management of the Commonwealth overseas owned estate.
To support the achievement of these outcomes in a challenging international environment,
the department deployed its staff and other resources in a targeted and flexible manner
(see Section 3 for more information).
Senior Executive of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (as at 30 June 2009).
L–R (seated): The Secretary, Mr Michael L’Estrange AO, Deputy Secretaries Ms Gillian Bird
and Mr Miles Kupa.
L–R (standing): Deputy Secretaries Mr Ric Wells, Mr Bruce Gosper and Mr David Ritchie AO.
14
Ov e rvi ews | D EPA RT M ENTA L OV ERV I EW
SECTION 1
Organisational structure
The Secretary and five deputy secretaries constitute the department’s senior executive.
Supported by the department’s senior executive service, they manage the department
and provide leadership on foreign and trade policy, consular and corporate issues. The
senior executive shapes the values and culture of the department, promotes the highest
professional standards of service to the Government and to Australia, and provides a fair
and professionally rewarding working environment for staff.
The department’s senior executive structure is outlined in Figure 2. In Canberra, as
at 30 June 2009, the department was made up of 13 divisions, as well as three
branches, the Australian Passport Office, the Overseas Property Office and the Australian
Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office.
The department manages an overseas network of 89 embassies, high commissions,
consulates-general and multilateral missions (for more information see Appendix 14).
Each overseas post is attached to a parent division in Canberra. In addition to
headquarters in Canberra, the department maintains offices in all Australian state
and territory capital cities. These offices provide consular and passport services to
the Australian community and liaison services to state and territory governments and
Australian business. We also maintain a Passport Office in Newcastle and a Liaison Office
on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. Details of our offices in Australia are provided
inside the back cover of this report.
The department engages people overseas to act as honorary consuls. Honorary consuls
provide consular assistance on behalf of the department to Australian travellers in
locations where the Australian Government does not maintain other representation
(see Appendix 14).
FIGURE 1. location of staff
Staff in state and territory offices (8%)
Staff in Canberra (37%)
Staff recruited
overseas (41%)
Australian staff
posted overseas (14%)
15
SECTION 1
Structure of the foreign affairs and trade portfolio
The foreign affairs and trade portfolio supports the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the
Minister for Trade, the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance,
the Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs and the Parliamentary Secretary to
the Minister for Trade in the conduct of Australia’s foreign and trade policy.
Six agencies make up the portfolio:
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)
• AusAID (Australian Agency for International Development)
• Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
• Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS)
• Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC).
Figure 3 outlines the portfolio structure and each agency’s outcomes.
16
Deputy Secretary
Ric Wells
Americas Division
First Assistant Secretary
Bill Tweddell
China FTA Task Force
Head - China FTA Task Force
Jan Adams PSM
Korea FTA Task Force
Head - Korea FTA Task Force
Jan Adams PSM
Japan FTA Task Force
Head - Japan FTA Task Force
Jan Adams PSM
Asia Trade Task Force
Head - Asia FTA Task Force
Michael Mugliston
Trade and Economic
Policy Division
Paul Tighe
Europe Division
Richard Maude
North Asia Division
Graham Fletcher
Office of Trade
Negotiations
Tim Yeend
Global Issues Branch
Assistant Secretary
David Engel
Deputy Secretary
Bruce Gosper
The Director General of ASNO is
a statutory officer responsible to
the Minister for Foreign Affairs
Australian Safeguards and
Non-Proliferation Office
(ASNO)
Director General
John Carlson
South and West Asia,
Middle East and
Africa Division
Deborah Stokes
International Security
Division
Jennifer Rawson
Ambassador for
Counter-Terrorism
Bill Paterson PSM
Diplomatic Security,
Information Management
and Services Division
Peter Rowe
Deputy Secretary and
ASEAN Ambassador
Gillian Bird
Australian Passport
Office
Executive Director
Bob Nash
Overseas Property Office
Executive Director
Peter Davin
Corporate Management
Division
James Wise
Chief Finance Officer
Ann Thorpe
Pacific Division
Richard Rowe
Shanghai World Expo 2010
Executive Director and
Commissioner-General
Peter Tesch
International Organisations
and Legal Division
Bassim Blazey A/g
Ambassador for People
Smuggling Issues
Peter Woolcott
Senior Legal Adviser
Penny Richards
South-East Asia Division
Brendon Hammer
Consular, Public Diplomacy
and Parliamentary Affairs
Division
Greg Moriarty
Protocol Branch
Chief of Protocol
Anne Moores
Deputy Secretary
David Ritchie AO
Executive, Planning and
Evaluation Branch
Assistant Secretary
Ian McConville A/g
Deputy Secretary
Miles Kupa
SECRETARY
Michael L’Estrange AO
SECTION 1
FIGURE 2. SENIOR EXECUTIVE STRUCTURE (AS AT 30 JUNE 2009)
17
SECTION 1
FIGURE 3. PORTFOLIO OUTCOMES STRUCTURE—FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE PORTFOLIO
AS AT 30 JUNE 2009
Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Hon. Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Trade
The Hon. Simon Crean MP
Parliamentary Secretary for International
Development Assistance
The Hon. Bob McMullan MP
Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister for Trade
The Hon. Anthony Byrne MP
Parliamentary Secretary for
Pacific Island Affairs
The Hon. Duncan Kerr SC MP
Secretary, Mr Michael L’Estrange AO
Outcome 1: Australia’s national interests protected and advanced
through contributions to international security, national economic
and trade performance and global cooperation
Outcome 2: Australians informed about and provided access to consular
and passport services in Australia and overseas
Outcome 3: Public understanding in Australia and overseas of Australia’s foreign
and trade policy and a positive image of Australia internationally
Outcome 4: Efficient management of the Commonwealth overseas owned estate
AusAID
Director General, Mr Bruce Davis
Outcome 1: To assist developing
countries to reduce poverty and achieve
sustainable development, in line with
Australia’s national interest
Outcome 1: Australians succeeding in
international business with widespread
community support
Outcome 2: Australia’s national interest
advanced by implementing a partnership
between Australia and Indonesia for
reconstruction and development
Outcome 2: Australians informed about
and provided access to consular,
passport and immigration services in
specific locations overseas
Australian Centre for International
Agricultural Research
Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter Core
Outcome 1: Agriculture in developing
countries and Australia is more
productive and sustainable as a result
of better technologies, practices,
policies and systems
Australian Secret Intelligence Service
Director General (Acting),
Mr Steven Robinson
Outcome 1: Enhance government
understanding of the overseas
environment affecting Australia’s vital
interests and take appropriate action,
consistent with applicable legislation, to
protect particular identified interests
18
Austrade
Chief Executive Officer,
Mr Peter O’Byrne
Outcome 2
Australians informed about and
provided access to consular and
passport services in Australia
and overseas
Output 2.1
Consular and passport services
Output 1.3
Services to other agencies in
Australia and overseas (including
Parliament, state representatives,
business and other organisations)
Outcome 1
Australia’s national interests
protected and advanced through
contributions to international
security, national economic
and trade performance and
global cooperation
Output 1.1
Protection and advocacy of
Australia’s international interests
through the provision of policy
advice to ministers and overseas
diplomatic activity
Output 1.2
Secure government
communications and security of
overseas missions
Output 4.2
Contract management
Output 4.1
Property management
Output 3.1
Public information services
and public diplomacy
Output 1.4
Services to diplomatic and
consular representatives
in Australia
Outcome 4
Efficient management of
the Commonwealth overseas
owned estate
Outcome 3
Public understanding in
Australia and overseas of
Australia’s foreign and trade
policy and a positive image of
Australia internationally
Secretary: Mr Michael L’Estrange AO
SECTION 1
FIGURE 4. OUTCOMES AND OUTPUTS FRAMEWORK 2008–09
19
Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, greeting Brazil’s Minister
for External Relations, Mr Celso Amorim, in Canberra
on 26 August 2008.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, welcomed the
then Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Hirofumi
Nakasone, to Perth for foreign policy discussions in
May 2009.
Photo: Russell Barton Photography
Opposite »
The Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, and
Indonesian President, Dr Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono, at the Bali Democracy Forum,
December 2008.
Photo: Auspic
20
PERFORMANCE
REPORTING
Section 2
Outcome 1
SECTION 2
Australia’s national interests protected and advanced through
contributions to international security, national economic and trade
performance and global cooperation
OUTPUT 1.1
Protection and advocacy of Australia’s international interests through the
provision of policy advice to ministers and overseas diplomatic activity
North Asia
South-East Asia
Americas
Europe
South and West Asia, Middle East and Africa
Pacific
Bilateral, regional and multilateral trade negotiations
Trade development and policy coordination
International organisations, legal and environment
Security, nuclear, disarmament and non-proliferation
OUTPUT 1.2
Secure government communications and security of overseas missions
OUTPUT 1.3
Services to other agencies in Australia and overseas (including Parliament,
state representatives, business and other organisations)
OUTPUT 1.4
Services to diplomatic and consular representatives in Australia
22
O u t p u t 1 .1 Protect i on and advocacy
Output 1.1
To protect and advance the national interest, the department will engage in effective
advocacy and overseas diplomatic activity to promote Australia’s international political,
security, economic and multilateral interests. It will ensure the accurate and timely
provision of policy advice to ministers to meet the challenges of an unpredictable
international environment.
Key Performance Indicators
2008–09 Target
• Deepening of Australia’s
relationship with the
United States
• Strengthen further our alliance with the United States by
continued strategic, defence and intelligence cooperation
• Enhancement of Australia’s
security through contributions
to national, regional and
international efforts to
promote a more stable
regional and global
security environment
• Influence the development of US strategic, foreign and trade
policy through high-level political engagement, including
ministerial visits, the Australia–United States Ministerial
Consultations (AUSMIN) and the Australia–United States Free
Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) Joint Committee
• Strengthen engagement with the United Nations, including
by building support for Australia’s bid for election to the
UN Security Council in 2013–2014
• Strengthen non-proliferation regimes by enhancing Australia’s
role in international non-proliferation and disarmament efforts,
including the International Commission on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament
• Deliver effective policy coordination on whole-of-government
approaches to Afghanistan and Iraq
• Advance coordination on key regional issues through the
Trilateral Strategic Dialogue
• Build support for Australian inclusion in any regional security
mechanisms arising from the Six-Party Talks
• Advance Australia’s international Chemical, Biological,
Radiological and Nuclear counter-terrorism programs and
strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation and capacity building
with key partners
• Strengthen whole-of-government efforts for regional cooperation
on people smuggling
23
SECTION 2
Protection and advocacy of Australia’s international
interests through the provision of policy advice to
ministers and overseas diplomatic activity
• Enhancement of engagement
with the Asia-Pacific region
• Develop further strong relations with Japan, including under the
Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, advance economic,
political and strategic relations with China and enhance
relations with the Republic of Korea
SECTION 2
• Strengthen relations in South Asia, particularly through highlevel political engagement, stronger institutional and economic
links with India and by broadening relations with Pakistan
• Strengthen ties with the countries of South-East Asia, notably
with Indonesia by building on the Framework for Security
Cooperation, and relations with ASEAN
• Enhance the role of the East Asia Summit in East Asian
economic integration
• Participate effectively in APEC and other regional forums to
build support for freer trade, make practical improvements in
the business environment and encourage economic reform in
the Asia-Pacific region
• Strengthen relations with Pacific island countries, particularly
through long-term Pacific Partnerships and effective
coordination to implement the Government’s enhanced Pacific
engagement strategy
• Promote political stability and economic growth in the region,
including in East Timor, and in Solomon Islands through
effective leadership of the Regional Assistance Mission to
Solomon Islands (RAMSI)
• Deepen economic and social integration with New Zealand
• Conclusion of consultations by the Special Envoy and
finalisation of the initial report to Government on the prospects
for an Asia Pacific community
• Advancement of Australia’s
national interests with
partners in Europe, the
Americas, the Middle East
and Africa
• Progress towards a new policy framework for practical
cooperation with the European Union (EU) on economic and
security interests
• Advance Australia–United Kingdom links, including cooperation
on shared defence and security interests, and the promotion of
strategies to address regional and global problems
• Strengthen ties with the Middle East and make practical
contributions to the Middle East peace process
• Sustain momentum in the relationship with Canada and deepen
relations with key Latin American partners
• Strengthen engagement with Africa
24
O u t p u t 1 .1 Protect i on and advocacy
• Progress towards an ambitious outcome to the WTO Doha
Round that delivers commercially-worthwhile outcomes on
agriculture, industrial products and services
• Maintain Australia’s influence in the WTO negotiations,
including through leadership of the Cairns Group, participation
in smaller groups and dialogue with key members
SECTION 2
• Contribution to national
prosperity through improved
access to overseas markets
for Australian business
through multilateral, bilateral,
regional means; efforts to
maintain and strengthen the
multilateral trading system;
and effective use of the
WTO to protect and pursue
Australia’s trade interests
• Defend any WTO challenges on quarantine, use the
WTO dispute settlement system to advance Australian
trade objectives, and provide high-quality legal advice on
WTO obligations
• Develop strategies to ensure FTAs support the multilateral
trading system, including through enhanced WTO oversight
of FTAs
• Progress current FTA negotiations, implement existing FTAs
effectively and examine the merits of new bilateral FTAs,
including through feasibility studies
• Progress the PACER Plus Pacific trade liberalisation
negotiations
• Assist with the completion of the comprehensive review
of export policies and programs and consider the
review’s findings
• Promotion of outcomes to
international deliberations
on global environmental
and energy-related issues
consistent with Australian
policy positions
• Maintain high-level pressure on Japan to halt its ‘scientific’
whaling program
• Maintain high-level pressure on whaling nations and promote
whale conservation, including by supporting the Special Envoy
for Whale Conservation
• Contribute to the launch of post-2012 global agreement on
climate change
• Ensure trade and environment outcomes are mutually
supportive
• Work with other agencies to enhance procedures for handling
illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in Australia’s
fishing zone and progress ‘Niue Plus’ Pacific regional fisheries
enforcement cooperation negotiations
• Contribution to the
development of a strong
international legal framework
• Satisfy all treaty and statutory obligations
• Intensify advocacy of the importance of an international
rules-based system
• Adopt a more active role and involvement in international
institutions and multilateral forums
• Encouragement of
wider international
application of universal
human rights standards,
democratic principles and
good governance
• Support efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the Human
Rights Council
• Advocate human rights bilaterally, regionally and in
international forums
• Strengthen advocacy of good governance and democracy
25
1.1.1 NORTH ASIA
SECTION 2
Overview
North Asia is a region of major strategic and economic importance to Australia. North
Asia’s markets account for just over half of Australia’s exports. The region’s continued
stability and prosperity bear vitally on Australia’s national interests.
The department strengthened Australia’s ties with North Asia and promoted the
Government’s political, economic and strategic objectives in the region. We facilitated
high-level exchanges including visits to China, Japan and Korea by the Prime Minister.
We supported a visit to Australia by the President of the Republic of Korea, during which
Australia and Korea issued a joint statement on security cooperation. The department
supported visits to Japan and China by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and four visits to
China by the Minister for Trade. We hosted visits to Australia by Korea’s Foreign Minister
and Trade Minister and by Japan’s Foreign Minister.
We promoted Australia’s economic interests, including through ongoing negotiations for
free trade agreements (FTAs) with China and Japan. The department also commenced
negotiation of an FTA with the Republic of Korea.
We continued to advance Australia’s security interests in the region, including support for
the denuclearisation of the DPRK.
The longstanding and complementary Australia–Republic of Korea relationship has been taken to a new level by Prime
Minister Rudd and President Lee, Foreign Ministers Stephen Smith and Yu Myung-hwan and by Trade Ministers Simon
Crean and Kim Jong-hoon. Here the two leaders confirm the warmth of relations to the media after discussions in
Canberra on 5 March 2009. They issued a Joint Statement on Enhanced Global and Security Cooperation and announced
an agreement to launch negotiations towards a bilateral free trade agreement.
Photo: Auspic
26
O u t p u t 1 .1 NO RT H ASI A
TABLE 1. AUSTRALIA’S TRADE IN GOODS AND SERVICES WITH NORTH ASIAN ECONOMIES
Exports
Exports
Imports
Imports
2008
$m
Japan
34,655
53,183
16.3
20,031
22,833
4.0
China
27,731
37,086
27.3
30,247
36,707
18.6
Republic of Korea
15,328
20,236
16.3
6,415
6,986
7.0
Taiwan
6,464
8,742
14.9
4,529
4,736
6.1
Hong Kong, China
4,395
4,653
1.0
3,073
3,290
5.4
93
60
1.1
21
20
4.0
88,666
123,960
18.0
64,316
74,572
10.5
Goods and services
Other
(b)
Total North Asia
(a)
2007
$m
2008
$m
Trend
growth
2003–2008
%
(a) Goods data on a recorded trade basis, services data on a balance of payments basis
(b) Goods data only. Services data is not published by the ABS for these countries
Sources: DFAT Stars database and ABS Catalogue 5368.0
Japan
The department helped reinforce Australia’s significant ties with Japan, a key partner in
North Asia. Australia and Japan share common values and a comprehensive economic,
security and strategic partnership. The year 2008 was a record year for bilateral trade with
Japan, which regained its position as Australia’s largest trading partner.
The department supported high-level visits to Japan that contributed to building the
bilateral relationship and promoting Australia’s strategic and economic interests. We
played a major role in supporting the visit of the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, in July 2008 to
attend the G8 Leaders’ Outlook Meeting in Hokkaido.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, visited Japan in December 2008 to attend
the ‘2+2’ Meeting of Australian and Japanese foreign and defence ministers to advance
security and defence cooperation. The ‘2+2’ meeting reaffirmed the commitment by the
Australian and Japanese prime ministers in their June 2008 joint statement to promote
bilateral security cooperation and peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
A key outcome of the ‘2+2’ meeting was agreement to begin discussions in early 2009
on a possible legal framework between the governments of Australia and Japan for
information sharing. The department also coordinated Australia’s whole-of-government
review and update of the bilateral security and defence cooperation Action Plan to reflect
progress under the 2007 Australia–Japan Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation and
set new goals.
Mr Smith welcomed the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr Hirofumi Nakasone, to Australia
as a Guest of Government in April–May 2009. The ministers discussed the G20, the
Australia–Japan FTA negotiations, nuclear non-proliferation, whaling, collaboration in
development assistance, including in the Pacific and in Afghanistan, and expanding
people-to-people links. During his visit, Mr Nakasone met the Prime Minister in Melbourne.
27
SECTION 2
2007
$m
Trend
growth
2003–2008
%
SECTION 2
The department hosted consultations on East Asia and the Pacific with senior officials
from Japan’s foreign ministry.
The Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, promoted Australia’s trade and economic objectives
in discussions with his counterpart, the Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry,
Mr Toshihiro Nikai, at multilateral meetings, including the World Economic Forum in Davos
in January 2009 and at the OECD Ministerial Council meeting in June 2009. Mr Crean
also advocated the potential gains from successful conclusion to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) Doha Round, our interests in promoting regional economic integration
and Australia’s strong commitment to concluding with Japan a comprehensive free
trade agreement.
To enhance Australia’s robust economic ties with Japan, the department facilitated
the establishment of a new trade and economic ministerial dialogue with Japan, which
Mr Crean announced on 26 June 2009. The inaugural dialogue meeting will occur in the
second half of 2009. We supported Mr Crean’s advocacy of bilateral and multilateral trade
issues. The department held three negotiating rounds with Japan on a comprehensive FTA
(see sub‑output 1.1.7).
Goods and services trade between Australia and Japan was valued at $76 billion, a
39 per cent increase on 2007. Merchandise exports to Japan rose by 59 per cent to
$50.8 billion, mainly due to increased prices for resources such as coal and iron ore.
Agricultural exports increased by 11 per cent to $5.8 billion. Japan remained our largest
export market and was our largest market for coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG), beef,
and dairy products. Merchandise imports were valued at $20.2 billion. Major imports
were passenger motor vehicles and transport vehicles. In addition, Japan was Australia’s
third-largest source of foreign investment.
Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Mr Bob McMullan, with the then Prime Minister of
Japan, Mr Taro Aso, during the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) Five (V) Summit in Japan on 22 May 2009.
28
FIGURE 5. Australia’s trade in goods and services with Japan
Balance
60 000
Imports
Exports
50 000
SECTION 2
$ MILLION
40 000
30 000
20 000
10 000
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
The department coordinated a fifth round of the biennial Australia–Japan Conference. Held
in Tokyo on 19 November 2008, the conference brought together senior representatives
from politics, business, academia and the media. The conference was co-chaired by
Sir Rod Eddington, Chairman of the Australia–Japan Business Cooperation Committee,
and Mr Akio Mimura, Chairman of the Japan–Australia Business Cooperation Committee.
The then Japanese Prime Minister, Mr Taro Aso, delivered the keynote address. The
conference generated and promoted new ideas in support of the bilateral relationship.
We undertook intensified diplomatic efforts for reform of the International Whaling
Commission and urged Japan to end ‘scientific whaling’ (see sub‑output 1.1.9).
The department supported the Australia–Japan Foundation in its work to foster
mutual understanding and goodwill between the peoples of Australia and Japan
China
The department supported a constructive bilateral relationship with China based on
significant shared interests. We engaged with China on such important international
concerns as the G20 response to the global economic crisis, climate change, nuclear
non‑proliferation and the WTO Doha Round. The department facilitated a busy program
of high-level exchange, including visits to China by the Governor-General and the
Prime Minister.
Australia’s economic and trade relationship with China continued to grow, despite
the global economic slowdown. China was Australia’s second-largest two-way trading
partner in 2008, with trade in goods and services reaching $73.8 billion, comprising
13.2 per cent of total Australian trade. Australia’s merchandise exports to China grew
by 36 per cent to reach $32.3 billion. The department continued to work towards a
free trade agreement (FTA) as a means of deepening the economic relationship (see
sub‑output 1.1.7). The department supported four visits by the Minister for Trade,
29
SECTION 2
Mr Crean, to China to promote Australia’s trade and economic interests in China’s rapidly
developing inland regions and advocate Australia’s interests in the FTA negotiations.
The department coordinated the March 2009 visit to China by the Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Mr Smith, for the second Australia–China Strategic Dialogue with his counterpart
Mr Yang Jiechi. The dialogue covered global security issues and discussed ways in which
China and Australia can work together in regional and multilateral forums to support
shared objectives.
Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Chairman, Mr Zhang Ping,
meet to discuss the Australia–China FTA, in Beijing on 31 March 2009.
In the lead‑up to, and during, the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, we provided
extensive support to the large number of Australians who attended the Games, including
team members, Business Club Australia participants and spectators.
The department also facilitated visits to Australia by Chinese Communist Party
Politburo Standing Committee members, Mr Zhou Yongkang (November 2008) and
Mr Li Changchun (March 2009). These visits were aimed at increasing awareness of
Australian perspectives within the Chinese leadership.
Under the Special Visits Program, the department hosted a visit by Professor Zhu Feng,
the Deputy Director, Centre for International and Strategic Studies, Beijing University, to
enhance awareness of Australia’s perspectives on strategic issues.
30
The department convened the 12th round of the Australia–China Human Rights Dialogue
in February 2009 in Canberra, in which a wide range of concerns and issues were
discussed (see sub‑output 1.1.9).
Iron ore remains Australia’s biggest export to China, almost doubling in value in 2008
to $18 billion. The department worked with industry to facilitate this trade, including by
highlighting the importance of market principles as the basis for trade.
Agricultural exports remain an important component of bilateral trade. China is the
largest market for Australian wool, worth $1.4 billion in 2008. We continued to pursue
greater access for Australian agricultural products, contributing to finalising several export
protocols. The department assisted Australian companies involved in commercial disputes
in China.
FIGURE 6. Australia’s trade in goods and services with China
Balance
40 000
Exports
Imports
35 000
30 000
$ MILLION
25 000
20 000
15 000
10 000
5 000
0
–5 000
–10 000
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
The department facilitated the fourth Australia–China Business Council (ACBC) Canberra
Networking Day at Parliament House in March 2009. Ministers and senior officials
discussed with ACBC members key priorities in Australia’s policy approach to China, and
future prospects for the business relationship in the context of the global economic crisis.
The department supported the work of the Australia–China Council in building
understanding in China of contemporary Australia’s scientific, technological and
educational outlook (see sub‑output 3.1.2).
31
SECTION 2
The department organised the third annual High-level Economic Cooperation Dialogue
in Canberra on 22 October 2008, co-chaired by Mr Crean with the Chairman of China’s
National Development and Reform Commission, Mr Zhang Ping. The wide-ranging
discussion covered bilateral trade and cooperation in clean energy and energy security,
minerals and energy resources, transport and infrastructure, two-way investment and our
respective economic reform agendas.
Taiwan
We led Australia’s delegation to the 13th round of the annual bilateral economic
consultations, which contributed to advancing our trade interests in energy and resources,
investment, science and technology, and education. The department supported separate
talks with Taiwan on energy and minerals, electronics, and agriculture, and assisted in the
signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in industrial property.
We conducted an active and successful public diplomacy program focused on promoting
Australian expertise in science, technology and the arts, including through sponsoring
visits by high-profile Australians in these fields.
FIGURE 7. Australia’s trade in goods and services with Taiwan
Exports
Balance
10 000
Imports
9 000
8 000
7 000
$ MILLION
SECTION 2
The department supported Australia’s economic and trade interests in Taiwan. In 2008,
Australia’s exports to Taiwan reached $8.7 billion, making Taiwan our ninth-largest
export market.
6 000
5 000
4 000
3 000
2 000
1 000
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Hong Kong
The department worked closely with the Australian business community to advance our
commercial interests in Hong Kong, which remains a premier business base in southern
China and a major source of investment. In 2008, exports to Hong Kong reached
$4.7 billion and two-way trade was $7.9 billion.
A highlight was the conclusion of a bilateral MOU on cooperation in wine-related business,
signed by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mr Tony Burke, on behalf of
Australia during a visit to Hong Kong in April. The MOU will help lift the profile of Australian
wine in Hong Kong and boost Australia’s share of the Hong Kong wine market.
Macau
We continued to support Australia’s commercial and other interests in Macau through the
regular consular visits and community outreach programs conducted by the Hong Kong
Consulate-General.
32
Republic of Korea (ROK)
The department contributed to strengthening our bilateral relationship with the ROK,
building on our shared values, substantial and complementary economic ties and common
strategic interests.
The department continued to promote the benefits of a comprehensive free trade
agreement (FTA), contributing to the agreement announced by the Prime Minister,
Mr Rudd, and the President, Mr Lee, to begin FTA negotiations. The Minister for Trade,
Mr Crean, and the ROK Trade Minister, Mr Kim Jong-hoon, launched the first round of
FTA negotiations during the fifth Australia-Korea Ministerial Joint Trade and Economic
Commission in Melbourne on 18 May 2009. The two trade ministers also discussed
a broad range of bilateral, regional and international trade issues. Mr Crean sought
the relaxation of measures affecting Australian horticulture exporters and investment
In addition to supporting ministerial engagement on trade and economic issues, the
department worked with other agencies and industry to support Australia’s expanding
commercial interests in the ROK. To help Australia retain market share following the
resumption by the ROK of US beef imports, the department cooperated with Meat and
Livestock Australia and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to
promote the clean, safe image of Australian beef. We also worked closely with DAFF
on a number of agricultural market access issues, and continued to support efforts by
Australia’s LNG industry to increase sales to the ROK.
FIGURE 8. Australia’s trade in goods and services with the Republic of Korea
Balance
25 000
Imports
Exports
$ MILLION
20 000
15 000
10 000
5 000
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
33
SECTION 2
The department led a whole-of-government effort towards closer bilateral, regional and
multilateral cooperation with the ROK, resulting in a joint statement and action plan on
enhanced global and security cooperation announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd and
the ROK President, Mr Lee Myung-bak, in Canberra on 5 March 2009. Specific areas of
cooperation include law enforcement, border security, counter-terrorism, disarmament and
non-proliferation, defence and disaster response.
SECTION 2
The ROK maintained its position as Australia’s third-largest export market. Australian
exports to the ROK grew dramatically in 2008, increasing 32 per cent to $20.2 billion,
due to the higher value of iron ore and coal sales, which accounted for almost half of
merchandise exports. Services exports in 2008 were valued at $1.8 billion. The ROK was
Australia’s seventh-largest source of visitor arrivals and third-largest source of overseas
student enrolments.
The department supported the visit to Australia by the ROK Minister for Foreign Affairs
and Trade, Mr Yu Myung-hwan, in January 2009 for talks with Mr Smith. Under the Special
Visits Program we hosted a visit by the ruling ROK Grand National Party chair, Mr Park
Hee-tae, and six other members of parliament. The visit was important in advancing our
bilateral objectives and reinforcing the priority Australia places on its relationship with
the ROK.
The department provided secretariat support to the Australia–Korea Foundation in its
efforts to broaden and deepen relations with the ROK by enhancing mutual understanding
and collaboration between the two countries (see sub‑output 3.1.2).
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
The department continued to work closely with the United States, Japan, the ROK and
other countries in support of international efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the
DPRK nuclear issue. The Government condemned both the DPRK’s launch in April 2009 of
a long-range ballistic missile and its apparent underground nuclear test in May 2009. We
urged UN Security Council members to respond strongly to the nuclear test and welcomed
the Council’s unanimous adoption on 12 June 2009 of Resolution 1874 condemning the
test and strengthening sanctions against the DPRK.
We coordinated whole-of-government action to implement Australia’s obligations under
Resolution 1874, as well as continuing implementation of the earlier Resolution
1718 passed in response to the DPRK’s 2006 missile test. Australia also maintained
autonomous sanctions comprising restrictions on travel to Australia by DPRK nationals, a
ban on port entry by DPRK‑flagged ships and financial sanctions against 12 entities and
one individual linked to the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs.
We engaged the DPRK directly to urge it to abandon its nuclear weapons program,
including during visits to Pyongyang by Australia’s non-resident Ambassador (based in
Seoul) in August 2008, March 2009 and June 2009. These delegations also urged
the DPRK to work to improve relations with Japan and the ROK, and raised Australia’s
concerns about the DPRK’s human rights record.
While bilateral development assistance to the DPRK remained suspended, Australia
continued to provide humanitarian assistance, without linkage to political considerations,
for the North Korean people through UN agencies and the Red Cross. The value of this
assistance totalled $6.75 million in 2008–09.
34
Our work in support of the Six-Party Talks included consultations with its members on
possible future regional security mechanisms. With the breakdown of the talks, the
prospects of any mechanism developing soon are low.
Mongolia
Her Majesty Empress Michiko (of Japan) views the Emily Kame Kngwarreye exhibition accompanied by
Australian Ambassador to Japan, Mr Murray McLean OAM, the Deputy Director of the National Art Center, Tokyo,
Mr Osamu Fukunaga and Australian Embassy interpreter, Mr Kazuyuki Hirasawa, in Tokyo, July 2008.
Photo: The Yomiuri Shimbun
Outlook
The department will work with North Asian partners to promote regional stability and
Australia’s economic interests.
We will strengthen Australia’s strategic engagement in the North Asian region, building
on existing joint cooperative arrangements and bilateral dialogues. The department will
engage these governments on major international priorities for Australia, such as climate
change, global financial governance, regional architecture, nuclear non-proliferation
and whaling.
35
SECTION 2
We continued to support Australia’s expanding relationship with Mongolia. The opening of
Mongolia’s Embassy in Canberra in October 2008 enabled closer engagement. We worked
with industry in support of Australian commercial interests in Mongolia, particularly in the
resources and energy sector.
SECTION 2
The department will promote Australia’s business interests in these important markets,
which continue to be affected by the global economic crisis. The department will pursue a
successful outcome to free trade agreement negotiations with China, Japan and the ROK.
We will maintain close engagement with regional partners and the United States and fully
implement relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions in order to help encourage
the DPRK to return to pursuing a negotiated settlement of the nuclear issue.
36
O u t p u t 1 .1 SO U T H -EAST ASI A
1.1.2 SOUTH-EAST ASIA
Overview
The department intensified engagement with Indonesia, including in regional and
multilateral forums, on a range of areas including the G20, World Trade Organization
(WTO), counter-terrorism, combating people smuggling and illegal fishing and promoting
democratic development in the region. We deepened relations with Malaysia, pursuing new
areas of cooperation identified during a visit by the Prime Minister in 2008. Continuing
high-level contact with Singapore reinforced an already strong agenda of engagement
across the breadth of security, trade and foreign policy issues. Commemorating 35 years
of diplomatic relations with Vietnam, the department laid the groundwork and developed
initiatives for new areas of bilateral cooperation.
Visits to the Philippines by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Trade
emphasised Australia’s commitment to the peace process in Mindanao and highlighted
potential for increased commercial contacts. Political unrest in Thailand saw the
department focus on protecting Australia’s extensive interests and assisting Australian
travellers caught up in developments. We maintained pressure on the regime in Burma in
the face of the continued repression of the Burmese people and an increased number of
displaced persons.
The department focused on initiatives to strengthen existing regional architecture and
on possible future developments, including promoting the concept of an Asia Pacific
community. We coordinated increased Australian cooperation with the Association of
South-East Asian Nations, the highlight of which was the conclusion of the ASEAN–
Australia–New Zealand free trade agreement (AANZFTA) in February 2009. We also
sought to strengthen regional forums, including the East Asia Summit. The department
led a campaign to secure Australia’s membership of the Asia–Europe Meeting process of
dialogue and cooperation.
Indonesia
The department worked to reinforce Australia’s important relationship with Indonesia with
a strong focus on advancing further cooperation on security and trade issues and building
people-to-people links. We facilitated a large number of successful high-level exchanges
including visits by 15 Australian and 15 Indonesian ministers. The Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Mr Smith, made two visits. The department coordinated the ninth Australia–
Indonesia Ministerial Forum (AIMF) in November 2008 in Canberra which involved the
participation of eight Indonesian ministers. We took the lead in implementing initiatives
emerging from the AIMF including to expand trade and investment. We also supported the
Minister for Trade, Mr Crean in his role as chair of the 33rd WTO Cairns Group Ministerial
Meeting in Bali in June 2009 (see sub‑output 1.1.8).
37
SECTION 2
Strengthening Australia’s relationships and fostering closer practical engagement with key
regional partners in South-East Asia were high priorities for the department in 2008–09.
TABLE 2. AUSTRALIA’S TRADE IN GOODS AND SERVICES WITH SOUTH-EAST ASIA
SECTION 2
Goods and services
(a)
Exports
Exports
2007
$m
2008
$m
Imports
Imports
Trend
growth
2003–2008
%
2007
$m
2008
$m
Trend
growth
2003–2008
%
Indonesia
4,801
5,293
6.7
5,518
6,212
5.8
Malaysia
4,479
5,488
10.6
8,317
9,967
13.5
Philippines
1,369
1,824
9.8
1,102
1,082
1.5
Singapore
7,248
10,054
11.6
14,652
20,954
22.5
Thailand
5,222
6,297
15.5
9,452
11,972
24.1
Vietnam
1,806
2,200
29.1
5,037
5,755
19.1
305
277
11.5
1,338
1,493
18.3
25,230
31,433
11.9
45,416
57,435
17.4
Other
Total ASEAN
East Timor
(b)
Total South-East Asia
37
35
–5.5
2
11
23.8
25,267
31,468
11.9
45,418
57,446
17.4
(b) Goods data only. Services data is not published by the ABS for this country
The department advanced Australia’s security interests through implementing the
Australia–Indonesia Agreement on the Framework for Security Cooperation (the Lombok
Treaty) which came into force in February 2008. We coordinated development of the
Lombok Treaty plan of action adopted at the inaugural meeting of the officials-level
Security Cooperation Consultation Group in November 2008. The plan of action outlines
an ambitious agenda to enhance cooperation in a range of fields covering defence, law
enforcement, counter-terrorism and disaster response. The department continued close
cooperation with partners in Indonesian national and regional governments and civil
society organisations to counter terrorism (see sub‑output 1.1.10).
We advanced Australia’s interests through working closely with Indonesia in regional and
multilateral forums. The Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, co-chaired the inaugural Bali Democracy
Forum in December 2008, with Indonesia’s President, Mr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
The Australian and Indonesian foreign ministers, Mr Smith and Dr Wirajuda, co-chaired
the Third Bali Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons
and Related Transnational Crime in April 2009 (see sub‑output 1.1.9). In response to the
global economic crisis, we worked closely with Indonesia to mobilise support for the G20.
We also increased cooperation with Indonesia in regional and multilateral environmental
and other forums. The department worked with the Department of Climate Change to
facilitate cooperation on climate change with Indonesia. This work included implementing
the Indonesia–Australia Forest Carbon Partnership (signed in June 2008) and the
development of joint Australia–Indonesia submissions for international negotiations under
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
38
The Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, and Indonesian Minister for Trade, Dr Mari Pangestu, share a lighter moment before
they address the Australia–Indonesia Conference business lunch in Sydney on 20 February 2009.
Photo: Benjamin Townsend Photography
We concluded a joint feasibility study for a possible free trade agreement (FTA) with
Indonesia, which was welcomed by the Australian and Indonesian trade ministers,
Mr Crean and Dr Pangestu, at the eighth Australia–Indonesia Trade Ministers Meeting
(TMM) in February 2009 (see sub‑output 1.1.7). The department worked closely with
Australian industry and the Indonesian Government to strengthen the bilateral trade
and investment relationship. We implemented key recommendations of the Trade and
Investment Framework Experts Group, which presented its final report to ministers at the
TMM in February 2009.
The department initiated and hosted a major conference in Sydney in February 2009,
which focused on developing a vigorous and practical bilateral partnership. The
Prime Minister delivered the keynote address at the conference, while Mr Smith and
his Indonesian counterpart also addressed the conference. Three Indonesian ministers
attended as part of a 70-strong Indonesian delegation of political, religious, community,
youth and business leaders. We are pursuing several initiatives that emerged from the
conference, with a focus on fostering people-to-people links and promoting Indonesian
studies in Australia. Visits by filmmaker Ms Mira Lesmana and women’s rights advocate
39
SECTION 2
Following a rise in unauthorised boat arrivals, the department coordinated increased
cooperation with the Indonesian Government to prevent and deter people smugglers from
using Indonesia as a transit country to reach Australia. We also continued to cooperate
with Indonesia on measures to address illegal fishing in Australia’s northern waters,
partly by conducting a public information campaign. Sightings and apprehensions of illegal
Indonesian fishing boats decreased compared with 2007–08 (see sub‑output 1.1.9).
SECTION 2
Ms Kamala Chandrakirana under the Special Visits Program helped to strengthen
people-to-people networks in underdeveloped areas and highlighted new directions for
potential cooperation.
The department supported the Australia–Indonesia Institute in building stronger links
between the peoples of Australia and Indonesia. We designed and delivered the Australia
International Cultural Council’s first major cultural diplomacy program in Indonesia for
many years (see sub‑output 3.1.2).
Thailand
The department coordinated the inaugural Australia–Thailand Joint Commission on
Bilateral Cooperation chaired by Mr Smith and his Thai counterpart, Mr Kasit, in May 2009
in Perth. The Joint Commission provided a venue for ministers to discuss the full range
of bilateral and broader strategic issues and was also the first visit to Australia by a Thai
Foreign Minister since the 2006 coup in Thailand. The department supported the visit
by Mr Crean to Thailand in February 2009 in conjunction with the signing of the AANZFTA
(see sub‑output 1.1.7). Our facilitation of visits by Thai parliamentary and community
delegations promoted increased understanding of Australia and Australian life across a
wide range of areas.
The Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok, Ms Bronte Moules, distributing blankets to residents
of the Klong Toey slum area in Bangkok during her visit to Sister Joan’s milk run project, which was supported by the
Australian Embassy Discretionary Fund in January 2009. Sister Joan is from the Western Australian Congregation of
Presentation Sisters and has been working in the area since 1991.
Advocacy of the Government’s pursuit of broader economic ties between Thailand and
Australia saw the department focus on securing Thai agreement to begin negotiations
on further trade and investment liberalisation under the Thailand–Australia FTA. These
40
negotiations would cover services, investment, business mobility, competition and
government procurement. We are discussing with Thailand the commencement of
these negotiations.
We supported the Australia–Thailand Institute in its work to strengthen people-to-people
and institutional links (see sub‑output 3.1.2).
Singapore
The department pursued a busy program of high-level exchange with Singapore, reflecting
close bilateral ties and cooperation on a range of regional and other issues. This included
three visits to Singapore by the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, and a visit by the Deputy Prime
Minister, Ms Gillard. Mr Smith and Mr Crean attended ASEAN-related meetings during
Singapore’s term as ASEAN Chair. We also supported a visit by the Governor-General in
November 2008.
We maintained close and regular dialogue with Singapore on a wide range of regional
issues including the East Asia Summit and Australia’s interest in participating in the AsiaEurope Meeting.
The department undertook two rounds of negotiations with Singapore on the second
review of the Singapore–Australia FTA, during which we reached in-principle agreement on
enhanced text in relation to investment and intellectual property (see sub‑output 1.1.7).
Malaysia
We advanced the bilateral relationship with Malaysia, supporting the visit by the
Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, in July 2008, and working with other agencies to implement a
program of cooperative activities agreed by the Malaysian and Australian prime ministers.
These included the Malaysia‑Australia Education Project for Afghanistan and a pilot sisterschools project involving 12 schools from the state of Victoria and Malaysia.
The department coordinated Australian involvement in the bilateral Joint Trade Committee
meeting, which took place in Malaysia in October 2008. Industry round-tables on financial
services and legal services, initiated by the department, brought together Australian and
Malaysian representatives in Kuala Lumpur. The round-tables contributed to discussion
of the roadmap for liberalisation in Malaysia and the potential for Australian business
involvement. We recommenced discussions with Malaysia on the proposed Malaysia–
Australia FTA (see sub‑output 1.1.7).
Through our High Commission in Malaysia, we hosted ‘Australia Month’ in April 2009,
which promoted Australian food and beverage exports to Malaysia and resulted in
considerable positive coverage of Australia in the Malaysian media. Participation in
June 2009 in the inaugural Young Diplomats’ Round-table—a bilateral initiative—laid the
41
SECTION 2
The department led Australia’s response to the uncertain political environment in
Thailand, which included unrest and demonstrations in November–December 2008 and
the cancellation of the East Asia Summit in Pattaya in April 2009.
SECTION 2
foundations for enhanced engagement with the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We
supported the Australia–Malaysia Institute in its role of promoting greater understanding
between Australians and Malaysians (see sub‑output 3.1.2).
The Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, with Malaysia’s then Minister of Education, Mr Hishammuddin Hussein, and students
of Aminuddin Baki Secondary School, in Kuala Lumpur on 10 July 2008. The school is one of six Malaysian schools
participating in the DFAT-funded Australia–Malaysia Sister Schools Project. Mr Rudd launched the project on his first
official visit to Malaysia.
The Philippines
The department supported participation by Mr Smith and Mr Crean in a successful
Philippines–Australia Ministerial Meeting in Manila in October 2008, enhancing
engagement across the spectrum of the bilateral relationship. In particular, ministers
agreed to initiatives to support sustainable mining practices and regulation,
offering prospects for greater Australian business participation in Philippine
economic development.
The department played a coordinating role in Australia’s support for security and stability
in the Philippines. Australia’s support included development assistance, defence and
counter-terrorism cooperation, advocacy of adherence to international human rights norms,
and, since the breakdown in the Mindanao peace process in August 2008, calls for a
return to negotiations and a renewed commitment by all parties to achieving a lasting
peace settlement.
Under the Special Visits Program, we hosted Senator Francis Escudero, a potential
candidate for Philippine President in 2010, to promote understanding of Australian
policy settings and provide opportunities to engage with senior political, community and
business leaders (see sub‑output 3.1.2).
42
Vietnam
The department contributed to the visit to Australia by the Vietnamese Prime Minister,
Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, in October 2008. The visit outcomes included the granting
of clemency for two Australians sentenced to death for drug trafficking; signature
of a prisoner transfer agreement; and an offer of Australian assistance on a major
infrastructure project in Vietnam, subject to the outcome of a feasibility study.
Our promotion of trade and investment by Australian companies contributed to
successful commercial outcomes. At the prime ministers’ press conference after
bilateral discussions, Mr Rudd welcomed Mr Dung’s announcement of the grant of a fully
foreign-owned bank licence to ANZ Bank.
We hosted the Australia–Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue in Canberra in August 2008
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, meeting Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, during celebrations to
mark 35 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam, in Hanoi in July 2008.
Photo: Le Gia Thang
43
SECTION 2
Australia and Vietnam commemorated the 35th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic relations in 2008. We worked to expand the bilateral relationship, including
through high-level exchanges. A visit to Vietnam by Mr Smith in July 2008 generated
new areas of cooperation including a commitment to assist Vietnam with anti-corruption
training and to reinvigorate a strategic dialogue.
SECTION 2
East Timor
The department continued to coordinate Australia’s whole-of-government efforts to build a
stable and more prosperous East Timor. These efforts focused on Australia’s contribution
to the Australia-led International Stabilisation Force; the bilateral development cooperation
program; and strengthening of East Timor’s domestic security capacity through major
bilateral police and defence development programs. As a result of improved security, we
were able to encourage the development of greater trade and investment linkages with
East Timor including through support for a number of trade delegations from Australia.
We assisted high-level exchanges including a visit by the Governor-General to East Timor in
December 2008, and visits to Australia by the East Timorese Prime Minister, Mr Xanana
Gusmao, in August 2008 and the Foreign Minister, Mr Zacarias da Costa, in February
2009. We supported the fourth Australia–East Timor–Indonesia trilateral meeting that took
place at foreign ministers’ level in Bali in April 2009.
Other bilateral relationships
The department backed efforts by the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Burma
and worked closely with partners in the region to encourage political reform in Burma.
The department made strong representations to the regime over the detention of over
2000 political prisoners, increased numbers of displaced persons and the trial and
ongoing detention of opposition leader Ms Aung San Suu Kyi. The department advanced
the Government’s policy of maintaining pressure on the Burmese regime through financial
sanctions and travel restrictions. We conducted the first-year review of the financial
sanctions list announced by Mr Smith in Parliament in October 2008.
We continued our assistance for the judicial process to bring to trial former Khmer Rouge
leaders in Cambodia, which saw the trial of first defendant, Kaing Guek Eav, known as
Duch. The department supported a visit by Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Secretary-General of
the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
We continued to develop our bilateral relationship with Laos, including by sponsoring
a visit to Australia in May 2009 of the newly appointed Lao Minister for Planning and
Investment, Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaytoune. We coordinated the Australia–Laos Human
Rights Dialogue in Vientiane on 6–9 April 2009 (see sub‑output 1.1.9).
The department supported Australian foreign policy, security and commercial interests
in Brunei and promoted Australia as an education destination. We worked closely with
the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to manage the construction of a memorial at Pantai
Muara in Brunei to commemorate Australian operations in 1945, as well as the formal
dedication of the memorial by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Mr Alan Griffin, in
December 2008.
44
ASEAN and regional issues
The department coordinated Australian participation in the East Asian Summit (EAS).
Despite the postponement of the 2008 EAS until October 2009, we were instrumental in
securing an EAS leaders’ statement in June 2009 on the global economic crisis. Working
with other agencies, we made a substantial contribution to the EAS agenda, including
facilitating Australian involvement in a second-track study of possible enhanced economic
integration, through a Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia.
A significant outcome that advanced Australia’s trade interests in the region was the
conclusion of the ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA), signed by Mr Crean in
Thailand in February 2009 (see sub‑output 1.1.7). The department also coordinated the
renewed plan of action to implement the ASEAN–Australia Comprehensive Partnership,
identifying priority areas for cooperation in political, security, economic, development and
socio-cultural areas.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, with the Singaporean Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Mr George Yeo, at the ASEAN–Australia Ministerial Meeting in Singapore in July 2008.
Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs
45
SECTION 2
The department coordinated the international consultations of the Prime Minister’s
Special Envoy on the Asia Pacific community (APc) initiative, Mr Richard Woolcott AC,
and assisted in the production of the Special Envoy’s report. We worked to advance the
initiative, which underlined Australia’s determination to play an active and constructive
regional role, both through initial scoping for the one-and-a-half track APc conference
announced by the Prime Minister and by dialogue with officials from regional governments
in Canberra and overseas.
The department led a campaign to secure Australia’s membership of the Asia–Europe
Meeting (ASEM) process of dialogue and cooperation. Australia’s application to join the
ASEM process was welcomed by Asian and European Foreign Ministers at the ASEM
Hanoi Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (25–26 May 2009). ASEM brings together 16 Asian
nations and the ASEAN Secretariat, along with the 27 European Union nations and the
European Commission.
FIGURE 9. Australia’s trade in goods and services with ASEAN
Balance
60 000
Imports
Exports
50 000
40 000
30 000
$ MILLION
SECTION 2
20 000
10 000
0
–10 000
–20 000
–30 000
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Outlook
Strengthening our relationships and fostering closer practical engagement with the
countries of South-East Asia will remain a priority for the department, particularly in
cooperation on regional security and transnational crime. The department will work to
open new markets, reduce barriers to trade and improve access for Australian business.
We will seek early implementation of AANZFTA and maintain the momentum of our FTA
agenda. The department will focus on initiatives to strengthen existing regional forums
and new options for enhanced regional cooperation. Advancing the Comprehensive
Economic Partnership in East Asia will be a priority.
In consultation with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, we will coordinate
and take forward the Government’s discussions with countries in the region to promote an
APc, including through mounting a major one-and-a-half track conference in Australia in late
2009 to discuss the initiative. We will work with ASEM members in the lead-up to Australia
taking up its seat in ASEM at the next summit to be held in Brussels in 2010.
We will expand cooperation with Indonesia, broadening already strong links in defence
and law enforcement to combat terrorism, people smuggling and illegal fishing, and to
manage natural disasters. We will deepen cooperation on climate change, the promotion
of democracy in the region and the strengthening of people-to-people links.
46
In the second half of 2009, the department will host and co-sponsor the fifth Regional
Interfaith Dialogue. Participants are drawn from the major religious groups in the region,
including ASEAN countries, New Zealand, East Timor, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The
dialogue will enable religious leaders to share information and ideas with a view to
increasing regional understanding and tolerance.
SECTION 2
47
1.1.3 AMERICAS
SECTION 2
Overview
The department intensified efforts to deepen Australia’s relationship with the United
States and other countries in the Americas. Preparation undertaken before the US
presidential elections in November 2008 helped the Government engage effectively
with a new US administration. Extensive work after the inauguration of President Obama
ensured the Government was well positioned to pursue Australia’s interests with the
United States. We contributed substantially to developing a productive relationship with
the Obama Administration by coordinating early visits to Washington by the Prime Minister
and the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence. We also worked to ensure the
Australia–United States Ministerial consultations were held within the first three months of
the Obama Administration.
The Prime Minister meets the US President, Mr Barack Obama, accompanied by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and
the Australian Ambassador to the United States, Mr Dennis Richardson AO (left), in Washington on 24 March 2009.
The department facilitated productive engagement with Canada on a wide range of global,
regional and bilateral issues. We advanced the Government’s commitment to enhance
Australia’s engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean, including through the entry
into force of the Australia–Chile Free Trade Agreement and the finalisation of the Joint
Experts Group Report on strengthening economic relations with Mexico.
48
O u t p u t 1 .1 A M ER I CAS
United States
The department supported visits to the United States by the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, the
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and the Minister for Trade, Mr Crean. The Prime
Minister’s visit in March 2009 laid the foundations for close ongoing engagement with the
Obama Administration on the vital coordination role of the G20 process in addressing the
global economic crisis (see sub‑output 1.1.8). Our support for Mr Smith’s and Mr Crean’s
visits to the United States in 2009 helped the development of early high-level engagement
with their new US counterparts.
We supported visits to the United States by other federal ministers, including the Deputy
Prime Minister, Ms Gillard, in June 2009. We helped strengthen bilateral political ties
through support for participation by Australian ministers, parliamentary secretaries
and parliamentarians in the regular West Coast Leadership Dialogue in San Diego
in January 2009 and in the Australian–American Leadership Dialogue in Honolulu in
September 2008.
We helped maintain the strength of the alliance through support for the Australia–United
States Ministerial (AUSMIN) consultations in Washington in April 2009. Attended by
Mr Smith and the then Minister for Defence, Mr Fitzgibbon, and their US counterparts,
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, the talks
underscored the importance of the alliance to both countries. AUSMIN outcomes included
an agreement to explore strengthening bilateral civil-military cooperation, including in
addressing the needs of fragile states; and an agreement on principles that will guide
greater cooperation on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and cyber security.
The department facilitated coordination with the United States of our responses to major
regional issues and to the broader global challenges of terrorism, including Afghanistan,
and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (see sub‑output 1.1.10).
Coordination mechanisms included the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue with Japan and the
regular bilateral Policy Planning Talks with the Department of State held in New York in
September 2008.
The United States was Australia’s third-largest trading partner in 2008, with two-way trade
in goods and services growing 14.1 per cent between 2007 and 2008 to reach over
$54.7 billion. Australia’s merchandise exports, primarily composed of crude petroleum
and confidential items (mainly alumina), grew 20.9 per cent in 2008 to $12.1 billion.
Investment remains a strong feature of the economic relationship, with two-way
investment valued at $813 billion by the end of 2008.
49
SECTION 2
In the lead-up to the November 2008 US Presidential election, the department provided
analysis of the candidates’ policy positions to ensure the Government was ready to
engage immediately with the incoming US administration. This groundwork facilitated
Australia’s early engagement on major US initiatives such as the administration’s
response to the global economic crisis as well as key common security interests, including
the firm commitment on the part of both governments to military and civilian efforts
to stabilise Afghanistan and prevent it from again becoming a base for the export of
international terrorism.
Building on the outcomes of the Australia–United States Ministerial Trade Talks
(AUSMINTT) held in New Jersey in June 2008—which included the promotion of
Australian service providers to the United States and enhanced dialogue across the
forward trade agenda—the department worked to deepen policy engagement with the
new administration on key multilateral and regional priorities, particularly the WTO Doha
Round, APEC and the proposed Trans‑Pacific Partnership. A mutual recognition agreement
between Australian and Texan engineers was signed in September 2008, with the
support of the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) Working Group on
Professional Services.
FIGURE 10. Australia’s trade in goods and services with the United States
Balance
40 000
Exports
Imports
30 000
20 000
$ MILLION
SECTION 2
10 000
0
–10 000
–20 000
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
The department monitored closely the US economic stimulus package that was part of the
US administration’s response to the global economic crisis in terms of possible effects on
Australian business. We conveyed the Government’s concerns to the United States about
its ‘Buy American’ provisions and reintroduction of the Dairy Export Incentive Program,
highlighting the need for trade liberalisation in responding to the economic downturn.
The department also assisted the Government’s efforts to preserve Australia’s interests
during the restructuring of the US auto industry (see sub‑output 1.1.8).
The department worked with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to
pursue market access issues and opportunities for a range of Australian agricultural
products. Technical discussions on specific agricultural market access issues have
progressed, under the AUSFTA umbrella. We continued to advocate reform of US farm
subsidies in so far as they affect Australian exporters, in particular the proposed US Dairy
Assessment contained in the 2008 US Farm Bill.
The department continued to facilitate people-to-people links and cross-cultural
exchange between Australia and the United States through support for the Australian
Political Exchange Council’s hosting of delegations of young US political, community
and corporate leaders at local, state and national levels in September 2008 and May
2009. We continued to contribute to the governance of the Australian–American Fulbright
Commission and to sponsor a Fulbright Professional Award in Australia–United States
50
Alliance Studies. We engaged with academic institutions and think tanks, including the
United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.
The department coordinated a whole-of-government approach to Australia’s engagement
with the United States through our leadership of the inter-departmental US Policy Group.
The group enhanced coordination among government agencies across the breadth
and depth of the bilateral relationship, particularly during the US administration’s
transition period. We worked cooperatively with the United States over its introduction,
in January 2009, of the Electronic System for Visa Authorisation, required of all eligible
Australian passport holders visiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Smith and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meet in Washington on 9 April 2009.
Canada
The department supported the Government’s productive engagement with Canada across
a broad range of policy areas, particularly the global economic crisis and the important
role of the G20 in responding to the crisis. We expanded our engagement with Canada
on climate change and energy, including through representations that contributed to
51
SECTION 2
We coordinated commemorations in August 2008 of the 100th anniversary of the
1908 Great White Fleet’s voyage from the United States to Australia. As part of the
commemorations, Mr Smith launched ‘Great White Fleet to the Coral Sea: Naval Strategy
and the Development of Australia-United States Relations 1900 –1945’, by David Lee and
Russell Parkin, a study published by the department on the development of Australia–US
relations in the period 1900–1945.
SECTION 2
Canada’s decision to join the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute—an initiative
announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, in September 2008—as a founding member
The defence and intelligence relationship deepened, particularly in the context of both
countries’ military and humanitarian commitments to securing and rebuilding Afghanistan.
Afghanistan was a major feature of discussion during visits we supported by the then
Minister for Defence, Mr Fitzgibbon, and an Australian Parliamentary delegation, led by the
President of the Senate.
The department focused on public diplomacy activities that would inform and influence
the views of key stakeholders in Canada on issues of core policy priority to Australia.
The ‘Australia Week’ program in Toronto in 2009 included two policy forums, one on
climate change and emissions trading and the other on Asia-Pacific issues. The forums
attracted 170 senior representatives from a range of organisations, business and
academia and positioned Australia as a key partner for Canada in policy development.
We fostered private sector institutional links between Australia and Canada by hosting
a visit by the CEO of the Conference Board of Canada under the Special Visits Program
Latin America and the Caribbean
The department worked to implement the Government’s commitment to expand Australia’s
engagement with Latin American countries and to support our growing trade, investment
and people-to-people links. We coordinated visits by the Prime Minister, Mr Smith and
Mr Crean to Peru in November 2008 for the APEC Ministerial and Leaders’ meetings
and a visit by Mr Smith to Mexico. The department also supported visits to Australia
by ministers from Chile, Brazil and Colombia. Cuba opened an Embassy in Australia in
October 2008.
The department coordinated the visit to Australia in August 2008 of Brazil’s Minister
of External Relations, Mr Celso Amorim, for talks with Mr Smith and Mr Crean. A key
outcome from the visit was agreement that Australia and Brazil would develop a plan of
action for an enhanced partnership. We facilitated extensive contacts between Australian
ministers and their Brazilian counterparts and also between senior officials working
towards responses to the global economic crisis and pushing for the conclusion of the
Doha round of multilateral trade negotiations. We supported a visit by the Treasurer,
Mr Wayne Swan, to Sao Paulo in November 2008 for a G20 Finance Ministers’ meeting.
The department facilitated deeper bilateral links with Mexico through its support of
a successful visit by Mr Smith in November 2008. A key outcome of the visit was the
signing of a memorandum of understanding on education cooperation and the reaching
of agreement to intensify political exchanges. We worked with Mexican counterparts to
finalise the Australia–Mexico Joint Experts Group (JEG) Report on strengthening bilateral
economic relations. In consultation with Austrade, we successfully lobbied Mexico to
improve tendering procedures for coal with the aim of increasing Australian coal exports.
In consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, we assisted
Australian meat exporters with shipments detained at Mexican ports because of incorrect
52
labelling. We also engaged Mexican officials to further Australia’s interests, mainly over
the G20 process, but also on the global economic crisis, climate change, the United
Nations and the International Whaling Commission.
The department facilitated increased high-level contact with Argentina, a G20 member,
on responses to the global economic crisis and efforts to conclude the Doha round of
multilateral trade negotiations. We supported events to mark the inauguration of direct
Qantas flights between Sydney and Buenos Aires in November 2008. Enhanced transport
links between Australia and Latin America are an important component in building stronger
commercial and people-to-people relations with the region as a whole. We maintained
good links with Uruguay, particularly on trade policy issues, and helped support a visit to
Australia by a senior adviser to the President of Paraguay.
TABLE 3. AUSTRALIA’S TRADE IN GOODS AND SERVICES WITH THE AMERICAS
Exports
Exports
Imports
Imports
2007
$m
2008
$m
Trend
growth
2003–2008
%
6.3
2007
$m
2008
$m
Trend
growth
2003–2008
%
15,876
18,264
4.6
32,084
36,477
Canada
2,532
2,323
1.3
2,747
3,430
7.6
Mexico
735
735
10.6
1,161
1,406
18.5
19,143
21,322
4.3
35,992
41,313
6.8
Central America
& Carribbean (d)
319
277
7.4
894
992
12.0
Brazil
869
1,581
23.9
917
1,251
20.2
319
498
27.9
538
929
41.3
Goods and services
United States
Total NAFTA
(a)
(b)
(b)
(b) (c)
Chile
Argentina
(c)
Total South America (b) (c)
Total Americas (b)
115
292
23.2
261
366
13.4
1,354
2,432
20.2
1,727
2,483
21.5
21,597
25,083
6.1
39,047
45,295
7.5
(b) Excludes aircraft imports from September 2008 onwards
(c) Goods data only. Services data is not published by the ABS for these countries
(d) Excluding Mexico
53
SECTION 2
Entry into force of the Australia–Chile Free Trade Agreement (ACl–FTA) on 6 March 2009
marked a major step forward in Australia’s relations both with Chile, and, more generally,
with Latin America. This is the first FTA Australia has concluded with any country in
Latin America. We led the negotiation of the FTA and supported the visit, in July 2008,
by Chile’s then Foreign Minister, Mr Alejandro Foxley, for the signing of the agreement
(see sub‑output 1.1.7). That visit also marked the signing of three agreements with
Australian educational organisations, with the objective of increasing the number of
Chilean scholarship students enrolling in Australian tertiary institutions. We worked to
expand links with Chile in new areas of cooperation, including innovation and drought
management. The department also intensified engagement with Chile on multilateral
issues, including whaling, fisheries management and the Antarctic.
SECTION 2
The department intensified efforts to deepen Australia’s political and economic links
with Peru. During his visit to Peru for the APEC Leaders’ meeting, the Prime Minister
announced that Australia would re-establish its diplomatic presence in Lima in 2010.
We facilitated numerous ministerial and officials-level exchanges with Peru, including
discussion of the participation by both countries in the negotiation of the Trans-Pacific
Partnership Agreement (see sub‑output 1.1.7). We also supported a visit to Australia by
Ms Patricia Teullet, the CEO of COMEXPERU and member of the APEC Business Advisory
Council, under the Special Visits Program (see sub‑output 3.1.2). That visit helped to
advance the growing commercial links between Australia and Peru.
The department coordinated a Guest of Government visit by Colombia’s Minister of Trade,
Industry and Tourism, Mr Luis Guillermo Plata Paez, in March 2009. A key outcome from
the visit was agreement to negotiate a memorandum of understanding to strengthen trade
and investment. The department also supported an Australian Parliamentary Delegation
visit to Colombia in August 2008, which was reciprocated by a Colombian Parliamentary
Delegation visit to Australia in June 2009.
Australia’s Ambassador in Buenos Aires attended the Forum for East Asia–Latin America
Cooperation (FEALAC) Senior Officials’ Meeting in Buenos Aires in April 2009. That
meeting fostered cooperation between the two regions and helped lay the groundwork for
the FEALAC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for Tokyo in early 2010.
We continued efforts to build deeper links with states in the Caribbean region, including
on such issues as climate change and responses to the global economic crisis. We
supported Australian companies interested in exploring commercial opportunities in the
region. Trinidad and Tobago will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
(CHOGM) in November 2009, and the department has begun preparations for that
major event.
The department continued to assist the Council on Australia Latin America Relations
which supported initiatives in business, education, tourism and cultural promotion,
complementing the work of the department in meeting its objective of strengthening
engagement with Latin America (see sub‑output 3.1.2).
Outlook
Helping to deepen the Government’s engagement with the Obama Administration and
ensuring US understanding and support for Australia’s major strategic interests and
priorities will remain a key goal for the department. AUSMIN, which Australia is due to
host in 2010, will be an important forum for achieving this.
The department will pursue Australia’s trade policy priorities with the United States
through AUSFTA implementation and in advancing our multilateral, regional and bilateral
trade interests, including seeking US support for conclusion of the Doha Round. The
department will promote continuing close cooperation with the United States to deal
with the effects of the global economic crisis, including within the G20. We will continue
to advocate improved market access for Australian industry and campaign against
protectionist measures that restrict Australia’s trade, including through AUSMINTT 2010.
54
Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, meeting the US Trade Representative, Mr Ron Kirk, in Washington, March 2009.
Photo: Auspic
55
SECTION 2
Advancing engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean will be major objectives
for the department. Support for high-level visits to both regions and the development of
outcomes which could result from those visits—such as finalisation of the plan of action
with Brazil and revitalising the Joint Trade and Investment Commission with Mexico—will
be major priorities. We will support increased Australian trade and investment and will
have the first meeting of the Joint Free Trade Agreement Committee with Chile to assess
progress in the implementation of the ACl–FTA. The department will seek to conclude the
memorandum of understanding on trade and investment with Colombia and develop and
deepen relations with other countries in Latin America. We will also support development
of initiatives for development assistance, education cooperation and trade in Latin
America and the Caribbean. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
scheduled to take place in Trinidad and Tobago in November 2009 will provide important
opportunities for the department to advance initiatives to expand Australia’s links with
the Caribbean.
1.1.4. EUROPE
SECTION 2
Overview
The European Union (EU) is an important partner for Australia. We share common
approaches to many international challenges and work together in responding to
them. The 27 members of the EU as a bloc constitute Australia’s largest trade and
investment partner.
In 2008–09, relations with the EU took a significant step forward with the successful
negotiation and launch of the Australia–EU Partnership Framework. The Partnership
Framework provides new energy and focus to our well-established relationship with the
EU. It reflects the commitment made in 2008 by the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, and the
European Commission President, Mr José Manuel Barroso, to a new era of creative,
broad-based cooperation. Under the Partnership Framework, Australia is working more
closely than ever before with the European Union to advance shared interests in
areas such as trade, international security, science, innovation, the environment and
development and aid effectiveness.
The department strengthened bilateral relations with individual countries of Europe in
order to pursue Australia’s political and strategic interests. Two-way visits boosted the
momentum of bilateral relationships and offered opportunities for practical cooperation
on issues of shared concern. We worked with Australian business to support trade and
investment and to open markets. We worked with European members of the G20 to
support coordinated responses to the global economic crisis.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and French Minister for Foreign and EU Affairs, Mr Bernard Kouchner, in Paris
on 29 November 2008.
56
O u t p u t 1 .1 EU RO P E
European Union
The department led a successful whole-of-government negotiation on the new Partnership
Framework. We subsequently supported the work of the Government to give effect to its
commitments under the Framework.
On 29 October 2008, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and his French
counterpart, Mr Bernard Kouchner, representing the French EU Presidency, launched
the Australia–EU Partnership Framework during Australia–EU Ministerial Troika
Consultations in Paris. The Framework is the principal vehicle underpinning the
reinvigorated relationship to which the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, and EC President
Mr José Manuel Barroso, committed in April 2008.
The Framework draws together existing areas of Australia–EU cooperation to focus
management of the relationship and identify new initiatives and activities to promote
closer practical cooperation in pursuit of shared objectives. The Framework is
designed to be a ‘living’ document, regularly updated and supplemented to reflect
and steer enhanced Australia–EU engagement.
Early outcomes under the Framework include:
• signature of an agreement on trade in wine
• commencement of negotiations for an air transport agreement and a security of
information agreement
• conclusion of negotiations on an amending conformity assessment agreement
• the launch of an online eVisitor system.
The department worked closely with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry (DAFF) on the conclusion of the Australia–European Community Agreement
on Trade in Wine. Mr Smith and the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural
Development, Ms Mariann Fischer Boel, signed the agreement on 1 December 2008. The
new agreement, replacing the current agreement (signed in 1994), will benefit Australian
wine producers through recognition by the EU of Australian wine-making practices and
acceptance of simplified labelling provisions.
Other Partnership Framework outcomes supported by the department included the
commencement of negotiations for an Australia–EU Comprehensive Air Transport
Agreement and for an Australia–EU Security of Information Agreement. We concluded
negotiations on revisions to the Mutual Recognition Agreement on conformity
assessment. Working closely with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC),
the department responded to EU concerns in regard to visa reciprocity for short-term
visitors, culminating in the launch of Australia’s new, EU-wide, online eVisitor system in
October 2008.
57
SECTION 2
Australia–EU Partnership Framework launched
SECTION 2
The Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, with the then Russian Federation’s Minister of Agriculture, Mr Alexei Gordeyev, co-chairs
of the Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation held in Moscow on 30 October 2008. This was the first
meeting of its type since the inaugural Joint Commission meeting held in Canberra in June 1995.
In cooperation with industry, the department sought to ensure that the EU’s approach
to industry regulation, notably its Dangerous Substances Directives system and the new
Registration Evaluation Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) legislation,
would be undertaken with the necessary scientific rigour and transparency. We ensured
that affected Australian stakeholders would have the opportunity to receive information on
the development of new regulatory regimes that could affect their businesses with enough
lead time to comment.
The fifth Australia–EC Trade Policy Dialogue (TPD) was held in Brussels on 23 June 2009.
This TPD included, for the first time, a ministerial-level component, reflecting the
commitment by both sides to enhance the bilateral relationship. The Minister for Trade,
Mr Crean, and the EC Commissioner for Trade, Baroness Ashton, agreed to explore the
development of an early warning mechanism for new domestic regulatory proposals
with potential trade impacts. Mr Crean also used the TPD to pursue market access for
Australian-farmed mulloway and yellowtail kingfish, to underline Australia’s concerns over
the reintroduction by the EU of dairy subsidies, and to promote stronger Australian–EU
trade and investment links particularly in the area of clean technologies.
The department and our diplomatic missions in Europe worked with the European
Australian Business Council (EABC) to strengthen Australian business engagement with
Europe. We participated in EABC activities and assisted the EABC’s business delegation
which held discussions with ministers and officials in Canberra in September 2008.
The department led a campaign to secure Australia’s membership of the Asia–Europe
Meeting (ASEM) process of dialogue and cooperation. Australia’s application to join the
58
ASEM process was welcomed by Asian and European Foreign Ministers at the ASEM
Hanoi Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (25–26 May 2009). ASEM brings together 16 Asian
nations and the ASEAN Secretariat, along with the 27 European Union nations and the
European Commission.
Balance
60 000
Exports
SECTION 2
FIGURE 11. Australia’s trade in goods and services with the European Union
Imports
50 000
40 000
$ MILLION
30 000
20 000
10 000
0
–10 000
–20 000
–30 000
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
European security
Australia’s relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) deepened
considerably as a result of our commitment to the security and stability of Afghanistan.
The department supported a visit by Mr Smith to NATO headquarters in December 2008.
Mr Smith met the then NATO Secretary-General, Mr Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, and addressed
the North Atlantic Council. This visit provided a valuable opportunity to emphasise
Australia’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan and to acknowledge Australia’s practical
cooperation with NATO as, in NATO parlance, a ‘contact country’.
Our ability to work cooperatively with NATO was strengthened in a practical way by the
entry into force on 8 May 2009 of the Australia–NATO Agreement on the Security of
Information. This agreement will nurture a deeper strategic dialogue through the sharing of
classified information on Australia–NATO operations.
The department supported the visit to Australia in September 2008 of the NATO
Parliamentary Assembly Defence and Security Committee. It also assisted the visit to
Poland by the then Defence Minister, Mr Fitzgibbon, in February 2009 for a NATO Defence
Ministers’ meeting with an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) component.
Relations with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) were
strengthened through the visit of its Secretary-General, Ambassador Marc Perrin de
Brichambaut, the first by an OSCE Secretary-General to Australia. As a result of the visit,
Australia will increase its exchanges with the OSCE on security issues of common interest.
59
SECTION 2
Europe—bilateral relationships
The department helped maintain the dynamism of Australia’s partnership with the
United Kingdom by supporting visits by the Prime Minister and Mr Smith. Mr Smith
and the then Defence Minister, Mr Fitzgibbon, held wide-ranging discussions with their
UK counterparts at the second Australia–UK Ministerial Dialogue (AUKMIN) in Leeds in
November 2008. Mr Smith also held separate talks with the Prime Minister, Mr Gordon
Brown, and other UK cabinet ministers. Mr Smith’s visit to London in April 2009 further
strengthened Australia’s links with the UK.
The Prime Minister’s visit to the UK in March–April 2009 for the G20 Leaders’ Summit
and for bilateral talks led to a joint announcement by Mr Rudd and Mr Brown of a
bilateral National Security Partnership. This new partnership established a framework for
strengthened broad-based security cooperation, based on close historical ties as well
as many contemporary points of intersection between each country’s security interests
and perspectives.
The department supported visits by Australian ministers, including the Deputy Prime
Minister, Ms Julia Gillard, the Treasurer, Mr Wayne Swan, the Minister for Infrastructure,
Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Mr Anthony Albanese, and the
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong. The high number of senior
visits added ballast to our engagement with the UK. The department also hosted a visit
by James O’Shaughnessy, Director of Policy and Research for the UK Conservative Party,
under the Special Visits Program (see sub‑output 3.1.2)
Mr Smith’s visit to France in November 2008, which the department coordinated,
resulted in the successful launch of the Australia–EU Partnership Framework. We also
supported Mr Crean’s visit to Paris in June 2009 for high-level talks with OECD ministerial
counterparts. The department was heavily involved in arrangements for the visit by the
Governor-General for the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day. We also supported visits by
ministers, including the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Mr Alan Griffin. Australia’s wartime
legacy with France, including the discovery at Fromelles of a mass grave of Australian
World War I soldiers, provides a strong foundation for contemporary people-to-people ties.
We coordinated bilateral talks between Mr Smith and Germany’s then Foreign Minister,
Mr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the Oslo Cluster Munitions Signing Conference in December
2008 and at the Hague Conference on Afghanistan in March 2009. The department also
supported the visits by a number of ministers. The two countries are cooperating more
closely in areas of shared interest, including through Germany’s agreement to participate
in the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, an initiative announced by the Prime
Minister in September 2008 (see sub‑output 1.1.7). Similarly, Germany’s support for the
International Commission for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament and Australia’s
support for the German-initiated International Renewable Energy Agency indicated strong
cooperation as a result of work by the department and other relevant agencies.
We coordinated Mr Smith’s visit to Belgium in November–December 2008 for talks
with the then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade,
Mr Karel De Gucht. These discussions covered our respective engagement in Afghanistan
60
and Africa and the global economic crisis. The department provided support for
Mr Crean’s visits to Brussels in October 2008 and June 2009 to advance Australian trade
and investment interests. We assisted Treasury to finalise the Protocol to the Australia–
Belgium Tax Treaty, which was signed by Mr Crean and the Belgian Finance Minister,
Mr Didier Reynders, in Paris in June 2009.
The department coordinated Mr Smith’s meeting with Ireland’s Justice Minister,
Mr Dermot Ahern, at the Oslo Cluster Munitions Signing Conference in December 2008.
We supported the Prime Minister’s discussions with Ireland’s Minister for Community,
Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Eamon O’Cuiv, during the Irish Minister’s visit to Australia
in March 2009. The visit was timed to coincide with Ireland’s national day—an occasion
when the close community links between Australia and Ireland are celebrated.
In cooperation with the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, we helped finalise agreement on the second protocol to Australia’s
social security agreement with Austria, which is expected to be signed later in the year.
Australian Ambassador to Ireland, Ms Anne Plunkett with Ireland’s then Minister of State at the Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for the Information Society and Natural
Resources, Mr Seán Power (left) and Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland, Mr Peadar McArdle. Ambassador
Plunkett is receiving a room-sized nineteenth century Geological Survey Map of Victoria on behalf of the State Library of
Victoria at the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) on 15 July 2008.
61
SECTION 2
Australia’s joint efforts with the Netherlands in Afghanistan were a focus of the bilateral
relationship. The department supported a series of high-level discussions in the
Netherlands in March–April 2009 on Afghanistan and related security issues, including
between Mr Smith and the Netherlands Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Minister for
Development Cooperation.
SECTION 2
Switzerland remains a key source of foreign direct investment (FDI), ranking as the fifthlargest source of Australia’s FDI in 2008. We supported the visit to Switzerland of an
Australian parliamentary delegation and hosted talks on regional and international issues
with a senior Swiss Foreign Ministry official in Canberra in May.
We supported the Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, Mr Martin Ferguson, and
the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mr Tony Burke, during their visits
to Italy for G8 Meetings. The department also contributed to the visit to Rome by the
Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Mr Bob McMullan, for
meetings of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Food Program to
discuss food security. We worked with Austrade on the successful visit to Australia by the
Italian Undersecretary for Trade, Mr Adolfo Urso, during which increased opportunities for
trade in the agricultural and energy sectors were identified.
We oversaw a significant deepening in Australia’s engagement with the Vatican with the
appointment of the Hon. Tim Fischer AC as Australia’s first resident ambassador to the
Holy See. This followed the successful visit to Australia for World Youth Day in July 2008
of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. The ambassadorial appointment has enhanced our
capacity to engage the leadership of the Catholic Church on such matters of mutual
international interest as interfaith dialogue, development, human rights and food security.
The department, through the Ambassador and with the help of the Embassy in Rome,
helped organise a mass at the Vatican for the victims of the Victorian bushfires.
We provided extensive support for the visit of the King and Queen of Spain to Australia
in June 2009. This visit, the first in over 20 years, saw the inauguration of the Cervantes
Institute in Sydney and the signing of the Australia–Spain Air Services Agreement. The
signing of a joint action plan with Spain highlighted our shared outlook and cooperation
on a range of multilateral and bilateral issues. The department hosted an officials-level
dialogue with Spain in Canberra in February 2009.
Australia–Portugal political consultations were held in February 2009 in Australia between
the Portuguese Foreign Minister, Mr Luis Amado, and Mr Smith. The talks covered a
wide range of issues including security and joint cooperation initiatives in East Timor.
The department hosted a visit by Ms Sonia Fertuzinhos, member of the Assembly of the
Republic of Portugal, under the Special Visits Program (see sub‑output 3.1.2).
Relations with Greece were strengthened with the entry into force of a bilateral social
security agreement on 1 October 2008.
Mr Smith’s visit to Cyprus in October 2008, and a return visit by Cyprus Foreign Minister
Markos Kyprianou in March 2009, demonstrated Australia’s strong relationship with
Cyprus and the longstanding people-to-people links which underpin the relationship.
During his visit, Mr Smith met Australian members of the United Nations Peacekeeping
force in Cyprus. Mr Smith’s visit, and visits by Australia’s Special Representative for
Cyprus, Ambassador David Ritchie, demonstrated Australia’s enduring support for efforts
to reach a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue.
62
SECTION 2
Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, Mr Anthony Byrne, with Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Spain,
Mr Ángel Lossada Torres-Quevedo, during the signing of the Australia–Spain Joint Action Plan in Canberra on
24 June 2009.
Photo: Auspic
The momentum of Australia’s relationship with Turkey continued to build through the
department’s support and coordination of the sixth meeting of the Australia–Turkey Joint
Economic Committee on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation, hosted by Mr Crean,
in February 2009. The meeting identified areas for further trade and development and
cooperation in the G20 process. We provided assistance for Mr Smith’s participation in
Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Our continued close cooperation
with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Turkish and New Zealand governments
again resulted in a highly successful commemorative program. The department
supported both the official opening by Mr Smith of a Turkish–Australian Cultural Centre
at Cannakkale’s 18 March University and the ratification of an Investment Promotion and
Protection Agreement by the Turkish Parliament.
The first-ever state visit by an Australian Governor-General to Malta occurred in
November 2008, highlighting Australia’s very strong community links with Malta. The
Maltese President, Mr Edward Fenech Adami, reciprocated with a visit to Australia in
February 2009. We supported these visits, which reinforced Australia’s prominent profile
in Malta.
The department supported the signing of a bilateral social security agreement with Finland
on 10 September 2008.
63
SECTION 2
Mr Smith’s attendance at the signing ceremony of the Convention on Cluster Munitions
in Norway in December 2008 was the first visit by an Australian Foreign Minister since
1965. While in Oslo, Mr Smith met Norway’s Foreign Minister, Mr Jonas Gahr Støre,
and the Minister for the Environment and International Development, Mr Erik Solheim, to
exchange views on climate change, weapons proliferation, the Millennium Development
Goals and Afghanistan. We also supported the visit to Norway in May 2009 by the
Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, Mr Martin Ferguson, who emphasised
Australia’s leadership role in the development of low emission technologies at ‘Fighting
Climate Change with Carbon Capture and Storage’, a conference held in Bergen and
sponsored by the Norwegian Government.
During the visit to Australia by the Estonian Foreign Minister, Mr Urmas Paet, in
April 2009—the first by an Estonian Foreign Minister—Mr Paet officially opened the
Estonian Consulate in Perth. In welcoming Mr Paet, Mr Smith announced that Australia
and Estonia had agreed to commence negotiation of a bilateral social security agreement.
The fifth round of Senior Officials’ Talks with Poland was held in Canberra in October 2008
and covered a broad agenda of bilateral, multilateral and international security issues.
We assisted the Australian delegation to the Holocaust Era Assets Conference in
June 2009, hosted by the government of the Czech Republic during its EU Presidency
(January–June 2009).
Australian Ambassador to Vienna, Mr Peter Shannon, presenting credentials to the President of
the Republic of Kosovo, Dr Fatmir Sejdiu, on 15 September 2008. The Australian Embassy in
Vienna has been accredited as non-resident Embassy to the Republic of Kosovo, the world’s
newest state.
Photo: Office of the President of the Republic of Kosovo
The department supported the visit to Australia of the then Slovak Foreign Minister,
Mr Ján Kubiš, in October 2008, the first by a Slovak Foreign Minister in nine years. A
focus of discussion was the commitment Australia shares with Slovakia to Afghanistan,
where both countries have forces serving in Oruzgan Province.
64
We conveyed Australia’s concern at military action by Russia in Georgia in August 2008
and provided $1 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to people adversely
affected by the conflict.
We deepened our engagement on trade and economic cooperation with Russia. In
October 2008, Mr Crean co-chaired in Moscow the Australia–Russia Joint Commission
on Trade and Economic Co-operation with then Agriculture Minister, Mr Alexei Gordeyev.
This was the first meeting of the Joint Commission since the inaugural meeting in 1995.
Mr Crean was accompanied by an Australian business delegation. Outcomes included an
agreement to establish an Agricultural Working Group and to take forward negotiations on
a memorandum of understanding on meat exports. The department also provided support
to the guest of Parliament visit to Australia in March 2009 of the Chairman of Russia’s
Federation Council, Mr Sergey Mironov, who met the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, and
Mr Smith. We supported meetings between the Prime Minister and Russia’s President,
Mr Medvedev, and between Mr Smith and the Russian Foreign Minister, Mr Sergey Lavrov,
during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week in Lima.
TABLE 4. AUSTRALIA’S TRADE IN GOODS AND SERVICES WITH EUROPE
Goods and services
United Kingdom
(a)
Exports
Exports
Imports
Imports
2007
$m
2008
$m
Trend
growth
2003–2008
%
2007
$m
2008
$m
Trend
growth
2003–2008
%
11,721
14,082
5.3
12,197
14,366
8.1
Germany
2,426
3,063
5.8
11,003
12,588
6.0
Italy
1,871
2,027
3.0
5,483
6,100
5.4
1,977
2,396
10.8
5,413
5,791
4.3
3,179
4,034
18.9
2,128
2,589
6.2
27,921
32,524
8.3
51,430
58,741
7.8
747
1,217
46.1
202
676
45.8
3,607
3,298
19.3
4,690
5,813
9.7
32,275
37,039
9.7
56,322
65,230
8.1
France
(b)
Netherlands
Total European
Union 27 (b)
Russian Federation
Other Europe
Total Europe
(b)
(b) Excludes aircraft imports from September 2008 onwards
65
SECTION 2
The first visits by Australian parliamentary delegations to Bosnia and Herzegovina
and Serbia, and to Croatia in October 2008, broadened relations with countries in
the Balkans. These visits highlighted Australian support for the political and economic
reforms each country is undertaking. The department hosted a second round of Senior
Officials talks with Bulgaria in October 2008. We supported the negotiation of a reciprocal
healthcare agreement with Slovenia which was signed in February 2009.
SECTION 2
Outlook
The department will prepare for the first review of the Australia–EU Partnership Framework
and the launch of an updated version of the Framework at Australia–EU Ministerial Troika
Consultations in Stockholm later in 2009. We will work to finalise negotiations on a
Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement. We will support increased cooperation between
Australia and the EU in aid delivery, particularly in the Pacific and Africa.
The department will work closely with the EU on efforts to conclude the Doha Round of
world trade talks, as well as on international security issues, energy and food security,
trade and investment issues (including in relation to agriculture) and the international
response to climate change.
We will continue active efforts with European members of the G20 and the EU
Presidency to ensure an effective international response to the global economic crisis,
including full implementation of commitments made by G20 Leaders at the London and
Pittsburgh Summits.
The department will engage with the European Commission President and the new
College of Commissioners, to be appointed in 2009–10. If the Lisbon (EU reform) Treaty
is implemented, we will work with the new permanent European Council President,
the new High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and a more influential
European Parliament.
We will pursue opportunities to strengthen cooperation with NATO and the OSCE,
particularly in the context of our troop deployment to Afghanistan.
We will work with ASEM members in the lead-up to Australia taking up its seat in ASEM at
the next summit to be held in Brussels in 2010.
The department will advance Australia’s bilateral relationships with European countries.
We will do this by supporting the implementation of the new National Security Partnership
with the UK and deepening bilateral linkages across the full range of Australia–UK
interests. The department will also: seek opportunities to promote the positive momentum
of deepened engagement with Turkey and Russia; expand cooperation on bilateral,
regional and multilateral issues where we share objectives with EU countries; and build on
our people-to-people links to enhance trade and investment opportunities and strengthen
ties with non-EU member countries.
66
O ut p ut 1 .1 SO UTH AN D W EST ASI A , MI D D LE EAST A ND A F R I CA
1.1.5 SOUTH AND WEST ASIA, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA
Overview
Implementing the Government’s commitment to take Australia’s relationship with India
to the front rank of our international partnerships was a key priority in 2008–09. The
department’s work to advance this commitment included support for a visit to India by
the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and prosecuting a joint free trade agreement
feasibility study.
We strengthened ties with Pakistan through high-level political engagement, including the
visit to Pakistan in February 2009 by Mr Smith. We developed and implemented a wholeof-government strategy to enhance Australia’s relationship with Pakistan encompassing
defence, policing, counter-terrorism, development and commercial dimensions.
Australia’s remaining combat forces in Iraq were withdrawn in August 2008. In December,
with the Department of Defence and other agencies, the department negotiated a bilateral
memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a limited number of embedded ADF personnel
to remain in Iraq to 31 July 2009. We contributed to the deepening of cooperation with
Iraq, including through support for the visit to Australia by Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mr Nouri
Al-Maliki, and the visit to Baghdad by the Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Julia Gillard, and the
signing, during Ms Gillard’s visit, of six MOUs.
Deputy Prime Minister Ms Gillard in Baghdad in June 2009 with Iraqi Prime Minister Mr Nouri Al-Maliki (standing),
Iraqi Minister of Interior Mr Jawad Al-Bulani (right) and the Australian Deputy Head of Mission to Iraq, Mr Adrian Morrison.
67
SECTION 2
The department led Australia’s whole-of-government military and civilian contribution to
international efforts to bring security, stability and development to Afghanistan, including
supporting a significant expansion of Australia’s contribution.
SECTION 2
The department continued to advance Australia’s security interests in relation to Iran,
reflecting Australia’s concern about Iran’s nuclear activities.
We carried forward the Government’s commitment to enhance Australia’s relations
with Africa, and supported high-level visits to and from African countries. We led the
Government’s strong international role in pressing for political transformation in Zimbabwe
and implemented strengthened sanctions against members of the Mugabe government.
The department expressed concern over the conflict in northern Sri Lanka, particularly
the impact on civilians, and encouraged the Sri Lankan Government to combat
people smuggling.
TABLE 5. AUSTRALIA’S TRADE IN GOODS AND SERVICES WITH COUNTRIES IN SOUTH ASIA AND THE GCC
Goods and services
(a)
India
Other South Asia
(b)
Total South Asia
Bahrain
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
(b) (c)
(b)
(b)
(b)
Saudi Arabia
(b)
United Arab Emirates
Total GCC
(b)
(b)
Exports
Exports
2007
$m
2008
$m
Trend
growth
2003–2008
%
11,356
16,484
30.0
Imports
Imports
2007
$m
2008
$m
Trend
growth
2003–2008
%
1,916
2,450
14.3
832
984
0.9
290
335
1.6
12,188
17,468
26.7
2,206
2,785
12.2
133
178
9.6
145
213
11.4
529
501
–1.0
294
481
29.4
363
705
24.5
3
14
9.9
196
183
11.4
240
402
14.8
1,946
2,494
4.8
1,007
890
–0.9
3,083
3,924
30.5
2,140
2,316
25.3
6,250
7,985
15.2
3,829
4,316
14.4
(b) Goods data only. Services data is not published by the ABS for these countries
(c) Excludes exports of alumina (aluminium oxide) to Bahrain which are confidential in ABS trade statistics.
India
The department made progress in implementing the Government’s commitment to take
Australia’s relationship with India to the front rank of our international partnerships.
To this end we facilitated regular ministerial-level contact. During Mr Smith’s visit to
India in September 2008, which included a visit to the economically dynamic southern
Indian cities of Chennai and Hyderabad, he and his Indian counterpart, the then Minister
for External Affairs, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, announced that Australia and India would
work towards taking the bilateral relationship to the status of a ‘strategic partnership’.
Following the Indian national elections in May 2009, we focused on engagement with the
new Indian United Progressive Alliance Government.
68
The department led a joint feasibility study into the merits of a free trade agreement
(FTA) between Australia and India with India’s Department of Commerce and Industry.
The terms of reference for the study, agreed in March 2008, had the aim of exploring
the scope for building an even stronger economic and trade relationship. During three
meetings and intersessional discussions, the joint study group made progress in
developing ideas for strengthening trade links. In October 2008 and again in February
2009, under the International Media Visits program, a group of Indian journalists visited
Australia to explore the potential gains for both countries from an FTA (for further
information on the FTA study, see sub‑output 1.1.7; on the International Media Visits
program, see sub‑output 3.1.2).
Education continued to dominate services exports, with over 75 000 Indian students
choosing to study in Australia in 2008. The department contributed actively to the
Prime Minister’s taskforce on crimes against international students and worked closely
with state governments in addressing concerns over the safety of Indian students. The
High Commission in New Delhi played a pivotal role in liaison with the Indian government
and media on the student safety issue. In June, we hosted a visit to Australia by seven
Indian journalists to promote understanding both of Australia’s cultural diversity and of
measures to improve the safety of international students.
The department has engaged closely with Indian authorities as part of Australia’s
preparations for the Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi in 2010. Our work
has included consular planning for the large number of Australians expected to attend the
games and working with India on security measures for athletes, officials and spectators
at the Games.
The department supported the Australia–India Council in building institutional and peopleto-people links between Australia and India (see sub‑output 3.1.2).
Pakistan
Australia continued to intensify its engagement with Pakistan to address that country’s
acute security, economic and development challenges. The department coordinated a
whole-of-government strategy to advance Australia’s interests in Pakistan and supported
the visits to Pakistan of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Australia’s Special Envoy
to Afghanistan and Pakistan. We contributed to multilateral efforts to assist Pakistan,
including through the Friends of Democratic Pakistan, the Pakistan Donors’ Conference
and Ministerial meetings held in Tokyo in April. Together with AusAID, we helped develop
an approach for the Government to assist in meeting the humanitarian needs of the more
69
SECTION 2
Economic links are a crucial aspect of the bilateral relationship. In 2008, India was
Australia’s fifth-largest export market (up from seventh in 2007) and eighth-largest trading
partner (up from tenth in 2007), with two-way trade in excess of $18.9 billion. Resources
and energy exports, most notably coal and gold, were Australia’s largest merchandise
exports. We supported a visit to India by the Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism,
Mr Martin Ferguson, in November 2008, a key outcome of which was the conclusion of
bilateral action plans in the areas of coal, petroleum and natural gas, new and renewable
energy, and mining and minerals.
than two million people displaced, especially in the Swat Valley, as a result of the Pakistan
Government’s offensive against militants.
SECTION 2
Afghanistan
The department played a key role in shaping Australia’s whole-of-government contribution
to international efforts to bring security, stability and development to Afghanistan.
Australia has a significant role in Afghanistan as the largest non-NATO military contributor.
In April 2009, the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, announced the commitment of additional
military and civilian resources and financial assistance to Afghanistan. This includes an
increase of Australia’s troop commitment to Afghanistan from 1100 to 1550 with troops
serving in training, reconstruction and staff roles. An infantry company will assist in
security arrangements for national elections in August 2009. Australia’s Ambassador to
Afghanistan accompanied the Prime Minister on a visit in December 2008 to Tarin Kowt to
meet Australian personnel on deployment in Afghanistan.
We coordinated Mr Smith’s attendance at the International Conference on Afghanistan in
The Hague on 31 March 2009. The conference, hosted by the Netherlands and chaired
by United Nations Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, brought together key regional
countries, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) countries and international
organisations. The conference called for a comprehensive approach, involving the
integration of international military and civilian efforts across the country; and the need
for closer involvement of Afghanistan’s neighbours in international stabilisation efforts.
The department contributed to Australia’s position in response to the US administration’s
review of its strategy towards Afghanistan and Pakistan. Both elements of the strategy
were strongly backed by Australia as critical to success in Afghanistan.
A major element of the Prime Minister’s announcement in April was the appointment of
a Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mr Ric Smith AO PSM. The department
facilitated the Special Envoy’s visit to Istanbul for a meeting of the Afghanistan/Pakistan
Support Group, a group of senior representatives of governments with an interest in both
countries, and for high-level meetings in Afghanistan and Pakistan in May 2009. We also
supported the Special Envoy’s participation, on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
in the Italian-hosted G8 outreach session on Afghanistan and Pakistan in Trieste in
June 2009.
Iraq
The department continued to play a key role in shaping Australia’s whole-of-government
policy on Iraq. Australia’s remaining combat forces in Iraq were withdrawn in August 2008.
In December, in concert with the Department of Defence and other agencies, we
concluded a bilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a status of forces
arrangement for a limited number of embedded ADF personnel to remain in Iraq until
31 July 2009.
70
Personal Profile:
Adrian Morrison
The security environment in Iraq is complex and dynamic. With colleagues from the
Embassy, the department in Canberra and the Australian Defence Force, Adrian was
involved in reshaping the Embassy’s protective and physical security arrangements
to adapt to the challenges of the next few years, not least as Iraqi Security Forces
resume responsibility for security from the Multi-National Force – Iraq.
‘Given the unique conditions of work in Baghdad, my Australian and Iraqi colleagues
and I approach daily challenges pragmatically and flexibly in the task of furthering
Australia’s interests in Iraq.’
The successful visit to Australia in March 2009 by the Iraqi Prime Minister,
Mr Nouri Al-Maliki—the first by an Iraqi Prime Minister—signalled the start of a new phase
in the bilateral relationship. The Iraqi and Australian prime ministers signed a declaration
agreeing to increase cooperation and to enhance trade and investment ties. The Iraqi
foreign, trade and industry ministers accompanied Prime Minister Al-Maliki, and Mr Smith
and Mr Crean held meetings with their counterparts.
Following the visit, the department coordinated the drafting and negotiation of six
MOUs on: agriculture; resources and energy; trade cooperation; education, training and
research; public health; and security and border control. The Deputy Prime Minister,
Ms Gillard, signed these agreements in Baghdad on 27 June 2009 in the presence of
Prime Minister Al-Maliki.
71
SECTION 2
Adrian Morrison has been deputy head of the
Australian Embassy in Baghdad since
September 2008. He has worked with the
Ambassador to shift the bilateral relationship
beyond a narrow security focus to a broader
commercial, political and strategic partnership.
This included the lead-up work underpinning
Prime Minister Maliki’s successful visit to
Australia in March 2009, and the negotiation of
the six memorandums of understanding (MOU)
that formed the key visit outcome. Activities
undertaken under the MOUs will assist Iraq
build on recent security improvements to
become a stable and prosperous democracy.
The Embassy has already facilitated several
visits to Iraq by Australian companies prompted
by the Maliki visit.
SECTION 2
We worked closely with AusAID and other agencies in implementing Australia’s $165million, three-year development assistance program for Iraq, with a strong focus on
capacity-building in the agriculture and government sectors. The department also worked
with Austrade in providing advice and support to Australian companies interested in doing
business in Iraq.
Although slowly improving, the difficult security situation continued to present significant
challenges for embassy staff, other Australian officials and Australians working in Iraq.
The embassy nevertheless continued to pursue Australian interests, help Australian
business and deliver consular assistance.
Middle East
The department supported the Government’s commitment to enhanced engagement with
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar,
Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman). We obtained agreement for the establishment of a foreign
ministers-level dialogue with GCC members, to take forward Australia’s growing shared
interests with the countries of the Gulf. We pursued strongly Australia’s interests in a free
trade agreement with the GCC (see sub‑output 1.1.7).
The department continued to engage strongly in relation to Iran, reflecting the
Government’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities, human rights, threatening
statements towards Israel and violence against protestors following the presidential
elections. The department implemented the Government’s additional sanctions against
Iran, and worked with other countries to address concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities
We coordinated the Government’s response to the conflict in December and January in the
Gaza Strip and southern Israel, including the practical response of pledging $36 million
in assistance to the Palestinian people, announced by the Parliamentary Secretary for
Development Cooperation, Mr Bob McMullan, in Sharm el-Sheikh in January 2009. We
provided advice to the Government on the Middle East peace process.
The department continued to facilitate high-level engagement with the Middle East in
support of Australia’s strategic and commercial interests. Mr Smith visited Israel and the
Palestinian Territories in October 2008, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in March and
Saudi Arabia in May 2009. Mr Crean visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE in November 2008.
The Prime Minister and the Governor-General visited the UAE in December and January
respectively. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry visited Saudi Arabia and
Bahrain in March 2009. The Deputy Prime Minister visited Israel and the Palestinian
Territories in June 2009.
72
Africa
The Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, greets children in Botswana during her visit in March 2009.
In January 2009, Mr Smith became the first Australian Foreign Minister to address an
Executive Council meeting of the African Union held in Addis Ababa. He met almost
30 African ministers. A visit by the then Defence Minister, Mr Fitzgibbon, to Addis Ababa
in February 2009 opened the way for increased dialogue with the African Union on peace
and security issues.
The department coordinated the visits to Australia of the foreign ministers of Tanzania,
Kenya, Rwanda and Botswana in May and June. We also facilitated the visit of the
Governor-General to ten African countries in March and April, namely Mauritius,
Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and
the Seychelles.
Our African posts continued to work with business to promote Australian commercial
engagement throughout Africa, including in the natural resources sector and in education
and other services. We again hosted with Austrade a major promotion of Australian mining
73
SECTION 2
A high priority for the department was advancing the Government’s commitment to
strengthen engagement with Africa. We led whole-of-government implementation of
the Government’s policy through strengthening trade and investment, an expanded
development assistance program and fostering people-to-people links. We formalised new
diplomatic relations with several African countries, including Liberia, Burkina Faso, Niger
and the Republic of Congo, and expanded Australia’s contact with governments across
the continent.
SECTION 2
expertise at the annual African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, a conference which attracted
strong participation by African ministers and decision-makers.
The department led Australia’s response at an international level in pressing for political
transformation in Zimbabwe. We implemented strengthened travel and financial sanctions
against members of the Mugabe government. We coordinated with AusAID the provision of
humanitarian assistance to the Zimbabwean people, in particular to counter the cholera
epidemic and to alleviate chronic food shortages. We supported Australia’s response to
the inauguration of the inclusive Zimbabwean government in February, and the Australian
Government’s commitment to assist Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his ministers
to rebuild Zimbabwe and to move towards democratic elections.
We worked with other agencies to coordinate Australia’s responses to crises in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Kenya and Somalia. We were active
internationally in urging the Sudanese Government to allow NGOs to continue their
essential humanitarian work in Darfur.
Sri Lanka
The department expressed concern over the security and humanitarian situation in
northern Sri Lanka, particularly the impact of the conflict on civilians. During the final
months of the military conflict in 2009, Australia called for all parties to make protecting
civilians the absolute priority and to allow civilians to leave the conflict zone, reinforcing
the calls of others in the international community.
Sri Lankan security forces defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in military
action in May 2009. Over 280 000 internally displaced civilians were moved into camps
administered by the Sri Lankan government. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith,
called for unrestricted access to the displaced persons camps by the United Nations and
humanitarian agencies, and advocated early resettlement of the displaced population and
the commencement of a process of political reform and reconciliation. The department
worked with AusAID on the allocation of $23.5 million in Australian humanitarian
assistance for internally displaced persons.
The High Commission in Colombo engaged Sri Lankan authorities to encourage them to
take action against people smuggling (see sub‑output 1.1.9).
74
SECTION 2
Australia’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dr Justin Lee (centre), with participants of the inaugral International
Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism Workshop held in Dhaka from 26 to 30 April 2009, the first joint training exercise on
counter-terrorism between the Australian Federal Police and the Bangladesh Police Staff College and the first activity
undertaken under the auspices of the bilateral MOU on counter-terrorism.
Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives
Following two years of rule by a caretaker government, Bangladesh held parliamentary
elections in December 2008. The department coordinated the participation of Australian
election observers, including parliamentarians, at the elections. We concluded a
counter‑terrorism memorandum of understanding with Bangladesh.
The department made representations to the government of Nepal in respect of our trade
and investment interests and continued to support consular activities and aid delivery.
Australia was represented at the coronation of the Fifth King of Bhutan by Australia’s High
Commissioner in New Delhi, who is accredited to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Australia welcomed the transition to democracy in the Maldives. The department sent
election observers as part of a team organised by the European Union for the first multicandidate presidential elections in October 2008 and the first multi-party parliamentary
elections in May 2009.
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
The department enhanced the Government’s engagement with South Asian countries
by helping to obtain the decision in August 2008 by the leaders of the South Asian
Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to invite Australia to participate in SAARC
as an observer. SAARC observer status will enable high-level Australian Government
engagement with South Asian counterparts on an annual basis.
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SECTION 2
Outlook
The department will assist the Government to deliver its commitment to further deepen
relations with India. We will support a significant number of planned visits to India by
senior Government ministers seeking to engage with the new Indian Government. We will
enhance our engagement with South Asia more broadly, including by attending the SAARC
Summit in Bhutan scheduled for the first half of 2010 as an observer for the first time.
The department’s role in coordinating the Government’s engagement with Pakistan to help
address its profound economic, security and development challenges will be a priority.
We will work with the international community to support the democratically elected
government of Pakistan.
The department will facilitate an increased Australian presence in Afghanistan announced
by the Prime Minister in April 2009, and coordinate the diplomatic and civilian aspects of
Australia’s growing and complex whole-of-government engagement in Afghanistan.
Further development of the new phase in the relationship with Iraq will be a priority,
including supporting engagement with Iraq by a wide range of Australian agencies.
The Middle East will remain a focus of attention. Developing an effective international
response to Iran’s ongoing nuclear activities will remain a priority, as will making a
constructive contribution to the Middle East peace process. We will pursue Australia’s
substantial and growing trade and investment interests in the region. Further enhancing
engagement with countries in the Gulf will also be a priority.
The department will increase its level of activity focused on Africa, through expanded
high-level contact and engagement. We will encourage positive change in Zimbabwe.
Responding to humanitarian crises on the continent as they occur will remain a
high priority.
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O u t p u t 1 .1 PAC I F I C
1.1.6 PACIFIC
Overview
To complement this engagement strategy, we coordinated more closely with New Zealand
on Pacific issues, including on ways of assisting Pacific countries achieve their Millennium
Development Goals. Bilateral cooperation with New Zealand was enhanced through the
implementation of an action agenda aimed at deepening trans-Tasman integration.
The department consolidated other key bilateral relationships. The 19th Australia–Papua
New Guinea Ministerial Forum, which we hosted in Brisbane in June 2009, advanced
cooperation in priority areas for both sides. The Forum, as well as high-level visits to
both Australia and Papua New Guinea, highlighted the significance of the relationship.
Visits by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Trade and other ministers and
parliamentary secretaries to Solomon Islands underlined our commitment to that country.
We encouraged the negotiation between the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon
Islands (RAMSI) and the Solomon Islands Government of a Partnership Framework to
establish a mutually agreed action agenda for the mission. We consolidated relations with
Tonga, assisting it to establish a High Commission in Canberra in November 2008. We
transitioned our development assistance to Nauru to a regular multi-year funding model
aligned to its national development priorities.
Fiji’s military regime took a number of backward steps, including refusing to meet its
commitment to hold elections by March 2009 and the abrogation of its constitution
in April 2009. We continued to work with other Pacific Islands Forum countries and
the international community to pressure the regime to hold elections and return Fiji to
democracy and the rule of law.
We consulted closely with New Zealand and other Pacific Islands Forum countries on the
commencement of negotiations for a new trade and economic agreement, the Pacific
Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus, or PACER Plus. We sought to focus
international attention on key regional challenges, including climate change, and the
impact of the global economic crisis.
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SECTION 2
The department coordinated the development of a comprehensive whole-of-government
strategy to advance our engagement with the Pacific, a key Government objective
announced in the Prime Minister’s Port Moresby Declaration in March 2008. An important
element of the engagement strategy is a new framework for cooperation with Pacific island
countries centred on Pacific Partnerships for Development (PPD).
SECTION 2
The Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, and Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Works, Transport and Civil Aviation, the
Hon. Don Polye, at the 19th Australia–Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum in Brisbane on 10 June 2009.
Photo: Kirkland Photography
Pacific Engagement Strategy
The department worked closely with other agencies to advance the Government’s Pacific
Engagement Strategy. We chaired the high-level steering group charged with overseeing
implementation of the strategy.
We assisted AusAID in reaching the goal of finalising the heads of agreement for the
Pacific Partnerships for Development (PPD) with the states of Papua New Guinea,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Tonga, Nauru and Tuvalu ahead of schedule.
The Partnership arrangements aim to achieve better development outcomes by linking
Australia’s bilateral assistance to increased commitments from Pacific island countries
to improve governance, increase investment in economic infrastructure and achieve
more in priority areas such as health and education. We contributed to the development
of strategies by our Pacific partners to implement partnerships in particular sectors. By
the end of June 2009 at least one, and in many cases more, sectoral implementation
strategies had been agreed with each Pacific partner.
We worked closely with other agencies to implement the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot
Scheme, another important element of the Pacific Engagement Strategy. We assisted
the finalisation of negotiations on bilateral arrangements underpinning participation in
the scheme with Kiribati, Tonga and Vanuatu, leading to the signing of memorandums of
understanding with these countries in November 2008. We supported negotiations with
Papua New Guinea on its participation in the Scheme. After the arrival of the first group of
Pacific Seasonal Workers in February 2009, we assisted other relevant departments such
78
as the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Department of
Immigration and Citizenship and AusAID with practical management of the Scheme.
PACER Plus
The department also supported the participation of Mr Crean and Mr McMullan in an
informal meeting of regional Trade Ministers in Auckland in May 2009 and in the formal
Forum Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Apia in June 2009. Complementing Mr Crean’s highlevel advocacy, officials engaged with partners at bilateral and regional levels, including
through meetings of Forum trade officials in Tonga in November 2008, in Australia in
February 2009 and in Vanuatu in May 2009. These and other bilateral interactions by
the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific
Island Affairs, Mr Kerr, contributed to the consensus recommendation by Mr Crean and
his Forum counterparts that Leaders agree to begin negotiations on PACER Plus from
August 2009.
New Zealand
The department strengthened Australia’s engagement with New Zealand on key bilateral,
regional and global issues. We coordinated substantial high-level exchanges, including
the annual Closer Economic Relations (CER) Ministerial Meeting in Melbourne in
August 2008 (attended by three ministers from each country). We organised meetings
between Mr Smith and the New Zealand Foreign Minister, Mr Murray McCully, in January
and June 2009; and talks on regional trade and development issues between Mr Crean,
Mr Kerr, Mr McMullan, Mr McCully and the New Zealand Trade Minister, Mr Tim Groser, in
April 2009.
During a March 2009 visit to Australia, the New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr John Key,
agreed with the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, on a wide-ranging agenda aimed at deepening
trans-Tasman economic integration. The department is coordinating with other agencies
to implement this agenda, including through work on the CER Rules of Origin, the Joint
Food Standards Treaty, therapeutic product standards, a new tax treaty (signed on
26 June 2009) and a CER Investment Protocol. We supported an inter-departmental
review of the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement. We also assisted in the
preparations for the August 2009 Australia–New Zealand Leadership Forum.
The Prime Ministers agreed on the need for continued close cooperation between Australia
and New Zealand on developments in the Pacific, with special emphasis on assisting
Pacific island countries achieve their Millennium Development Goals. The department has
continued to consult with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure
Australia and New Zealand work closely and effectively in the region.
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SECTION 2
At the August 2008 Pacific Islands Forum meeting, the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, and
other Forum Leaders agreed that preparatory work should be undertaken on possible
negotiations for a new regional economic integration and trade agreement (known as
PACER Plus). We supported close engagement with regional counterparts on PACER
Plus by the Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, including during his visit (together with the
Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Mr McMullan) in April
2009 to Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands and New Zealand.
FIGURE 12. Australia’s trade in goods and services with New Zealand
Balance
15 000
Imports
Exports
10 000
$ MILLION
SECTION 2
12 500
7 500
5 000
2 500
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Papua New Guinea
The department focused on building on the outcomes of the Prime Minister’s visit to
Papua New Guinea in March 2008 and the 18th Australia–Papua New Guinea Ministerial
Forum in 2008. The high-profile visit of the PNG Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, as a
Guest of Government, accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration,
The Hon. Samuel Abal, from 27 April to 3 May 2009, further consolidated the bilateral
relationship. We worked closely with other government agencies in coordinating the visit.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, presenting a commemorative medallion to PNG Minister for Foreign Affairs, the
Hon Samuel Abal, accompanied by Dr Mike Kelly MP (left) and the PNG Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation,
the Hon Charles Abel, on the margins of the 19th Australia–PNG Ministerial Forum in Brisbane, June 2009.
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The Forum also saw implementation of the Joint Understanding on the Kokoda Track and
Owen Stanley Ranges. A cooperation agreement on sustainable forest management, forest
certification and governance was signed, as was a comprehensive work plan to advance
cooperation under the Forest Carbon Partnership.
The department supported other high-level bilateral exchanges, including Mr Kerr’s visit to
Port Moresby and Bougainville in March 2009. This visit ensured that Australia engaged
at an early stage with the new President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government,
Mr James Tanis. The Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, Mr Anthony Byrne, visited Madang
in May 2009, to participate as a keynote speaker in the 25th Australia Papua New Guinea
Business Forum. This visit helped to promote dialogue with the business community in
Papua New Guinea.
The department maintained its oversight of the Torres Strait Treaty, including by facilitating
a visit in December 2008 to the Torres Strait by Mr Kerr. We continued to work closely
with other government agencies and Torres Strait indigenous community representatives
to ensure effective, whole-of-government management of key Torres Strait border issues.
Solomon Islands
The department led the Government’s commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future
for Solomon Islands, both through enhancing the bilateral relationship and through
Australia’s leadership of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). We
coordinated an intensive program of high-level bilateral visits, including by Mr Smith and
Mr Kerr in July 2008; the then Minister for Defence, Mr Fitzgibbon, in September 2008;
the then Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Debus, in April 2009; Mr Crean and Mr McMullan in
April 2009; and a further visit by Mr Kerr in May 2009.
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SECTION 2
The department organised the 19th Australia–Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum,
co-chaired by Mr Smith and his counterpart, Mr Abal, in Brisbane on 9–10 June 2009.
The Forum involved 17 ministers from PNG and eight ministers and three parliamentary
secretaries from Australia. The Forum took forward a number of priorities including:
finalising the first five schedules for the Partnership for Development; endorsing the terms
of reference for a review of the bilateral Development Cooperation Treaty; and putting
into place revised arrangements for the Strongim Gavman Program (SGP). The successor
to the Enhanced Cooperation Program, the SGP helps strengthen governance and
accountability in PNG by placing senior Australian government officials in PNG agencies to
provide mentoring and strategic advice.
SECTION 2
The Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, and the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance,
Mr McMullan, met Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua, who presented Mr Crean with a traditional shell
necklace, during a visit to Honiara on 2 April 2009.
Our bilateral work complemented the support we provided for RAMSI’s engagement
with the Solomon Islands government, helping that government to maintain law and
order, strengthen public institutions, build local capacity, reduce corruption and improve
economic management. Intensive joint work by RAMSI and Solomon Islands resulted
in the conclusion in May 2009 of the Solomon Islands Government–RAMSI Partnership
Framework, which sets out agreed objectives and plans for the Mission’s work. The
Framework is a significant milestone which will facilitate a new level of cooperation
between RAMSI and Solomon Islands.
We worked with the Pacific Islands Forum to consolidate regional participation in, and
support for, RAMSI. Continued regional engagement with RAMSI is vital to its success.
All members of the Forum maintained their participation in RAMSI in 2008–09. The
department continued to support regional oversight mechanisms for RAMSI, participating
in two meetings of the officials-level Enhanced Cooperation Mechanism and supporting
attendance by Mr Smith and Mr Kerr respectively at two meetings of the Forum Ministerial
Standing Committee on RAMSI.
The department represented Australia’s position on RAMSI to the Review of RAMSI by
the Solomon Islands Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee. We made a written
submission to the Committee and High Commission staff testified at two hearings.
82
Fiji
Australia worked closely with Pacific Islands Forum members, countries outside the region
and international organisations, including the United Nations, the European Union and the
Commonwealth, to encourage Fiji’s prompt return to democracy and the rule of law.
Following the failure of the Interim Government to meet this deadline, the Forum took
the unprecedented step of suspending participation by the Interim Government in Forum
meetings and events. In addition, the regime ceased to be eligible to receive Forum
technical assistance, other than assistance to restore democracy.
In reaching this decision, leaders considered the report of the Forum’s six-member
Ministerial Contact Group (MCG) after its December 2008 visit to Fiji. The MCG, which
includes the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, had earlier visited Fiji in July 2008 and
had confirmed that holding an election by March 2009 was still possible, provided there
was commitment on the part of the regime.
The department raised at an international level Australia’s deep concern about events in
Fiji, especially the abrogation of its constitution in April 2009, the introduction of Public
Emergency Regulations that have further eroded free speech and other basic human
rights, and continued intimidation of critics of the regime. We made strong protests to
the military regime about the expulsion of three Australian media representatives, two of
which took place despite court injunctions.
With the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, we coordinated the implementation
of travel sanctions against members and leading supporters of the regime. We kept
contingency plans under regular review to ensure we were in a position to provide consular
assistance to Australians promptly in the event of a serious downturn in the security
situation in Fiji. While there have been no further death threats to the High Commissioner
and staff in Suva since the middle of 2008, we have yet to receive an adequate response
to our requests to the military regime for a thorough investigation.
Vanuatu
We quickly established productive links with Vanuatu’s new government following
its election in September 2008, contributing to the signing of the Australia–Vanuatu
Partnership for Development during the May 2009 visit to Australia of Vanuatu’s Prime
Minister, Mr Edward Natapei. We also supported other high-level bilateral visits, including
by the Vanuatu Interior Minister, Mr Patrick Crowby, to Australia in February 2009, and
visits to Vanuatu by Mr Crean and Mr McMullan in April 2009. We assisted the Australian
Tax Office and the Australian Federal Police with the Project Wickenby investigations into
serious tax fraud and money-laundering.
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SECTION 2
We supported a special meeting of Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Port Moresby in
January 2009, at which leaders unanimously agreed on a 1 May deadline for the Interim
Government to undertake serious and credible preparations for the holding of an election
in 2009. Fiji’s Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Bainimarama, had earlier reneged on
his commitment to hold elections in Fiji by March 2009.
SECTION 2
The Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Mr Pablo Kang (centre), with the Vanuatu Prime Minister, Mr Edward
Natapei (right), and the then Vanuatu Health Minister, Mr Joe Natuman, meeting the local community on Tanna at the
launch of the Malaria Reference Group meeting on 4 May 2009. The Australian Government is providing $6 million
towards the elimination of malaria in Tafea province by 2014.
Tonga
The department maintained its strong support for the efforts of the government and
people of Tonga to recover from the November 2006 riots. We helped Tonga establish a
new High Commission in Canberra in November 2008 and facilitated high-level contacts,
including visits to Tonga by Mr Smith, Mr Crean, Mr McMullan and Mr Kerr. We and other
agencies have agreed to the Tongan government’s requests for additional Australian
support to facilitate constitutional and electoral reforms ahead of planned elections
in 2010.
Nauru
The signing in July 2008 of a revised memorandum of understanding on Australian
assistance by Mr Smith and the Nauruan Foreign Minister, Dr Kieren Keke, saw Nauru
take another step away from its dependence on the offshore processing centre for
asylum-seekers, which closed in February 2008. This transition continued with the
initiation of negotiations for a Partnership for Development, which will enable Nauru to
move to a multi-year assistance program framework. We encouraged Nauru to continue
reforms, including on economic and financial governance, fisheries management and
law and justice, aimed at restoring essential infrastructure and services and improving
economic self-sufficiency.
84
Other Pacific island countries
The Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Mr Duncan Kerr SC, with the Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign
Affairs and External Trade, Mr William Haomae (right), during a Forum Ministerial Standing Committee meeting on RAMSI,
May 2009. The Hon. Billy Talagi, MP (left), from Niue looks on.
French Collectivities
The department worked to strengthen engagement with the French Government and
the governments of the French Collectivities of New Caledonia, French Polynesia and
Wallis and Futuna, including by providing support to the November 2008 visit of the
then French Minister of State for Overseas France, Mr Yves Jego, and to the visit by
Mr Kerr to New Caledonia for an Armistice Day ceremony and bilateral discussions. We
also helped coordinate the visit by the French High Commissioner to New Caledonia,
Mr Yves Dassonville, in March 2009, which led to enhanced cooperation between
New Caledonia, France and Australia on disaster response, maritime security, policing,
and environmental issues.
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SECTION 2
Reflecting the focus on enhanced engagement with the region, the department supported
an increased tempo of visits and contact between portfolio ministers and parliamentary
secretaries and their Pacific counterparts, including visits to Palau, Samoa, the Cook
Islands and Niue. Guest of Government visits by the leaders of Samoa and Tuvalu were
supported. We hosted the Kiribati Cabinet Secretary under the department’s Special
Visits Program. We also consulted private sector representatives, contributed to research
bodies, academic dialogues and business forums, and briefed media when necessary on
a range of issues.
SECTION 2
Pacific Islands Forum
The department worked constructively with regional organisations and institutions,
particularly the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, to support responses to the region’s
political and security challenges. In particular, the department’s advocacy at the Forum
Regional Security Committee meeting resulted in strong statements of support for regional
positions on Fiji and RAMSI.
At the August 2008 Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Niue, the department contributed to the
development of a leaders’ declaration on climate change and a framework for fisheries
management. We also supported rationalisation of the functions of regional institutions.
Australia announced a $150 million climate change adaptation initiative focused
predominantly on the Pacific. This initiative was welcomed by leaders and served to focus
attention on climate change as a critical challenge for low-lying Pacific island countries.
The department worked closely with other government agencies and the Pacific Islands
Forum Secretariat to develop a policy framework for the August 2009 Leaders’ Meeting
in Cairns. Through engagement with the secretariat and Forum island countries we
contributed to the development of a comprehensive agenda for the Leaders’ Meeting
and a plan of action for Australia to engage with the region in our role as Forum Chair
in 2009–10.
Outlook
As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum over the coming year, Australia will play a leading
role in taking forward the decisions made by the Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Cairns.
Priorities will be support for the development of policies that build resilience in the face
of the global economic crisis, strengthening development coordination, development of a
regional response to climate change, renewable energy, fisheries, and regional economic
integration (PACER Plus).
The department will advance Australia’s Pacific Engagement Strategy, including through
the implementation of existing Pacific Partnerships, and the extension of the Partnerships
to more countries in the region. We will also work actively to achieve greater economic
integration and trade in the Pacific region.
We will lead whole-of-government coordination of Australia’s relationship with Papua New
Guinea, including the involvement of Australian agencies in the Strongim Gavman Program
and in implementing the decisions of the Australia–Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum.
Australia remains committed to assisting the Solomon Islands Government achieve a
sustainable future for its people. The department will coordinate Australia’s support for
Solomon Islands and work closely with donor partners and RAMSI to meet the challenges
faced by that country.
Dealing with the military regime in Fiji will continue to be a significant challenge.
Sustained advocacy and cooperation with other countries, regional forums and multilateral
institutions will be needed to maintain pressure for an early return to democracy and to
respond to Fiji’s declining economic position.
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O u t p u t 1 .1 T RA D E NEG OT I AT I O NS
1.1.7 BILATERAL, REGIONAL AND MULTILATERAL
TRADE NEGOTIATIONS
Overview
The G20 Leaders’ London Summit in April 2009 provided new political momentum to the
Doha Round negotiations. We organised the Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting in Bali and
an informal gathering of trade ministers in Paris in June 2009, both chaired by Mr Crean.
These meetings led to important commitments from key WTO Members, including the
recently elected governments of the United States and India, to re-engage in the Round
and intensify technical work in Geneva.
Among the department’s significant achievements in 2008–09 were the successful
conclusion of free trade agreements (FTA) with ASEAN–New Zealand, and with Chile.
The signing of the ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) was an historic step in
strengthening Australia’s economic ties with the South-East Asian region and provided an
important signal of the region’s commitment to open markets in the face of the global
economic crisis. The department also managed an active agenda of regional and bilateral
FTA negotiations with a number of major trading partners. In particular, we began FTA
negotiations with the Republic of Korea.
WTO Doha Round negotiations
Australia again led efforts to reach a successful conclusion to the Doha Round. The
July 2008 Ministerial meeting made significant progress in reducing the number of
outstanding issues despite its eventual breakdown. The department participated in
subsequent meetings to capture this progress. This resulted in revised texts on agriculture
and industrial products being released in December 2008 as part of preparations for a
possible Ministerial meeting. To our disappointment, the WTO Director-General, Mr Pascal
Lamy, recommended that a ministerial meeting should not be convened after assessing
there was not enough convergence on key issues to reach a deal on a framework
package (‘modalities’). The key outstanding issues included further industrial tariff cuts
at a sectoral level, the agriculture Special Safeguard Mechanism and cotton subsidies.
Agreement on these issues was further complicated by national elections in key WTO
Member countries.
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SECTION 2
Our highest trade priority in 2008–09 remained working towards a successful conclusion
to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations that
would involve improvements in market access for Australian exporters of agricultural and
industrial products and services. We supported the efforts of the Minister for Trade,
Mr Crean, to work with other WTO trade ministers to build the necessary political will and
flexibility to conclude the Round. This included major advances in narrowing differences
at the WTO Ministerial meeting in July 2008, even though there was not agreement on
a final package. The global economic crisis underlined the importance of concluding
the Doha Round to safeguard against protectionism and rekindle economic growth
through open markets, particularly for those developing countries most affected by the
economic downturn.
SECTION 2
Australia’s whole-of-government delegation at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva
September 2008. The delegation comprised officers from DFAT, the Attorney-General’s Department, the Australian
Government Solicitor, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Biosecurity Australia and the Australian
Quarantine and Inspection Service.
The Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting in Bali in June 2009 provided the first real political
engagement since the July 2008 breakdown and since the G20 Leaders’ London Summit
in April. Cairns Group ministers, and guests, including the US Trade Representative,
Mr Ron Kirk, and Indian Commerce Minister, Mr Anand Sharma, agreed to re-engage
intensively to try to find a solution to the Doha Round. To build on this new momentum the
department coordinated an informal meeting of trade ministers hosted by Mr Crean in the
margins of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) in Paris in June 2009. Ministers
restated their commitment to conclude the Doha Round and directed their respective
senior officials to intensify negotiations in Geneva to secure progress before the next G20
Leaders’ Summit in September 2009.
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FIGURE 13. Direction of Australia’s Exports 2008
Other (15%)
Japan (19%)
United States (7%)
SECTION 2
New Zealand (5%)
China (13%)
European Union (12%)
Taiwan (3%)
Hong Kong (2%)
Korea (7%)
India (6%)
ASEAN (11%)
Agriculture
The department played a central role in the agriculture negotiations convened at
regular intervals in Geneva in the second half of 2008, beginning with the WTO
Ministerial Meeting in July. We participated in key small group meetings, such as the G7
(the European Communities, United States, Japan, Brazil, India, China and Australia),
which helped consolidate the draft text of a new WTO agreement in sensitive areas such
as the Special Safeguard Mechanism for developing countries and Sensitive Products for
developed countries. The latter will govern the market access outcomes for Australian
agricultural exports such as sheepmeat, beef, sugar and dairy into important markets
such as the European Union, United States and Japan. The G7 was also instrumental in
reaching agreement on the level of cuts to trade-distorting agricultural support in the EC,
United States, Japan and others.
Through Australia’s leadership of the Cairns Group of 19 agricultural exporting countries,
we maintained significant influence in the agriculture negotiations, as well as the
negotiations more broadly. In addition to the Bali ministerial meeting, the department
used the Cairns Group in Geneva to argue effectively for substantial reductions in
trade-distorting subsidies and for real improvements in market access for Australian
agricultural producers.
The department coordinated the Government’s strong opposition, including through the
Cairns Group, to the reintroduction of export subsidies for dairy products by the European
Union and the United States. Export subsidies are the most distorting of all trade support
mechanisms and have a detrimental impact on Australian dairy producers. We supported
ministers in their discussions with the European Union and the United States about the
impact of the export subsidies and, in the context of the global economic crisis, the poor
signal such protectionist measures send to the rest of the world.
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SECTION 2
Industrials (non-agricultural market access or NAMA)
The department continued to work actively in the Doha Round negotiations for
commercially meaningful improvements in market access for industrial products (NAMA),
covering minerals, energy, manufactured products, forestry and fisheries. We remained in
close contact with industry to ensure our focus remained on products of most interest to
Australian exporters. We ensured our defensive interests were safeguarded while working
closely with key countries on possible solutions to the major sectoral obstacles.
Progress on NAMA in 2008–09 was complicated by the breakdown of ministerial talks
in Geneva in July 2008. Following extensive consultations in November, a fourth revised
negotiating text was proposed in December 2008. The text reflected both areas of
convergence and those areas of outstanding difference among members. The department
intensified efforts on technical issues in the first half of 2009, in particular on sectoral
initiatives for tariff liberalisation and on non-tariff barrier (NTB) proposals.
Services
A successful Doha Round must include significant and commercially meaningful
liberalisation of international trade in services. To realise this outcome, the department
pushed for a ministerial signalling conference on services which was held in July 2008.
The ministerial meeting met its primary objective of building support for renewed
momentum in WTO services negotiations. The signals provided by ministers, including
from countries in our region, provided important markers for the content for future
services offers, and, in a number of instances, specifically addressed Australian requests
for improved market openness.
Prospects for substantial progress on opening markets for services depend on progress
in other aspects of the Doha negotiations, particularly in agricultural and industrial market
access. We pressed Australia’s interests and priorities in the services negotiations.
Among these interests are lower foreign equity caps on investment, greater regulatory
transparency, and improved business mobility, including for fly-in fly-out services
contractors and professionals. Our priority sectors for market opening include financial
services, telecommunications, professional services, education, mining-related and
environmental services.
We provided leadership across other areas of services negotiations. We hosted small
group meetings in Geneva to explore avenues to break the stalemate among the WTO
Membership on developing disciplines on domestic regulation. Australia has strong
interests at stake to ensure that new market openness for our services contractors is not
undermined by protectionism disguised as regulation.
Intellectual Property
The department pursued Australia’s interests in relation to trade-related intellectual
property (IP) and the development of the international IP system more generally.
In the WTO, the department defended Australia’s interests in the Doha negotiations on
commercially sensitive IP issues, including geographical indications (GIs). GIs are terms
such as ‘Champagne’ used on products to convey the qualities or reputation of those
90
products resulting from their geographical origin. The manner in which GIs are protected
has significant implications for Australia’s food and wine industries.
The department worked successfully to secure the election of Dr Francis Gurry as Director
General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Dr Gurry is only the third
Australian to lead a UN organisation. Following his election we worked with others to
engage constructively in the organisation in support of Dr Gurry’s reform agenda.
WTO rules, including trade facilitation
The department led Australia’s close engagement in the WTO Rules negotiations. In
conjunction with other agencies, we worked to ensure that negotiations on trade remedies
would deliver positive outcomes for Australian exporters and preserve the rights of
Australian industry to trade remedies.
Australia was a leading voice as a member of the Friends of Fish informal group on
the need for ambitious and sustainable outcomes on fisheries subsidies, including the
broadest possible prohibition on fisheries subsidies.
Negotiations aimed at strengthening and clarifying the WTO disciplines on FTAs remained
a priority for the department. While there was little progress on this issue during the year,
we will work with other WTO members to ensure that consideration of this issue remains
under discussion, possibly through agreement on a built-in agenda. The provisionally
adopted transparency mechanism has made a positive contribution to the debate
surrounding the proliferation of FTAs.
The Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation continued its steady progress throughout the
year. We contributed to continuing discussions on textual issues which should eventually
form the basis of a new WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The aim of such an agreement
is to expedite the movement, clearance and release of goods. Good progress has been
made on such issues as proposals on border agency cooperation, the use of international
standards and the use of customs brokers.
WTO development agenda
The department advocated a successful conclusion of the Doha Round as a key measure
to support developing countries’ sustainable development by helping them better reap the
benefits of international trade. We continued to advocate the need for trade reform in core
negotiating areas of the Doha Round, particularly the highly distorted agricultural sector,
to deliver on the Doha Round’s development mandate. We encouraged other countries to
follow Australia’s lead by providing tariff-free, quota-free access for all products from leastdeveloped countries.
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We led whole-of-government participation in Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement
(ACTA) negotiations. Australia is seeking a practical agreement on IP enforcement that
complements the existing international IP architecture and is likely to gain broad support.
Talks were put in abeyance in December 2008 while the US administration reviewed its
approach to the ACTA but in June 2009 proponents unveiled an ambitious negotiating
schedule for 2009–10.
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The department supported trade-related technical assistance to help developing countries
participate in and reap the full benefits of the multilateral trading system, including
the Doha Round. The Government almost doubled Australia’s annual contribution to
the WTO’s ‘Aid for Trade’ trust funds. A contribution of $1.75 million was made to the
Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund, up from $1 million in 2007–08, and for
the first time, the Government contributed $750 000 to the WTO’s Standards and Trade
Development Facility. This facility helps boost international trade by assisting developing
countries to analyse and implement international standards on food safety and animal and
plant health. The Government also sponsored the participation of trade officials from the
Asia-Pacific and Africa in the department’s Trade Policy Course in Canberra in May 2009.
The course aims to increase participants’ understanding of the WTO system and better
equip officials to formulate trade policy and report on the trade policies of other countries.
We worked with AusAID to ensure the UN system, particularly the United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), sent strong messages in support of
concluding the Doha Round and highlighted the benefits that would accrue to developing
countries. The department encouraged UNCTAD to use other international organisations
as required, such as the WTO as well as its own expertise, to support its developing
country programs.
WTO compliance and dispute settlement
The department actively pursued a range of WTO trade law issues, including disputes, in
cooperation with other government departments, to ensure Australia’s compliance with
WTO obligations. We led the whole-of-government taskforce to defend Australia’s position
in the dispute brought by New Zealand against Australia’s quarantine measures regarding
New Zealand apple imports.
The department remained closely engaged in WTO dispute resolution, managing
Australia’s participation as a third party in ten disputes in total. Such close involvement
in the disputes system not only protects Australia’s trade interests but also enables
Australia to help shape the international trade law system. Significant cases which moved
forward during the year included those brought by the United States against China on
certain Chinese ‘Famous Brands’ grants, loans and other incentives, China’s treatment
of intellectual property rights and China’s case against the United States on anti-dumping
and countervailing duties. This marked the first time China has proceeded to the panel
stage with a complaint against another WTO Member.
Other important disputes in which we participated as a third party included a case brought
by the United States, Japan and Chinese Taipei against the EC on its tariff treatment
of certain information technology products and the Philippines case against Thailand
on customs duties imposed on cigarette imports. The department continued to monitor
implementation by the EC of the WTO ruling on EU sugar export subsidies, following the
successful challenge by Australia, Brazil and Thailand in 2005. (This landmark case led to
the removal of some four million tonnes of subsidised sugar from the global market.)
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Personal Profile:
Elisabeth Bowes
As Counsellor at the Australian
Permanent Mission to the WTO,
Elisabeth is also responsible for WTO
negotiations on often contentious
issues concerning the intersection
between trade and environment—a
subject with increasing resonance as climate change continues to gain prominence
on the international agenda. These include negotiations on the liberalisation of
environmental goods and services and other areas under the Doha mandate.
Elisabeth works with like-minded counterparts in identifying strategies and solutions
to encourage greater engagement in the negotiations.
‘The WTO dispute settlement body is one of the most active dispute settlement
bodies in the international system, and Australia is a very active participant in the
WTO system, either as party or third party. Representing Australia at the dispute
hearings is both challenging and interesting.’
We supported greater transparency in WTO dispute settlement proceedings. In the apples
dispute we agreed to open hearings. More generally, we pressed for greater transparency
measures in the ongoing negotiations on reform of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body.
The department also ensured all Australian documents submitted to the WTO in dispute
settlement proceedings were made available on the departmental website.
In conjunction with the Attorney-General’s Department, we provided trade law advice
to other departments to ensure the Government’s broader policy settings were
consistent with WTO obligations. One example of this is our ongoing contribution to the
implementation of the Beale Review of Australia’s quarantine measures. Our advisory
work covered climate change, air transport, services, immigration, environmental goods
and services, intellectual property protection and television standards. The department
supported the commercial interests of a range of Australian industries in accessing
international markets. For example, we worked to ensure the new 2009 EC beef quota
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Elisabeth Bowes is Australia’s Genevabased representative in the WTO Dispute
Settlement Body. Drawing on nine years
of experience as a legal officer in United
Nations dispute settlement institutions
in Geneva and Hamburg prior to joining
the department, Elisabeth presents
Australia’s submissions to dispute
panels and the WTO Appellate Body.
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would be applied consistent with the EC’s WTO commitments and without discrimination
towards Australian exporters.
We maintained efforts to raise awareness of international trade law. Departmental staff
delivered lectures, seminars and presentations to universities, national and international
organisations and industry groups. The department, in conjunction with Attorney-General’s
Department, again organised the highly successful International Trade Law Symposium in
Canberra in April 2009.
WTO accessions
The department participated in WTO accession negotiations to help facilitate the
accession of prospective members in line with WTO rules and obligations. We participated
in bilateral negotiations with acceding members to protect the commercial interests
of Australian exporters. One accession was completed—Cape Verde in July 2008.
The department finalised bilateral negotiations with Kazakhstan and Samoa, where
we achieved positive outcomes by securing improved market access for a range of
merchandise exports. These agreements will take effect when Kazakhstan and Samoa
complete the remaining elements of their accessions. We also took part in a range of
other accession negotiations, including with Lebanon, Russia, Vanuatu and Yemen.
Trade and the environment
The department worked to highlight the positive contribution of trade to addressing climate
change, including through efforts in the WTO and APEC to promote trade in environmental
goods and services. Australia co-hosted with Indonesia an APEC workshop on trade and
environment issues aimed at confidence building and raising awareness of trade issues
associated with environmental policy developments in the region. The department also
engaged in bilateral discussions with key trading partners, including the United States
and the European Union, on the importance of developing mutually supportive trade and
environment policies.
Behind the border, we worked closely with other government agencies in policy areas
such as climate change, the restriction of illegal logging and the fostering of alternative
fuels, to ensure that trade obligations and opportunities inform the way environmental
outcomes are pursued. In November–December 2008 we conducted a second round of
inter-agency and stakeholder consultations to seek views on Australia’s positioning in the
WTO negotiations on environmental goods and services.
Supporting trade liberalisation in other international
trade bodies
The department used its participation in APEC and the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) to strengthen international support for the WTO
and a successful conclusion to the Doha Round.
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APEC Ministers re-affirmed their support for conclusion of the Doha Round when they met
in November 2008 in Lima for the 20th APEC Ministerial Meeting. APEC Ministers urged
all other WTO Members, including through their informal groups, to show flexibility and
make contributions towards an ambitious and balanced outcome to bolster a deteriorating
global economy (see sub-output 1.1.8 for more information on APEC).
The department encouraged the OECD to provide economic and policy advice to support
efforts of member-countries to improve their trade policies. We congratulated the OECD
in making progress on accession talks with Chile, Estonia, Israel, Russia and Slovenia.
The department supported enhanced engagement undertaken with the major emerging
non-member economies of Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and South Africa.
We encouraged the OECD to undertake work in response to the global economic crisis.
Australia’s permanent delegation to the OECD in Paris at regular meetings of the OECD
Trade Committee and its working party worked towards the development of a Services
Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI) which could measure the degree to which existing
regulations restrict the international exchange of services.
To complement the WTO’s monitoring of trade and trade-related measures taken since
the global economic crisis, the department encouraged the OECD Trade Committee
to undertake a wider analysis of policy responses, including labour market measures,
and their impact on trade. The OECD agreed to do so, and its preliminary report was
presented at the OECD MCM in June 2009. The Committee also increased its focus
on public advocacy efforts to educate governments, industries and consumers on the
benefits of trade liberalisation and risks of protectionism.
Free trade agreement negotiations
Australia seeks to further our trade interests through a strategic network of free trade
agreements (FTAs). The department is responsible for advancing Australia’s FTA agenda,
including leading whole-of-government negotiations.
Australia has FTAs with New Zealand, the United States, Singapore, Thailand and Chile.
We, together with New Zealand, concluded an agreement with ASEAN. We are negotiating
a further six FTAs—with China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Gulf Cooperation Council and
the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Pacific Islands Forum Trade Ministers recommended the
commencement of a new Pacific trade and economic agreement, known as PACER Plus.
We are examining the merits of entering into FTA negotiations with India and Indonesia.
Almost 70 per cent of Australia’s trade would be covered by FTAs if all these negotiations
were concluded successfully.
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At the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) in Paris on 24–25 June 2009, Mr Crean
participated in discussions on strategies for combating the global economic crisis and
developing ways in which the OECD could help implement the decisions taken by G20
Leaders at their London Summit.
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ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand free trade agreement
The signing of the Agreement Establishing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN)–Australia–New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) was an historic step in
strengthening Australia’s economic ties with the South-East Asian region and provided an
important signal of the region’s commitment to open markets in the face of the global
economic crisis. We supported the Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, in finalising the AANZFTA
and preparing for its entry into force. Following the conclusion of negotiations at the
ASEAN Economic Ministers–Closer Economic Relations meeting in August 2008, Mr Crean
signed the treaty with his ministerial counterparts from all ten ASEAN member countries
and New Zealand in Thailand in February 2009. Industry reactions were overwhelmingly
positive, although some groups expressed disappointment with aspects of the sectoral
tariff outcomes for the automotive, sugar, wine and horticulture sectors.
The Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, with his ASEAN and New Zealand counterparts, signing AANZFTA on 27 February 2009
in Hua Hin (Cha-am) Thailand.
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Key outcomes for Australia from AANZFTA
• Elimination of tariffs over time from the more developed ASEAN countries and
Vietnam on between 90 and 100 per cent of tariff lines covering 96 per cent of
current Australian exports to ASEAN.
• Immediate binding of low ASEAN tariffs that could otherwise, under WTO
provisions, be increased significantly above those applied rates.
• Increased opportunities for Australian exporters to tap into global supply chains
though AANZFTA’s regional rules of origin.
• Enhanced certainty and transparency for Australian services exporters, including
through WTO-plus improvements in professional, construction, mining-related,
education, financial and telecommunications services.
• Enhanced legal protections for Australian investors in the region, including the
right to investor-state arbitration, and a forward work program for market access
commitments on investment.
• An economic cooperation component to provide technical assistance and
capacity building to ASEAN countries to assist in implementation of the FTA
(Australia has committed to providing up to $20 million in funding for worthwhile
projects over a five year period).
• Built-in agendas and review mechanisms—in such areas as services,
investment, rules of origin and non-tariff measures—to facilitate further
liberalisation and deeper economic integration with ASEAN into the future.
The department was involved in finalising and verifying the treaty text and schedules of
commitments of the 12 parties to the agreement on tariffs, services and movement of
natural persons. The department prepared the National Interest Analysis for AANZFTA,
tabled in Parliament on 16 March 2009, and provided evidence to the Joint Standing
Committee on Treaties, which tabled its report on AANZFTA on 24 June 2009. We provided
evidence on issues relating to the AANZFTA negotiations to the Joint Standing Committee
on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade for its inquiry into Australia’s relationship with
ASEAN, which reported to Parliament also on 24 June 2009.
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• Largest FTA Australia has signed, covering 20 per cent of Australia’s total
trade valued at $112 billion in 2008, and the most comprehensive FTA ASEAN
has signed, covering goods, services, investment, movement of natural
persons, intellectual property, electronic commerce, competition policy and
economic cooperation.
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Publicising the benefits of AANZFTA
We took a new approach to highlighting the opportunities and benefits of AANZFTA
after its signing, consistent with the multi-party, regional focus of the agreement.
Mr Crean’s statement about the benefits of the agreement for Australia, ASEAN
and New Zealand was broadcast 370 times on Australia Network from the date
of signing to 17 March (the video statement was accessible on the DFAT website
for two months). Australia Network is Australia’s international television service in
the Asia-Pacific region.
Selected statements by the Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, about AANZFTA
‘In the midst of the global downturn, Australia and New Zealand and ten nations
from South-East Asia have sent a powerful message to the rest of the world. That
message is this: the ASEAN region remains committed to pursuing free trade; we
are determined to pursue trade liberalisation as a way to boost exports and job
opportunities; we acknowledge that keeping trade flows open represents the best
chance of a quick exit from this global economic storm’ (statement to Parliament,
16 March 2009).
‘Reduction and elimination of tariffs, plus the guarantee of market access
into South-East Asia, are the two big benefits to Australian exporters from this
agreement’ (statement to Parliament, 16 March 2009).
‘… at times it was like playing a game of 10-dimensional chess dealing with
countries at their different stages of development and trying to find the basis
on which we could secure our collective agreement’ (statement to Parliament,
16 March 2009).
‘This is a treaty that furthers our integration with the Asia-Pacific, a region with which
our nation’s economic future and our security are closely tied up. As such AANZFTA
represents a tangible and highly practical demonstration of this government’s
commitment to deepen Australia’s engagement with the Asia-Pacific region’
(statement to Parliament, 16 March 2009).
‘So I congratulate all of those who have been involved in the detailed negotiations.
You could see the weight of the document, the size of it, as to how detailed and
complex it is. This has been a massive effort and I’m delighted with the result
and it demonstrates that with the right political will even the most complex of
agreements can be struck’ (transcript of doorstop interview, Hua Hin, Thailand,
27 February 2009).
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Korea Free Trade Agreement
On 5 March 2009, the Prime Minister and President Lee announced that they had
agreed to launch bilateral FTA negotiations. Mr Crean opened the first round of
negotiations in Melbourne on 18 May 2009 during the visit of the Korean Trade Minister,
Mr Kim Jong-hoon. The three rounds of preparatory discussions provided a solid basis
for a constructive start to the negotiations which covered a full range of sectors. It is
expected that two more rounds of negotiations will be held before the end of 2009.
China Free Trade Agreement
The Prime Minister and his Chinese counterpart agreed in April 2008 to unfreeze
negotiations and pursue early outcomes. Mr Crean and China’s Commerce Minister also
agreed on a work program that meant we could then lead Australia’s involvement in two
further rounds of negotiations in the second half of 2008.
At the twelfth negotiating round in September 2008, held in Canberra, discussion of
sensitive products began, as agreed following China’s revised tariff offer made at the
eleventh round in June 2008. This entailed a detailed exploration of China’s sensitivity
to reducing barriers to agriculture trade and Australia’s concerns regarding further
tariff reductions on certain manufactured goods. This discussion was continued at the
thirteenth round held in December 2008 in Beijing. While some progress was made during
these negotiating rounds, Australia and China’s positions on market access for goods
remained a substantial distance apart.
We continued, at the twelfth and thirteenth rounds, to push a range of commercially
focused services and investment outcomes that would not require major regulatory
change, as agreed by Chinese and Australian Ministers. The list of requests was
developed in close consultation with Australian industry, and covered a broad range of
services sectors. We also discussed with China ways to improve conditions for Australian
investors. Our requests in these areas formed the basis for Mr Crean’s proposal to
China in March 2009 to create an investment framework to underpin the growing
investment relationship.
In support of these requests and to maintain the momentum of the negotiations we
worked, in conjunction with other agencies, to support the efforts of Australian ministers
with their Chinese counterparts in late 2008 and in 2009. Mr Crean visited Beijing
twice to meet relevant ministerial counterparts, in December 2008—with the Treasurer,
Mr Swan—and March 2009. The department will continue to support Mr Crean in taking
forward the negotiations.
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Following the release of the joint non-government FTA feasibility study in April 2008, the
Prime Minister visited the Republic of Korea in August 2008, where he and the Korean
President, Mr Lee Myung-bak, discussed the possibility of a bilateral FTA. We then led
two rounds of FTA preparatory talks in October and December 2008. Further high-level
discussions were held in April 2009 which led to agreement on the chapter structures and
working groups.
Consultation with industry continued through 2008–09. We have conducted over
700 meetings with industry organisations, individual companies and state governments
since negotiations began in 2005, including 114 in the past year.
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Japan Free Trade Agreement
The department led Australia’s participation in three negotiating rounds (July 2008,
October 2008 and March 2009). We continued to make progress on many areas
of the draft chapters of the FTA, which will cover bilateral trade in goods, services
and investment.
Market access negotiations for goods have been difficult, reflecting Japan’s sensitivities
on agriculture. We have used the three negotiating rounds held during 2008–09 to focus
on key products of interest, including sugar, wheat, seafood and horticultural products,
seeking to demonstrate that it would be possible for Japan to offer improved market
access to Australian agricultural exports without causing major disturbances to Japan’s
system of protection.
Following the exchange of initial offers on services and investment at the fifth round in
April 2008 and subsequent discussions, Australia and Japan exchanged market access
requests at the March 2009 round. Key services and investment sectors of interest for
Australia include education and training, financial services, legal and other professional
services, and telecommunications. The negotiations on services and investment have
made steady progress. The department will continue to work to resolve remaining issues
and maintain close consultations with stakeholders.
Malaysia Free Trade Agreement
Mr Crean and the then Malaysian Minister for International Trade and Industry,
Mr Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, agreed in October 2008 to resume the bilateral negotiations,
which had been on hold since early 2007 while both countries focused on negotiating
AANZFTA. In preparing for the formal resumption of negotiations on the Malaysia–Australia
Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA), the department participated in preparatory talks with
Malaysian officials in Canberra in November 2008 and in subsequent consultations both
at lead negotiator level and through the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur in
the first half of 2009.
It is expected that negotiating rounds under MAFTA will recommence from August 2009.
Momentum towards formal resumption of negotiations has increased steadily, but was
constrained by a number of factors, including the preoccupation of both sides with
finalising and signing AANZFTA in February 2009; ministerial changes in Malaysia in
April 2009 and Malaysia’s commitment to concluding separate bilateral FTA negotiations
with New Zealand in May 2009. Both Australia and Malaysia have agreed that MAFTA
should build on the trade commitments made to each other under AANZFTA and should
thereby add value to the regional FTA.
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Personal Profile:
Jan Adams
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Free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations are very complex and wide-ranging
undertakings. Final agreements are substantial treaties covering many subjects,
and can number over 20 chapters and hundreds of pages.
As Head of the FTA Task Forces for China, Japan and Korea since March 2009,
Jan Adams oversees the development of policy advice to ministers on positions
Australia should take in negotiations. She and her team lead the FTA negotiating
sessions in cooperation with around 15 other Australian Government agencies.
The whole-of-government nature of the work is a defining feature, as is the need
for extensive consultations with industry, state and territory governments and
other stakeholders.
‘The opportunity to work with people from so many organisations on the breadth of
issues in our relationships with several of Australia’s major trading partners makes
my job highly varied and interesting.’
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Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement
The department continued to push for progress on FTA negotiations with the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC)—a customs union comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These negotiations began in
mid–2007. Four negotiating rounds had been held by June 2009. The GCC is an important
market for a range of Australian goods and services exports, particularly for Australia’s
automotive sector, taking some 55 percent of total exports of Australian-made passenger
motor vehicles.
There was an extended pause in negotiations between November 2007 and February
2009. The primary reason for this delay was a review which the GCC undertook into its
broader FTA policy. Further delaying the resumption of negotiations with Australia was
the absence of a comprehensive goods market access offer from the GCC. Negotiations
resumed and two rounds were held in the first half of 2009: in February in Canberra, and
in May–June in Muscat, Oman. Without a goods offer from the GCC it was agreed that the
fourth round of negotiations would focus on services and investment, rules of origin, as
well as a range of other non-goods related issues. While solid progress was made in some
of these areas, considerable work remains. Prospects for progress during 2009–10 will
depend on the GCC’s willingness to present Australia with a comprehensive goods offer.
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
On 20 November 2008, Mr Crean announced that Australia would participate in
negotiations towards a Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP). The TPP will broadly
expand the existing Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (known as the
P4) between New Zealand, Singapore, Chile and Brunei. Initial TPP parties are likely to be
the P4, Australia, the US, Peru and Vietnam. The TPP is an important strategic opportunity
to develop a comprehensive and high-quality agreement that will strengthen economic
integration and liberalisation in the Asia-Pacific region. The department held public
consultations in October 2008, which revealed broad support for Australia’s participation
in TPP negotiations. It is expected that negotiations will commence in the second half
of 2009.
Implementation of existing free trade agreements
Through the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), we worked
towards improving access to the US market for Australian professional services providers,
particularly for the legal, engineering and accounting professions. Discussions have been
initiated with the US Council of Chief Justices on a draft discipline protocol allowing the
exchange of disciplinary information relating to Australian and US legal practitioners, which
could provide a basis to pursue greater access for Australia lawyers to the US market.
Working in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the
department advanced the technical dialogue with the United States on specific agricultural
market access issues under the AUSFTA.
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Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and the then Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile,
Mr Alejandro Foxley, sign the Australia–Chile Free Trade Agreement at Parliament House, Canberra, on 30 July 2008.
Photo: Norman Plant
We worked extensively to ensure entry into force on 6 March 2009 of the Australia–
Chile FTA (ACl–FTA), following its signing in Canberra on 30 July 2008. The agreement
strengthened Australia’s trade and investment relationship with Chile and created
immediate market access opportunities for many sectors of the Australian economy.
Following consultations with industry and state and territory governments, the department
substantively concluded negotiations with Singapore on most issues under the second
review of the Singapore–Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), including reaching
in-principle agreement on enhanced text in relation to investment and intellectual property.
The Thailand–Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) contains provisions for further
negotiations on services, investment, business mobility, government procurement
and competition. Further consultations on enhanced goods market access have also
been agreed. The department is discussing with Thailand the commencement of
these negotiations.
The Australia–New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Agreement (ANZCERTA) has
been at the centre of the Australia and New Zealand economic relationship for 25 years.
Negotiations towards an ANZCERTA Investment Protocol aimed at promoting further crossTasman investment are well advanced, and Prime Ministers have committed to concluding
the Protocol by the end of 2009. The department has also liaised closely with responsible
agencies in relation to the 2009 Review of the ANZCERTA Rules of Origin.
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Outlook
The department will continue to advocate the Government’s stance against protectionism.
We will press the urgent need for a successful conclusion to the Doha Round to provide
an important stimulus to economic activity and a development boost for those most
affected by the global economic crisis. Australia has vital interests in ensuring that
the multilateral trading system administered by the WTO remains healthy, open and
transparent. Australia will assist developing countries to benefit from the international
trading system, including through trade-related development assistance.
Concluding the Doha Round remains the department’s highest trade priority. We will
strive for commercially meaningful results on agriculture, industrial products and services,
while defending our positions on industrial products and geographical indicators. We will
intensify negotiations among senior officials, working together as part of a multilateral
process and in various formats, to begin to close remaining gaps. This technical work
must be accompanied and driven by continuing political-level engagement. To maintain
Australia’s influence in the Round, we will support engagement by Australian ministers at
all available opportunities including key international meetings, bilateral and plurilateral
discussions. We will also continue to support Mr Crean’s leadership of the Cairns Group.
The department will also advance Australia’s trade policy agenda through the OECD’s
trade work program and participation in the APEC forum. We will advance our intellectual
property objectives in WIPO.
We will use the WTO dispute settlement system to advance Australia’s trade objectives as
well as to defend Australia’s interests including in the New Zealand apples dispute.
A program of intensive negotiations across the FTA agenda is expected for 2009–10. The
department is working towards a target date that has been agreed with other AANZFTA
Parties of 1 January 2010 for entry into force of AANZFTA. This involves liaising with
relevant agencies on amendments to Customs legislation; ensuring accurate and timely
transposition of ASEAN country tariff commitments from the Harmonized System (HS)
2002 tariff classification format to the HS2007 format; and working with ASEAN and
New Zealand to implement the economic cooperation work program, agreed as part of the
AANZFTA package. The department will also seek to move forward with negotiations with
China and Japan for high quality agreements.
The department will engage very closely with Korea on FTA negotiations in the coming
year. Negotiating rounds are expected to be held every few months, with the second round
scheduled for Seoul in early September. The market access aspects of the negotiations
covering both goods and services will be undertaken early, with a strong focus on
Australia’s priority export interests. The department will carry out detailed intersessional
work and support ministers’ engagement with Korean ministers to encourage expeditious
progress and high quality outcomes.
The resumed bilateral FTA negotiations with Malaysia will intensify during 2009–10.
Negotiating rounds have been scheduled for August and December and stakeholders
will be consulted to refine negotiating objectives and interests in specific areas. The
department will also support ministers’ engagement with their counterparts in Malaysia
to promote expeditious conclusion of the negotiations and advance Australia’s interests in
an agreement that builds on the achievements of AANZFTA.
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The department expects negotiations on a Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) will
commence in late 2009 and be taken forward through negotiating rounds in 2010. Further
consultations with stakeholders are planned after the first substantive round of TPP
negotiations. We will also look for appropriate opportunities to advance FTA negotiations
with the GCC.
The Minister for Trade, Mr Simon Crean, meets the US Secretary of Agriculture, Mr Tom Vilsack, Washington,
26 March 2009.
Back (L–R): Mr David Garner, Chief of Staff, Office of the Minister for Trade; Mr Bruce Gosper, Deputy Secretary,
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Mr Dean Merrillees, Minister Counsellor Agriculture, Australian Embassy; Mr
David Stuart DCM, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Washington.
Front (L-R): Mr George Mina, Adviser, Office of the Minister for Trade; Mr Tom Vilsack; Mr Crean; and Ms Elizabeth Ward,
Minister Counsellor, Trade, Australian Embassy, Washington
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The department remains closely engaged in the initial phases of negotiation for a PACER
Plus agreement. The department will continue to consult stakeholders and support
Ministerial involvement in PACER Plus negotiations. Having finalised the FTA feasibility
study with Indonesia, we will now take forward the Government’s consideration of
launching bilateral FTA negotiations. We will also remain engaged on finalising a feasibility
study into a possible bilateral FTA with India.
1.1.8 TRADE DEVELOPMENT and POLICY COORDINATION
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Overview
The global economic crisis generated significant challenges across the Government’s
policy agenda, both at the domestic and international level. The department played an
important role in advancing the Government’s G20 objectives—including in support of
the Prime Minister’s attendance at the G20 Leaders’ Summits—and strongly advocated
Australia’s interests in the G20 through international networks. The department
contributed to an effective whole-of-government international response to the crisis.
The department helped focus the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum on
the core objectives of accelerating regional economic integration and intensifying work on
structural reform. We worked to ensure that APEC provided support and momentum to
the multilateral trading system through calls for the conclusion of the Doha round and for
avoidance of protectionist responses to the crisis. The department also reinforced APEC’s
links with business.
The department maintained a very active trade development and policy coordination
role, involving extensive liaison with business, community groups and state and territory
governments. We also monitored closely developments in trade finance markets.
G20 Leaders’ Summit
The severity of the global economic crisis precipitated an unprecedented degree of
coordination between countries in their formulation of economic policies. The G20
Leaders’ Summit, to which the Government made a substantial contribution, has
emerged as the pre-eminent international forum to coordinate the global response.
It contains a balanced geographical and emerging/developed economy membership. It is
outward-looking and has proved itself capable of establishing the political momentum vital
to achieving necessarily ambitious outcomes.
Through two summits, in Washington (in November 2008) and London (in April 2009),
G20 leaders have made considerable progress in addressing the fundamentals underlying
the economic crisis and setting a course for long-term global recovery. At the London
summit, leaders committed to measures to restore global growth and jobs, to modernise
international financial institutions, and to build a stronger, more globally consistent
supervisory and regulatory framework. They also agreed to combat protectionism and
to make all efforts to conclude the WTO Doha Round. The department supported the
participation in both summits of the Prime Minister and other Australian ministers
and officials.
The department played a significant role in supporting the Government’s G20 objectives
and advocated Australia’s interests in the G20 through international networks. Both the
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and the Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, encouraged
implementation of the G20 commitments. Mr Crean focused on the G20 commitment to
combat protectionism and to conclude the Doha Round.
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O ut p ut 1 .1 TRADE DEVELO P M ENT and PO LI CY CO O R D I NAT I O N
At 30 June 2009, Australia was weathering the global economic crisis much better than
other advanced economies. The crisis, however, was still having a substantial impact.
The direct economic effects included large falls in the prices of many of our commodity
exports, reduced demand for manufacturing exports and substantial falls in the value
of the stock market. The crisis has led to significant changes in the international
environment in which Australia’s foreign and trade policy objectives are pursued.
The Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, addresses the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy in
Washington, November 2008.
Photo: Auspic
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Australia’s diplomatic missions strongly supported the Prime Minister and Ministers in
the G20 process through active advocacy with senior policy‑makers. Our missions in
non-G20 countries engaged in outreach to host governments to ensure that the views
of other countries—particularly in Australia’s region and the Pacific—were reflected in
the G20’s deliberations. As the global economic crisis will have profound local social
and political implications, all posts played an important role in assessing the impact of
local developments on Australia’s interests, and how the Government might best pursue
Australia’s foreign, strategic and trade policy interests in this changed environment.
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The Global Economic Crisis
The global economic crisis had its genesis in the collapse of the US subprime
mortgage market in mid–2007. A rapid increase in mortgage defaults left financial
institutions that had invested in these mortgages with fragile balance sheets.
Many suffered large losses and some, such as long-established investment bank
Lehman Brothers, collapsed in September 2008. Unable to accurately value many
of the assets on their own balance sheets and fearful that institutions to which
they normally lent money might also collapse, US and European banks dramatically
scaled back their lending to clients and to each other.
The rapid contraction in credit flows led to dramatic declines in economic activity
in the US and Europe. Although other regions, including Asia, were not so directly
exposed to subprime mortgages, the impact of the crisis spread quickly around
the world. The contraction in US and European demand led to large falls in Asia’s
exports, while global capital flows shrank rapidly as US and European banks
repatriated funds to their parent companies. In Central and Eastern Europe
governments were forced to seek funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
and other bodies such as the European Central Bank to stabilise their currencies
and replace the capital withdrawn by foreign banks.
As a result, the global economy suffered its deepest and most synchronised
recession since the Great Depression. Annualised global GDP contracted by around
6.25 per cent in the December quarter 2008. Almost every advanced economy, with
the exception of Australia, fell into recession or recorded a decline in GDP in the
final months of 2008.
Trade flows were particularly hard hit by the global contraction. As at 30 June 2009,
trade flows are expected to fall anywhere between 10 per cent (WTO forecast) and
16 per cent (OECD forecast) in 2009, before a modest rebound in 2010. The GDP
of eight of Australia’s top 10 trading partner economies is expected to contract in
2009; China and India will continue to grow, but much more slowly. China’s forecast
growth of 6.25 per cent is less than half the rate recorded in 2007.
APEC
APEC has evolved to become the leading economic forum in Australia’s region, bringing
together the leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific economies, including many of Australia’s major
trading partners. APEC economies account for 68 per cent of Australia’s two-way trade
in goods and services. Together, APEC economies accounted for 56.0 per cent of global
GDP, 43.7 per cent of world trade and around 40.5 per cent of the world’s population in
2007. APEC is a major driving force in promoting open trade and investment, sustainable
economic development and prosperity in our region. In 2009, APEC celebrates its
20th anniversary.
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The department continued to push the Government’s ambitious and forward-looking
agenda in APEC, helping to maintain the Asia-Pacific as the world’s most economically
dynamic region. We coordinated the involvement of 15 Australian Government agencies
that, with the department, were active in 22 APEC forums—Australia played a leadership
role in all and chaired ten.
Regional economic integration
The department played a key role in APEC’s adoption of a work plan to accelerate regional
economic integration through trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation. The
centrepiece of this plan is the work associated with a proposed FTAAP. We continued
to be a main driver of streamlined formalities for rules of origin. We also contributed
substantially to an APEC initiative to promote expanded trade in environmental goods
and services.
Trade and investment facilitation
The department secured agreement to develop an APEC Services Action Plan, and
co-hosted, with Singapore, a Supply-chain Connectivity Symposium in May 2009 in
Singapore. The outcomes of this symposium will inform the development of an APEC
Supply-chain Connectivity Framework, including the development of a logistics action plan.
A ten per cent improvement in the efficiency of transporting goods between the borders
of APEC economies is estimated to produce a total benefit across all economies of
US$21 billion (in 2004 real dollar terms). We worked closely with the recently established
Policy Support Unit to improve understanding of the benefits to business of APEC’s trade
facilitation and investment facilitation action plans.
Reinforcing the Government’s commitment to strengthening APEC’s links with business,
the department continued to support Australia’s APEC Business Advisory Council,
which is made up of three senior Australian business leaders appointed by the Prime
Minister to ensure APEC’s work aligns with the priorities of business and generates
economic benefits.
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Our work on regional economic integration and structural reform focused on facilitating
trade in services, making rules of origin more business-friendly, enhancing trade logistics,
supporting ongoing analytical work on a possible Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific
(FTAAP) and implementing APEC’s Second Trade Facilitation Action Plan. The plan aims to
reduce business costs by five per cent while APEC’s Investment Facilitation Action Plan
aims to improve investment flows across the region. We worked with Peru in 2008 and
Singapore in 2009 to drive forward the implementation of the initiatives set in train during
Australia’s host year in 2007.
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Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, Mr Anthony Byrne, with Singaporean Minister for Trade and Industry,
Mr Lim Hng Kiang, at the APEC Supply-chain Connectivity Symposium, in Singapore, May 2009.
Photo: Courtesy of Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore
Structural reform
The department helped secure APEC agreement on the fundamental importance of
tackling behind-the-border barriers to trade and investment. In August 2008, we supported
APEC’s first ministerial meeting dedicated to structural reform hosted by the Treasurer,
Mr Swan, in Melbourne. The meeting was one of APEC’s major achievements in 2008 and
kick-started the APEC Leaders’ agenda to implement structural reform.
Key outcomes of the APEC structural reform ministerial meeting included decisions by
ministers to:
• cement behind-the-border structural reform as an important element of APEC’s agenda
• endorse an APEC Good Practice Guide on Regulatory Reform
• set out action points for integrating structural reform issues into trade and investment
policy, structural policy and macroeconomic and financial sector policy
• identify different institutional frameworks, processes and strategies to help with
economic reform
• instruct APEC officials to develop a forward work program for capacity building;
specifically, ministers tasked the Economic Committee to support voluntary reviews of
member economies’ own institutional frameworks and processes for reform, and for
APEC to provide practical assistance to these economies.
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Human security
APEC institutional reform
Strengthening APEC is a key priority for the Government. The department contributed
to efforts to create the position of APEC’s first fixed-term Executive Director, to provide
greater continuity and leadership in the APEC Secretariat. A successful applicant was
selected in June 2009 and will take up the position in November 2009. We provided
advice to ensure the smooth establishment of the principally Australia-funded Policy
Support Unit which significantly boosted the analytical capacity of the APEC Secretariat.
The department is also leading efforts to reform APEC’s project management system
and maintain the financial viability of the organisation. At the APEC ministerial meeting
in November 2008, Australia announced a $1 million assistance package to strengthen
APEC’s project management systems. We also assisted in achieving significant budget
savings for APEC as the 2008 chair of the APEC Budget Management Committee.
Trade finance
A major focus this year has been the impact of the global economic crisis on trade
finance. We undertook extensive analysis of the impact of the crisis on the availability of
trade finance for Australian exporters and overseas investors and on the policy responses
of other countries.
In April 2009 Australia, along with 27 other members of the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Party on Export Credits and seven nonOECD members, agreed to coordinate export credit support to boost international trade
and investment during the economic crisis. Some of the rules of the OECD Arrangement
on Officially Supported Export Credits were modified to enhance support for several lowerincome countries and for the renewable energies and water sectors. An improved peer
review process was introduced to monitor implementation of the OECD Recommendations
on anti-bribery measures and on the environment. In addition, there was a two-year
extension to the pilot program aimed at providing greater transparency and efficiency.
We continued to represent Australia in the Paris Club group of creditor nations, which
coordinates the response of official creditors to requests from countries seeking debt
relief. On 17 December 2008, Australia implemented the final tranche of forgiveness of
Iraq debt, bringing this to a total of 80 per cent of the US$1072 million (as at November
2004) outstanding debt owed to Australia by Iraq. This follows the Paris Club’s decision to
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The department was instrumental in advancing APEC’s human security agenda to build
resilience to disruptions, including from terrorism, natural disasters and disease. We
chaired a number of workshops to help detect and prevent terrorist smuggling of cash
across borders and to protect non-profit organisations from terrorists. Together with
Indonesia, Australia co-chaired APEC’s Task Force on Emergency Preparedness which
builds capacity in the region to deal with emergencies and disasters. The department led
work with Standards Australia and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
(ACCC) on consumer product safety. Australia announced an additional $1 million
contribution for APEC human security projects in November 2008.
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forgive 80 per cent of Iraq’s debt contingent on Iraq entering into a suitable IMF program.
Iraq’s remaining debt to Australia (the 20 per cent not forgiven plus accrued interest on
this amount) will be repaid between 2011 and 2028.
The department worked closely with the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation
(EFIC), a statutory corporation that provides finance and insurance services to support
Australian exporters and overseas investors. EFIC operates in that segment of the market
where private sector financiers or insurers lack the capacity or willingness to assist
Australian companies. A key issue has been ongoing assessment of the impacts of the
global economic crisis on Australian trade finance conditions. In 2008–09 EFIC signed
51 new facilities that supported 39 clients. These transactions had an aggregate value of
$576.5 million and supported exports and overseas investments with an aggregate value
of $1.35 billion.
Trade policy coordination and business liaison
Ministerial Council on International Trade
In March 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) established the Ministerial
Council on International Trade. The Council replaced the existing National Trade
Consultations as the primary ministerial-level mechanism for consultation between the
Australian Government and state and territory governments on international trade issues.
The department and Austrade provide the secretariat for the Council.
The role of the Council is to facilitate cooperation on measures to enhance Australia’s
international competitiveness and export performance. It consults on issues such as
international trade negotiations, trade development and trade promotion activities,
investment promotion and international business activities, and domestic competitiveness
issues related to export performance and productivity.
The Council’s inaugural meeting took place in Melbourne in August 2008. Ministers
agreed on several new initiatives, including coordination of inward investment activity
through a National Investment Advisory Board, and more effective use of Brand Australia
across the states and territories for international trade and investment promotion
purposes. The Council’s COAG status facilitates close cooperation with other COAG
initiatives. The Council provided advice on trade competitiveness issues in decisions on
infrastructure development, skills, regulation, broadband and climate change.
Review of Export Policies and Programs
In September 2008, Mr David Mortimer AO and Dr John Edwards submitted to the
Government a comprehensive Review of Export Policies and Programs, a process set up
by the Minister for Trade in February 2008. The review provided input into government
consideration of the future direction of Australia’s trade policies and programs. We
provided staff for the review’s secretariat. We have implemented many of the Review’s
recommendations. These include completing negotiations on free trade agreements (FTAs)
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with Chile and with ASEAN. Beginning FTA negotiations with Korea, joining the Trans-Pacific
Partnership Agreement discussions, and a renewed focus on trade policy dialogue with the
EC are some of the other initiatives already underway (see sub‑output 1.1.7).
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Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, at the APEC Ministerial Meeting in
November 2008.
Photo: Courtesy of APEC Peru 2008 Taskforce
Submissions to policy reviews
The department contributed to the Government’s White Paper on the Carbon Pollution
Reduction Scheme, completed in December 2008, and to the Energy White Paper.
Our submissions highlighted the possible implications for Australia’s international
competitiveness and trade performance of the policies under consideration and outlined
Australia’s obligations under its international trade agreements.
Conflict diamonds
The department worked with the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and the
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service in leading Australia’s participation
in the UN-sanctioned Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for rough diamonds. The
scheme aims to ensure that so-called ‘conflict diamonds’ cannot be traded internationally.
‘Conflict diamonds’ are rough diamonds mined and sold by non-government groups to
finance wars and civil conflict.
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As a result, Australian exports of rough diamonds, worth more than $400 million in 2008,
benefit from a secure trade regime which involves more than 70 countries, including the
world’s major producers, traders and polishers of rough diamonds. The scheme assures
buyers that diamonds purchased from Australia are mined in Australia and are not tainted
by the conflict diamond trade. It also provides consumers in Australia and overseas with
confidence that the diamonds they buy are not being used to fund armed conflict.
We led Australia’s delegation to meetings of the scheme’s participants in New Delhi,
India, and in Windhoek, Namibia, where participants agreed on responses to allegations
of illicit diamond smuggling from Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Côte d’Ivoire.
Live animal exports
The department continued to work actively with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry (DAFF) to support Australian livestock exports, worth about $1 billion in
2008. We supported negotiation of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with several
countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain and Oman, and amendments to the MOU
with Egypt. The MOUs allow Australia to help our trading partners improve animal welfarerelated post-arrival handling and slaughter practices. The department also supported
projects worth more than $2.4 million provided by DAFF under its Live Animal Trade
Program aimed at improving animal welfare practices in importing countries in the Middle
East, North Africa and Asia, including upgrades to livestock facilities in the Middle East
and Asian regions.
Outlook
Supporting the Government’s efforts to promote recovery in the world economy and
ensuring that Australia’s voice is heard—and its interests protected—in international
economic forums will continue to be a priority for the department. The next G20
Leaders’ Summit will be held in Pittsburgh, United States, in September 2009. Ensuring
an effective G20 summit process remains one of the Government’s top international
priorities. The department will focus on advancing this priority in 2009–10.
The department will advance APEC’s trade and investment liberalisation, facilitation and
reform agendas, including further work towards a possible FTAAP (which could also be
advanced through the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement negotiations—see page 102).
We will work with the current and the two incoming APEC hosts—Singapore, Japan and the
United States—to ensure that APEC remains ambitious and able to achieve the immediate
and longer-term priorities set by leaders and ministers. Ensuring APEC remains the preeminent economic grouping in the region and contributes to a strong regional economy will
continue to be a priority.
The department will support the second meeting of the Ministerial Council on International
Trade in August 2009 in Brisbane. We will also continue to engage actively in whole-ofgovernment review processes on issues with significant trade implications. A targeted,
comprehensive trade outreach program to enhance understanding of the Government’s
trade policy agenda in the wider community remains a priority for the department. We
will also maintain our oversight of trade finance issues, in particular in the context of the
evolution of global economic and financial market conditions.
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Out p ut 1 .1 I N TE R N ATI O N AL O RGA NISAT I O NS, LEGA L A ND ENV I RO NM ENT
1.1.9 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, LEGAL
AND ENVIRONMENT
Overview
The department led the Government’s reinvigoration of the Bali Process on People
Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime (the Bali Process)
including through the Ambassador for People Smuggling Issues. The Bali Process, which
Australia co-chairs with Indonesia, has been an important vehicle for closer dialogue
with regional partners to encourage measures to prevent people smuggling and human
trafficking. Our overseas network also contributed to garnering regional support for efforts
to prevent people smuggling through high-level advocacy and representations.
We and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts implemented
the Government’s whale conservation initiatives, working closely with the Special Envoy for
Whale Conservation. We secured greater international support for conservation-oriented
reform of the International Whaling Commission and supported intensified bilateral
dialogue with Japan.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, at the United Nations Parliamentary Association inaugural meeting with the
association chair Ms Melissa Parke and the National President of the UN Association of Australia, Mr John Langmore
(left), in Canberra on 11 March 2009.
Photo: Auspic
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The department developed and implemented a whole-of-government campaign strategy
for Australia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council
(UNSC) for the 2013–2014 term, which the Prime Minister announced in March 2008. The
department supported extensive lobbying by the Government to promote the bid.
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We sought to improve the UN Human Rights Council’s response to urgent human
rights situations by engaging with Council members and other interested countries. The
Government’s announcement on 3 April 2009 of Australia’s support for the Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples generated a wide and positive response from Indigenous
peoples, other countries and the global media.
United Nations
The department implemented the Government’s commitment to revitalising Australia’s
engagement with the United Nations, which lies at the core of the multilateral system.
We supported attendance by the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, and the Foreign Minister,
Mr Smith, at the opening of the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) in September 2008. The Prime Minister delivered Australia’s national statement
to UNGA and also spoke at the High-level Meeting on the Millennium Development
Goals. The Foreign Minister represented Australia at the High-level Meeting on Africa’s
Development Needs.
The department strongly supported, including through a dedicated task force, the
whole-of-government campaign to secure a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for
the 2013–2014 term. We supported advocacy by the Government and took forward
Australia’s claims to a seat through bilateral representations and at relevant multilateral
meetings. The campaign reflected the Government’s renewed emphasis on engaging the
multilateral system and seeking global solutions to global challenges.
The department continued to work through the UN for the enhancement of regional and
global security. We took a leading role in building consensus on including the protection of
civilians in the mandates for UN peacekeeping operations. We continued to support the
‘Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P) principle. The Foreign Minister announced in August 2008
the establishment of an Australian R2P Fund to support projects or research which will
contribute to consolidation and operationalisation of R2P.
We continued to push for the reform and strengthening of UN structures and working
methods to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of its operations.
Australia chaired negotiations on UN human resources management in UNGA, which
approved amended regulations in March 2009 to improve the UN’s ability to recruit and
retain qualified staff, particularly in field missions.
Australia deepened its engagement in interfaith initiatives at the UN, becoming a full
member of the UN Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace
in November 2008, and attending the Second Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in
Istanbul in April 2009. Comprising more than 75 countries, the alliance works to combat
extremism by fostering cross-cultural and religious understanding.
The department continued to support Australian candidacies for senior UN positions. In
November 2008, Professor Ron McCallum AO was elected to the inaugural Committee on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, after Australia became one of the first countries
to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in July 2008.
Another Australian, Mr Ian Govey, was re-elected to the Governing Council of the
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International Institute for the Unification of Private Law. Dr Francis Gurry, now the most
senior Australian in any UN agency, was confirmed as the Director-General of the World
Intellectual Property Organization in September 2008.
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Personal Profile:
Andrew Goledzinowski
With the Government’s enhanced focus on multilateral diplomacy, the role
of Australia’s Mission to the United Nations in New York has taken on a
greater importance. As Deputy Permanent Representative since August 2008,
Andrew Goledzinowski (left, meeting UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon) has
helped coordinate the work of the mission team across a wide and growing range
of issues.
The UN agenda typically focuses on those problems that cannot be tackled
effectively through bilateral or regional diplomacy. This includes everything from
human rights to climate change, peace-building to democracy, and development
to disarmament. The main work of the mission involves advocating Australia’s
positions, engaging with UN institutions and building diverse coalitions of states
to address these problems. Andrew brings to this task significant multilateral
experience, including as a UN election monitor in South Africa, deputy at Australia’s
Mission to the UN in Geneva, Chief of Staff to the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights, and Senior Adviser to the World Bank in post-war Iraq.
‘A very wide range of issues and an extremely challenging agenda lie before the UN.
Reaching agreement on these issues and advocating Australia’s interests requires
optimism and creativity as much as it does patience and perseverance.’
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We coordinated Australia’s support for the successful candidature of former New Zealand
Prime Minister, Helen Clark, as Administrator of the UN Development Program (UNDP).
This support reflected the Government’s commitment to working closely with the UNDP to
achieve genuine progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.
The department continued to lead Australia’s engagement in the work of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This year the
Australian National Commission for UNESCO was reconstituted to give the Commission
a greater strategic policy focus and to increase awareness of UNESCO activities in the
community and among other government agencies. The Australian National Commission
acts as a point of liaison within Australia for contact between UNESCO, government and
the community.
In addition to leading Australia’s engagement in the UN Democracy Fund, we supported
regional and international democracy initiatives. In December 2008, the Prime Minister
co-chaired the inaugural Bali Democracy Forum with Indonesia’s President, Mr Yudhoyono.
Thirty-two countries were represented at the Forum, which aims to strengthen democratic
institutions through dialogue and information-sharing. We led the Government’s
participation in the Asia-Pacific Democracy Partnership election observer missions to
Mongolia and Bangladesh in 2008.
Environment
Climate change
Working in close cooperation with the Department of Climate Change (DCC), the
department continued to contribute to the development of climate change policy, including
support for Australia’s participation in the international climate change negotiations
under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in preparation for the UN Climate
Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. We contributed to initiatives to
help vulnerable small island states respond to climate change, including by co-sponsoring
UNGA Resolution 63/281. The resolution, coordinated by the Pacific Small Island
Developing States and adopted by consensus on 3 June 2009, invited all relevant UN
organs to intensify their efforts in considering and addressing climate change and its
possible security implications.
The department worked to highlight the positive contribution of trade to addressing climate
change, including through efforts in the WTO and APEC to promote trade in environmental
goods and services (see page 94 for more information).
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Renewable energy
We worked closely with DRET, DCC and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
to secure Australia’s membership of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The Minister for Energy, Resources and Tourism, Mr Martin Ferguson, signed the IRENA
Statute at a signing ceremony on 29 June 2009 in Sharm-el Sheikh, Egypt, enabling our
full participation as a voting member. Membership will highlight Australia’s substantial
commitment to accelerating the uptake of renewable energy technologies.
Australian Ambassador to Japan, Mr Murray McLean OAM, with Managing Director, Nippon Steel Engineering,
Mr Tadashi Higashi, after signing an agreement to become a foundation member of the GCCSI in Tokyo on 3 March 2009.
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The department contributed to the development of Government initiatives on renewable
energy and clean energy technologies. We worked with the Department of Resources,
Energy and Tourism (DRET) to achieve international support for the Global Carbon
Capture and Storage Institute (GCCSI), which was launched by the Prime Minister in
April 2009. Twenty-three foreign governments agreed to become founding members
of the Institute, including the United States, India and China. Membership of and
interest in the GCCSI continues to grow. The Institute will help deliver at least 20 fully
integrated industrial-scale demonstration projects around the world for broad deployment
of carbon capture and storage technology by 2020. More information is available at
http://www.globalccsinstitute.com.
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Whale Conservation
The Government’s Special Envoy for Whale Conservation, Mr Sandy Hollway AO, was
appointed in October 2008 to further Australia’s diplomatic efforts to progress whale
conservation and end ‘scientific’ whaling. In cooperation with the Department of the
Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, we provided policy and administrative support
to the Special Envoy during international discussions with Japan and with a range of proconservation countries. Our efforts helped to increase international support for Australia’s
International Whaling Commission (IWC) initiatives, including the Southern Ocean
Research Partnership and conservation-oriented reform of the IWC.
Regional marine conservation initiatives
The department contributed to Government efforts to progress regional marine
environment initiatives, including the development of Australia’s support plan for the Coral
Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security. This is a new six-country
collaboration on ecologically sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in
the region immediately to Australia’s north. Our efforts, which included participation
in the Indonesian-led World Ocean Conference, helped build momentum to address
global and regional oceans issues in ways consistent with Australia’s expertise in
oceans management.
Tsunami warning systems
The department, working closely with the Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia,
Attorney-General’s Department and AusAID, coordinated implementation of the Australian
Tsunami Warning System (ATWS). We also played a lead role in strengthening international
institutional frameworks, including the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s
Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System. Australia signed a memorandum of understanding
(MOU) on tsunami early warning systems with the Federated States of Micronesia on
25 March 2009, which complemented similar MOUs signed with the Cook Islands, Niue,
Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu since 2004. The MOUs extend the ATWS,
and will lead to the installation of new tsunami warning equipment across the Pacific.
Negotiations on genetic resources
The department led Australia’s delegation to the seventh meeting of the Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD) Working Group on Access and Benefit-sharing of Genetic
Resources held in April 2009. Australia worked constructively towards the development of
an international regime that recognises effective and pragmatic domestic implementation
of the CBD and supports scientific research and the commercial use of genetic resources.
The meeting produced a draft text dealing with the objective and scope of an international
regime on access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources that will be considered at
negotiation sessions in November 2009 and March 2010.
The department consulted with states and territories, other government departments, and
science and industry stakeholders to coordinate Australia’s position on genetic resources.
In the past year Australia has supported integrating the work of technical experts into the
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CBD work plan. This year we coordinated the attendance of Australian legal and technical
experts at meetings to consider compliance matters and traditional knowledge related to
access and benefit-sharing. The reports of these meetings will become valuable inputs for
the next round of negotiations in November 2009.
The department provided legal advice to the Government in support of Australia’s
strengthened commitment to international efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa,
consistent with Australia’s support for UNSC Resolutions 1846 and 1851. We also
coordinated Australia’s participation in the US-initiated Contact Group on Piracy off the
Coast of Somalia, including in its legal issues working group. The Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Mr Smith, and the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development
and Local Government, Mr Albanese, announced in June 2009 a contribution to the joint
European Union–UN Office on Drugs and Crime program to assist Kenya to receive and
prosecute piracy suspects.
The department contributed to enhanced engagement with East Timor on Timor Sea
resources, including through the establishment of the Sunrise Commission, which held
its inaugural meeting in October 2008. The Sunrise Commission is a joint Australia–East
Timor body set up to facilitate the development of petroleum resources in the Greater
Sunrise gas field.
We provided legal and policy advice on Australia’s substantial involvement in Antarctica,
including the 5.8 million square kilometre Australian Antarctic Territory. The department
chaired two rounds of consultations with interested non-government organisations in
December 2008 and March 2009 and participated in separate consultations with the
Antarctic tourism industry in September 2008. We led Australia’s delegation to the
32nd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) held in the United States in April 2009.
The ATCM’s outcomes included adoption of a resolution on biological prospecting in
Antarctica; and the conclusion of a review of a key section of the Protocol to the Antarctic
Treaty on Environmental Protection, which is intended to enhance protection of Antarctic
flora and fauna. At a special ministerial segment to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the
signing of the Antarctic Treaty, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts,
Mr Garrett, announced that Australia will host the 35th ATCM in 2012.
We provided legal and policy advice in support of the Government’s efforts to combat
illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The department contributed to the success of
the sixth Australia–Indonesia Working Group on Marine Affairs and Fisheries which, among
other issues, promoted improved management of Indonesian traditional fishing activities
in certain Australian waters under a long-standing bilateral arrangement.
We contributed to the entry into force in December 2008 of the Headquarters Agreement
between the Secretariat to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels
and the Government of Australia (ACAP Headquarters Agreement), enabling the formal
establishment of the ACAP Secretariat in Hobart. ACAP, an Australian initiative, is a
multilateral agreement that seeks to conserve albatrosses and petrels by coordinating
international activity to mitigate known threats to albatross and petrel populations.
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Sea law, environment law and Antarctic policy
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We also provided legal advice and diplomatic support to advance Australia’s engagement
at multilateral meetings on oceans, law of the sea and fisheries. At meetings of regional
fisheries management organisations and at UNGA we advocated the importance of
an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management and the conservation of the
environment. The department contributed to Australian achievements at the 27th annual
meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
(CCAMLR), which adopted an Australian proposal to improve conservation measures in the
CCAMLR area.
Sanctions and transnational crime
The department coordinated the implementation of UNSC sanctions. These included
significant additional measures imposed by the UNSC under Resolution 1874 in response
to the nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 25 May 2009, and
also new financial sanctions and an arms embargo targeted at persons and entities
breaching the peace in Somalia.
In cooperation with other agencies, we monitored Australian trade with countries subject
to UNSC sanctions for compliance with Australia’s UN sanction enforcement laws and
took appropriate action in cases of suspected non-compliance. Such action included direct
inquiries to affected parties, compulsory acquisition of information and documents under
section 30 of the Charter of the UN Act 1945 (Cth), consultation with local and foreign
regulatory authorities, and referral of cases to the Australian Federal Police.
The department participated in the fourth Conference of Parties to the UN Convention
against Transnational Organized Crime in Vienna in October 2008. We highlighted
Australia’s technical assistance in the Asia-Pacific region on transnational crime issues at
the Working Group on Legal Cooperation.
We supported Australia’s delegation, led by the Parliamentary Secretary for International
Development Assistance, to the high-level segment of the 52nd session of the UN
Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2009. The high-level segment endorsed a new
‘Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated
and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem’. The delegation was able to
highlight Australia’s domestic success in combating drugs and Australia’s efforts to assist
countries in our region to strengthen responses both to emerging drug trends and to
tackling the spread of HIV/AIDS caused by injecting drug use.
We co-chaired the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Project elaborating best practice
guidelines for the implementation of FATF’s Special Recommendation III on terrorist asset
freezing. Special Recommendation III sets standards for implementing UNSC resolutions
1267 and 1373 on the freezing of assets of persons and entities who participate in the
commission of terrorist acts.
The department assisted the Attorney-General’s Department in negotiating and
implementing treaties for bilateral extradition, mutual legal assistance and prisoner
transfer. In October 2008, Mr Smith signed a bilateral treaty with Vietnam establishing a
scheme for the transfer of sentenced prisoners.
1 22
We conducted outreach and training on the operation of UN sanctions and extraterritorial
offences, such as bribery of foreign public officials, within Australia in every state and
territory capital city. The outreach targeted Australian government employees, as well as
industry, particularly exporters and the banking and higher education sectors. We also
conducted training for Australian posts in India, Malaysia and Singapore.
The department made a significant contribution regarding international legal aspects of
the deployment of Australian personnel to a range of countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq
and Solomon Islands. We participated in successful negotiations to conclude a bilateral
status of forces arrangement with Iraq in December 2008.
We strengthened international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians through
providing legal and policy support to enable Australia’s signature on 3 December 2008
of the Cluster Munitions Convention (see sub‑output 1.1.10). We participated in the
negotiation of the ‘Montreux Document’, which seeks to increase the accountability of
private military and security companies operating in areas of armed conflict through the
identification of relevant international humanitarian law and human rights law principles
and the use of good contracting practices.
We supported and cooperated with the international criminal courts and tribunals in
carrying out their important role in enhancing the rule of law and ending impunity for
serious crimes of international concern. We led Australia’s participation in International
Criminal Court (ICC) negotiations on defining the crime of aggression. The department
participated in preparations for the ICC’s first Review Conference, to be held in Uganda
in 2010. We provided funding to the Special Court for Sierra Leone to support its
contribution both to national reconciliation and to the promotion of regional peace and
justice.
The department advanced Australia’s commitment to international human rights law,
including by providing legal and policy advice to support Australia’s ratification of the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 17 July 2008 and Australia’s
accession to the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women on 4 December 2008 and the Convention Against Torture
and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on 19 May 2009.
We contributed to the negotiation, signing and entry into force of a range of bilateral
treaties furthering Australia’s security interests. These treaties included the Shoalwater
Bay Training Area Agreement with Singapore; the Protection of Classified Military
Information Agreement with the Republic of Korea; and the amendment of the Certain
Mutual Defence Commitments Agreement with the United States.
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International law
SECTION 2
Professor Ron McCallum AO (centre) and the team that worked on his successful election to the United Nations
Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, on 3 November 2008. L-R: Ms Katharine Hawkins, AttorneyGeneral’s Department, Ms Natasha Smith, AusAID, Ms Sally Weston, Australian Mission to the United Nations New York,
and the then Australian Head of Mission to the United Nations New York, Mr Robert Hill.
The department supported the liberalisation of air services between Australia and key
aviation partners by working towards the signature of a range of air services agreements.
We facilitated the signature of air services agreements with Spain, Switzerland and
the United Kingdom. We contributed to the commencement of negotiations of the
Australia–EU Air Transport Agreement.
We strengthened Australia’s economic and investment interests through supporting
preparations for entry into force of a number of bilateral economic treaties, including the
ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand FTA (see sub‑output 1.1.7). We contributed to the signing
of new tax information exchange agreements with the British Virgin Islands and the Isle of
Man, supporting the work of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
to eliminate harmful tax practices that contribute to international tax avoidance and
evasion.
We contributed to the negotiation, signing and entry into force of several social security
treaties, including with Finland, Germany, Greece, Japan and the Republic of Korea. We
supported Australia’s efforts to protect and promote Australia’s cultural goods, services
and activities, both here and overseas, by facilitating the entry into force of the UNESCO
Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
124
Treaties and outreach
The department supported the Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT)
in its review of 26 new major treaty actions and also by providing JSCOT with briefings and
information on treaty processes.
The department maintained, through the Australasian Legal Information Institute, a free,
best-practice, internet facility allowing access to all of Australia’s treaty texts.
Human rights
The department intensified its work on human rights and Indigenous issues, including
as part of the Government’s strengthened engagement with the UN and other
multilateral forums.
UN human rights forums
Australia was pleased with the convening by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) of
Special Sessions to consider the human rights situations in the Democratic Republic
of the Congo and Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, human rights abuses in a number of other
countries received insufficient attention.
The department worked to ensure that the UNHRC’s Universal Periodic Review mechanism
evolved through the year to become a useful public and interactive review of the human
rights record of all countries. We engaged actively in all five rounds of the process,
making practical suggestions to various countries on ways in which they might improve
human rights.
The department pursued the Government’s human rights agenda in the Social,
Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs Committee (the Third Committee) of UNGA. Australia’s
UN mission in New York played an important role in the adoption of significant human
rights resolutions, including on the death penalty and on the human rights situations in
Burma, DPRK and Iran.
The department worked to ensure that the 2009 UN Durban Review Conference Against
Racism would not single out Israel unfairly. Prior to the Conference, the department
worked with representatives of like-minded countries to promote an acceptable outcomes
document. While these efforts led to significant improvements to the text, Australia could
not, in the end, support a document which reaffirmed the 2001 Durban Declaration in its
entirety, and the Government therefore decided not to participate.
We supported Australia’s appearance before the UN Human Rights Committee in
March 2009 and led the appearance before the Committee on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights (CESCR) in May 2009. The CESCR noted Australia’s significant human
rights achievements, including in Indigenous rights.
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We facilitated the signing of numerous treaties and memorandums of understanding and
consulted the states and territories on treaties under negotiation. We provided advice on
treaty matters to other government agencies, including through seminars for Australian
federal and state government agencies and the diplomatic corps.
SECTION 2
Bilateral human rights dialogues
The department led Australia’s delegation to the 12th round of the Australia–China Human
Rights Dialogue held in Canberra on 9 February 2009. The dialogue was a frank and
substantive exchange in which we conveyed the Government’s concerns about human
rights in China, including treatment of religious groups, the situation in Tibet, the death
penalty and access to justice.
We also led delegations to the latest rounds of the Australia–Vietnam Human Rights
Dialogue held in Canberra on 26 August 2008, and the Australia–Laos Human Rights
Dialogue held in Vientiane on 6–9 April 2009. These dialogues focused on national
approaches to human rights and included discussion in which we encouraged Vietnam to
protect ethnic minorities, to uphold freedom of religion and expression, and to consider
judicial reforms.
Representations and consultations on human rights
Our posts made representations on individual human rights cases and broader issues
of concern. The department conducted formal human rights consultations with Australiabased NGOs in September 2008 and February 2009, facilitating valuable exchanges of
information, insights and advice on human rights issues.
Indigenous issues
Following the Prime Minister’s National Apology to the Stolen Generations on
13 February 2008, international and UN interest in the Government’s Indigenous policies
remained strong. The department worked to meet this interest, including by disseminating
information about efforts to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians (see sub‑output 3.1.2).
People smuggling and trafficking
The department contributed to whole-of-government efforts to combat people smuggling
and to mitigate the flow of irregular migration to Australia. The department coordinated
the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Bali Process in Brisbane on 24–25 February 2009
in preparation for the Third Bali Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling,
Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime held in Bali on 14–15 April
2009. We played an active role in the organisation of the conference, which was
co-chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and his Indonesian counterpart,
Dr Hassan Wirajuda. The conference was attended by 50 member and observer countries
together with representatives from international organisations, including the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Director General of the International
Organization for Migration (IOM). In addition to refocusing ministerial attention on people
smuggling, trafficking and related transnational crimes, the conference tasked the
Bali Process Ad Hoc Group of senior officials to develop regional responses to current
situations concerning the irregular movement of people in the Asia-Pacific region.
1 26
At regional posts, we led inter-agency people smuggling taskforces to disrupt people
smuggling activities and to coordinate Australian bilateral engagement on people
smuggling issues with host countries. In Indonesia, the department supported the
successful extradition to Australia of suspected people smuggler Hadi Ahmadi.
Commonwealth
The department was actively engaged on Commonwealth issues. We worked with the
secretariat and member states of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the
question of Fiji’s membership in light of developments in that country. The department
continued to encourage the Commonwealth to focus its work on its core competencies
of good governance and democracy, in addition to complementing the work of the
G20 in assisting developing countries respond to the global financial crisis. We liaised
with the Commonwealth Secretariat on preparations for Australia’s participation
in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Port of Spain in
November 2009.
Outlook
The department will promote and support Australia’s candidacy for the UN Security
Council and assist the Prime Minister and other ministers in their advocacy in pursuit of
this goal. We will support the role of the UN and advance Australia’s interests across a
broad multilateral agenda, including international security, human rights, climate change
and global economic and development issues. We will also pursue these interests
through the Commonwealth. The CHOGM meeting in November 2009 will provide a
particular focus.
The reinstatement of a full-time Ambassador for People Smuggling Issues will strengthen
the department’s high-level engagement in regional cooperation on people smuggling,
including through advocacy in key countries. The Ambassador will build on the momentum
generated at the Third Bali Regional Ministerial Conference to work with regional partners
to combat people smuggling. New diplomatic resources in key source and transit countries
will be established to support the Ambassador.
The department will maintain its strong contribution to the Government’s initiatives
on whale conservation and remain active in international negotiations on trade in
genetic resources.
We will promote Australia’s interests in Antarctica, including environmental protection
and pursuit of scientific research, by actively participating in its governance mechanisms.
We will maintain the high quality of our legal advice to the Government on a range of
international law issues, such as the law of the sea, international humanitarian and
security law, and international sanctions.
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The department remained engaged in whole-of-government coordination to combat human
trafficking, including participation in the second National Roundtable on People Trafficking
on 17 June 2009.
1.1.10 SECURITY, NUCLEAR, DISARMAMENT AND
NON-PROLIFERATION
SECTION 2
Overview
The department intensified its efforts to prevent the proliferation of both weapons
of mass destruction (WMD) and certain categories of conventional weapons. A major
focus was the establishment and operation of the International Commission on Nuclear
Non-proliferation and Disarmament, a joint initiative of the Australian and Japanese
Governments. The Minister for Foreign Affairs signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions
on 3 December 2008. We initiated action to enable ratification by Australia of this
significant humanitarian and arms control treaty.
We led Australia’s international engagement aimed at securing commitment and building
capacity to counter terrorism in our region and at a global level. The department deepened
practical counter-terrorism cooperation with South-East Asia and extended Australia’s
efforts in South Asia. We implemented programs aimed at lessening the appeal of
ideologies linked to violent extremism. We strengthened Australia’s contribution to regional
and international efforts to prevent terrorists acquiring chemical, biological, radiological
and nuclear materials.
The department was strongly engaged in implementing the Government’s comprehensive
national security agenda, as outlined in the Prime Minister’s National Security Statement
of 4 December 2008. We also worked closely with the Department of Defence in the
development of the 2009 Defence White Paper.
Nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament
The department provided substantial administrative and policy support to the
establishment and operation of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation
and Disarmament (ICNND), co-chaired by former Australian Foreign Minister, the Hon
Gareth Evans AO QC, and former Japanese Foreign Minister, Ms Yoriko Kawaguchi. In
addition to the co-chairs, the Commission comprises 13 commissioners and a 27-member
advisory board from across the globe.
The aims of the Commission are to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),
reinvigorate the global effort against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and make
practical recommendations aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of a nuclear weapons free
world. Although supported by the Australian and Japanese Governments, the Commission
itself is independent. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 9 July 2008
that Japan would co-chair the Commission, the department established a secretariat to
support the Commission. In collaboration with its Japanese counterparts, the ICNND
secretariat organised and serviced three plenary meetings of the Commission: in Sydney
in October 2008; in Washington in February 2009; and in Moscow in June 2009. The
secretariat organised two regional outreach meetings, for Latin America in Santiago de
Chile in May 2009 and for North East Asia in Beijing in May 2009.
1 28
Out p ut 1 .1 S ECUR I TY, N UC L E AR, D ISA R M A M ENT A ND NO N-PRO LI F ERAT I O N
SECTION 2
Co-Chairs, Mr Gareth Evans AO QC and Ms Yuriko Kawaguchi, with Commissioners, Advisory Board Members and
Secretariat staff at the third meeting of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament
held in Moscow on 20–21 June 2009.
Photo: Anatoly Kozharin
The secretariat supported high-level advocacy by the co-chairs and commissioners in
a wide range of bilateral and multilateral meetings. The secretariat commissioned an
extensive research program to inform the Commission’s deliberations and enhance public
understanding of the issues relevant to the Commission’s work. It contributed to the
significant progress made in drafting the Commission’s major report, scheduled to be
published in early 2010 in the lead-up to the NPT Review Conference in May 2010.
1 29
SECTION 2
The third Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) meeting for the 2010 NPT Review Conference
was held in April 2009. Our advocacy of Australia’s non-proliferation and disarmament
objectives before and during the meeting, and constructive engagement with other
delegations, contributed to the PrepCom’s positive atmosphere and substantial debate.
The PrepCom produced an agreed agenda for the 2010 Review Conference.
Australia is one of the six presidents of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in 2009. We
helped achieve the adoption by the CD on 29 May 2009 of a work program that includes
agreement to commence negotiations on a verifiable Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty
(FMCT). The negotiation of an FMCT has long been an Australian foreign policy objective.
The CD’s adoption of the work program, after a hiatus of over a decade, was a significant
step forward for global disarmament efforts.
The department continued to promote the entry into force of the Comprehensive NuclearTest-Ban Treaty (CTBT), another key disarmament objective for Australia. We supported
the Foreign Minister in his role as chair of a ministerial meeting of CTBT member states
on 24 September 2008 in New York. The department and the Australian Safeguards and
Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) participated in a workshop in Jakarta in December 2008 to
assist Indonesia’s consideration of CTBT ratification.
As current chair of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBT Organisation, we convened
a meeting of states signatories to consider the nuclear test by the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 25 May 2009. The CTBT Organisation’s International
Monitoring System, which currently includes 17 monitoring facilities in Australia, detected
the DPRK test.
The department strongly supported strengthening of the safeguards, security and safety
programs of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In our role as a member of
the IAEA Board of Governors, we registered Australia’s strong concern about the nuclear
programs of Iran, the DPRK and Syria, and urged that those states cooperate fully with the
IAEA and comply with their international obligations.
We promoted universalisation of the IAEA Additional Protocol as a vital step in
strengthening the IAEA safeguards regime. The Additional Protocol complements the IAEA
Safeguards Agreements by providing for additional reporting on nuclear activities and
increased inspector access. We also advocated adherence to the Additional Protocol as a
condition of nuclear supply.
In cooperation with ASNO, the department provided a submission to the Joint Standing
Committee on Treaties Inquiry into Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament and
appeared before the committee at its public hearings.
Counter-proliferation and export controls
The department continued to lead Australia’s counter-proliferation efforts against
weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and conventional weapons. We coordinated
Australia’s influential participation in the major export control regimes.
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SECTION 2
The then Secretary, Mr Michael L’Estrange AO, opening the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Plenary, which
was chaired by Mr John Quinn, MTCR Chair and Assistant Secretary, Strategic Issues and Intelligence Branch, on
5 November 2008.
Photo: Michael Jones
In Australia’s capacity as the incoming chair, we hosted and chaired the annual plenary
and technical meetings of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in Canberra in
November 2008. The MTCR, which has 34 partner countries, seeks to harmonise national
export licensing to prevent the proliferation of unmanned systems capable of delivering
WMD. As MTCR chair, we have since undertaken an intensive outreach program to
encourage non-members’ adherence to the regime’s goals and export controls.
The department continued to chair the Australia Group, which aims to coordinate export
controls covering dual-use chemicals, biological materials, technology and equipment.
We organised two intersessional technical meetings and worked to ensure the
group’s chemical and biological control lists kept pace with technological and industry
developments. We continued to advocate the importance of capturing intangible transfers
of technology, watching developments in synthetic biology, and conducting outreach to
domestic industry and academic sectors.
As a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, we worked towards the objective of
consensus among members for a criteria-based approach to limit the spread of sensitive
nuclear technologies (uranium enrichment and reprocessing of spent fuel).
The department promoted Asia-Pacific participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative
(PSI), the objective of which is to strengthen practical cooperation to prevent illicit
trafficking in WMD, delivery systems and related materials. With the Department
1 31
SECTION 2
of Defence, we participated in the regional PSI exercise hosted by New Zealand in
September 2008. International participation in the PSI increased to 95 states during
the year.
The department promoted, through workshops and other practical assistance, the
strengthening of measures to prevent the spread of WMD-related items and technologies.
We advocated full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions aimed at preventing
WMD proliferation. We worked with other Commonwealth agencies on visa-screening
and related processes with the aim of preventing the illicit transfer of WMD-sensitive
knowledge and to enforce UN sanctions measures.
Our leadership of Australia’s participation in the ‘Oslo Process’ negotiations on cluster
munitions culminated in the Minister for Foreign Affairs’ signature of the Convention on
Cluster Munitions at a ceremony in Oslo on 3 December 2008. The Convention aims to
end the suffering and casualties to civilians caused by cluster munitions. The department
is coordinating the process for ratification by Australia, including by contributing to
consideration of the Convention by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.
We coordinated Australia’s activities aimed at countering the effects of, and access to,
illicit small arms and light weapons, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. In July 2008,
we led Australia’s delegation to the Third Biennial Meeting of States to the UN Programme
of Action (PoA) on small arms and light weapons. We organised and hosted a UN PoA
regional meeting of Pacific island states and East Timor in June 2009 to promote
implementation of the PoA.
We were active in promoting an arms trade treaty with the aim of establishing agreed
international criteria and standards for the global trade in small arms and light
weapons and other categories of conventional arms. In 2008 the UN-appointed Group
of Government Experts (of which Australia was a member) completed its examination
of the scope and feasibility of such a treaty and recommended further work. Australia
co-sponsored a UNSC resolution which established an Open-Ended Working Group on the
Treaty. In concert with the Republic of Korea, we sponsored an inaugural UNSC resolution
to prevent and combat illicit brokering activities aimed at circumventing the international
arms control and non-proliferation framework.
We maintained Australia’s position at the forefront of efforts to promote the effective
implementation of the Mine Ban Convention. We were active in coordination roles at the
Ninth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention in November 2008.
Counter-terrorism
In September 2008, Mr William (Bill) Paterson PSM was appointed as Australia’s
Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism. The Ambassador led development and implementation
of the Government’s international counter-terrorism efforts. He played a key role in
coordinating cooperation, capacity-building and operational collaboration between
Australian agencies and international counter-terrorism partners, including as chair of the
International Counter-Terrorism Coordination Group.
1 32
The department led high-level discussions on counter-terrorism cooperation with
New Zealand, the United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, the United Kingdom,
France, Pakistan, Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Ambassador chaired
the Commonwealth Committee on Terrorism meeting in London in February 2009 and
secured agreement on a revised Commonwealth Plan of Action on Terrorism.
The department undertook consultations on Australia’s counter-terrorism agenda
including engagement with Australian universities and policy institutes. The Ambassador
participated in the Australia–UAE Dialogue organised by the Lowy Institute for International
Policy in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE in March 2009.
In December 2008, we expanded Australia’s network of bilateral counter-terrorism
memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to include Bangladesh. Australia now has
14 such MOUs, which provide frameworks for practical cooperation between Australian
agencies and partner government equivalents.
The department deepened its engagement with the UN to expand the reach and
effectiveness of the UN’s counter-terrorism mechanisms. We implemented UN Security
Council Resolution 1373 on freezing the assets of terrorists and their supporters,
including by contributing to the update of the UN’s listings of terrorist groups and
individuals subject to sanctions.
We contributed to capacity-building activities sponsored by regional forums. Under APEC
auspices, we organised workshops on detecting and deterring cash couriers and bulk cash
smugglers. Australia co-hosted with Indonesia an ASEAN Regional Forum conference on
countering terrorists’ use of the internet and a sub-regional workshop on preventing the
movement of terrorists across borders.
The department provided support to regional law enforcement capacity-building, including
through the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation. The Centre has held
over 200 courses for more than 5000 regional law enforcement officers since it was
established by the Australian and Indonesian Governments in 2004.
Under the framework of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, in May 2009 the
department organised and conducted an international seminar and discussion exercise
to promote the safety and security of radioactive materials (DISCEX ‘Blue Glow’). In June
2009 we co-hosted, with the Australian Academy of Science, an international seminar
and discussion exercise (DISCEX ‘Green Cloud’) on the safety and security of chemicals
of security concern. The department also conducted chemical security training and
counter-bioterrorism workshops for South-East Asian countries. All these activities made
a substantial contribution to enhancing regional capacity to prevent terrorists acquiring
access to WMD materials.
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SECTION 2
The Ambassador led the Australian delegation to the annual trilateral counter-terrorism
consultations with the United States and Japan in Washington in October 2008. The
consultations reached agreement on trilateral cooperation on initiatives in the areas of
bio-terrorism, counter-radicalisation and cash couriers. The department participated for
the first time in the US Global Synchronisation Conference, a meeting which seeks to
coordinate the various elements of US counter-terrorism policy and programs.
SECTION 2
DFAT hosted a seminar, “Radiation Incidents: Avoidance, Surveillance and Response”, in
Canberra, 7–8 May 2009, under the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT),
with Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism, Mr Bill Paterson (left), and the then Assistant
Secretary, Counter-Terrorism Branch, Mr Paul Foley.
We worked closely with regional governments, non-government organisations and
community groups to implement strategies to counter violent extremist ideology and
to promote shared values. This included both assisting communities to manage such
challenges and improve resistance to extremist messages, and the sponsoring of
exchange visits to boost understanding of Australia’s tolerant and pluralist society.
National security and strategic policy
The department was strongly engaged in the implementation of the National Security
Statement delivered by the Prime Minister in Parliament on 4 December 2008.
We worked closely with other Government agencies, in particular the Department of
the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Department of Defence and the Attorney-General’s
Department, on a range of national security and strategic policy issues. Our work included
strengthening the US alliance, deepening Australia’s cooperation with regional partners,
and responding to non-traditional security challenges such as the global economic crisis,
climate change and energy security.
We contributed to the development of the 2009 Defence White Paper, and encouraged
international understanding of the White Paper by participating in briefings for allies,
regional countries and the diplomatic corps.
The department pursued Australia’s commitment to the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD)
with Japan and the United States. We participated in a TSD Senior Officials’ Meeting
(SOM) hosted by the United States in September 2008 and, in April 2009, we hosted a
TSD SOM in Canberra. Both meetings discussed issues of strategic interest and identified
further opportunities for practical trilateral cooperation. In December 2008, we hosted and
134
chaired the inaugural TSD meeting of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief experts.
The meeting agreed on a set of guidelines designed to enhance trilateral cooperation in
this field.
The department contributed to the effective functioning of the Government’s mechanisms
to deal with security issues. We supported Mr Smith’s membership of the National
Security Committee of Cabinet and the newly established Border Protection Committee
of Cabinet. We participated in key strategic policy and coordination bodies, including the
Secretaries’ Committee on National Security. We also contributed to the implementation of
the Government’s new framework for the expanded national security community, including
through participation in the National Intelligence Coordination Committee.
Outlook
The department will lead Australia’s non-proliferation and disarmament efforts. A
successful outcome to the May 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference
will be a high priority. We will support the International Commission on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament, including the production of its major report in early 2010,
its program of plenary and regional meetings, and its global advocacy. We will provide
strong Australian participation in negotiation of a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty.
We will work to achieve Australia’s ratification of the Convention on Cluster Munitions and
we will continue our international advocacy efforts in support of negotiation of an Arms
Trade Treaty.
The department will make a major contribution to the development of the Government’s
Counter-Terrorism White Paper and its implementation.
We will work to strengthen Australia’s engagement in multilateral counter-terrorism
mechanisms and to expand our bilateral and regional counter-terrorism dialogue and
cooperation. We will seek to conclude counter-terrorism MOUs with key partners. The
department’s extension of efforts into South Asia will involve establishing the frameworks
for counter-terrorism cooperation and implementing practical initiatives.
The department will build on Australia’s strong alliance with the United States and with
other security partners in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Japan and the Republic of
Korea. We will continue to encourage an emphasis by the ASEAN Regional Forum on
preventive diplomacy and practical outcomes.
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SECTION 2
We coordinated the participation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the ASEAN Regional
Forum (ARF) in July 2008, which focused on natural disasters in the region, including
Cyclone Nargis in Burma, and on efforts to improve response capabilities. In April 2009,
we took part, with colleagues from AusAID and the Department of Defence, in the first
ARF practical exercise, a multinational demonstration of disaster relief response, held
in the Philippines. We also coordinated Australia’s participation in a range of other ARF
meetings and workshops.
output 1.1 ADDItional information
2008–09
2007–08
2 589
2 495
SECTION 2
Number of units of policy advice delivered:
ministerial submissions
Cabinet submissions
ministerial correspondence
questions on notice
speeches
1
briefings not under submission
2
15
19
9 362
8 625
78
51
118
105
6680
4 253
Cabinet briefings for ministers
102
72
meeting briefs
592
446
Number of consultations conducted with other Australian Government
agencies, state and territory governments, business and nongovernment organisations in the context of the department’s
development of foreign and trade policy advice3
37 726
41 070
Number of representations made to other governments and
international organisations in support of Australia’s international
interests4
40 690
37 740
Number of international meetings or negotiations attended, including on
behalf of other Australian Government agencies5
13 127
11 198
Number of official programs prepared for DFAT portfolio ministers and
senior officials6
664
721
Number of official programs prepared for the Prime Minister, other
Australian Government ministers and senior officials6
818
907
87 347
101 657
6 673
5 238
Number of reporting cables produced by our overseas posts
Number of occasions on which the department has contributed to the
development of policies by other Australian Government agencies
1 Includes speaking notes for both ministers, the parliamentary secretaries and the senior executive.
2 This figure includes briefings for ministers and senior officers.
3 This figure includes semi-formal consultations such as telephone conversations and email correspondence.
4 The information was collected by all areas of the department, including overseas posts, and collated centrally. The difficulty in defining what
constitutes a representation, given our different operating environments overseas, means that this figure is necessarily an approximate one.
5 This figure includes meetings with non-government organisations and business representatives.
6 This figure includes programs prepared for senior officers (broadband 4 level and equivalent and above).
136
O ut p u t 1 . 2 co m m un i cat i on s and s ecur i ty
Output 1.2
Secure government communications and security of
overseas missions
2008–09 Target
• Availability to clients, reliability
of and client satisfaction
with communications through
the secure network and
secure telecommunications
infrastructure, including the
Official Diplomatic Information
Network (ODIN) cable
delivery system
• Implement the outcomes of the Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) governance and systems
health check reviews
• Client satisfaction with the
level of physical security
at overseas chanceries
and residences, including
responsiveness to
unexpected events
• Finalise ICT services memorandums of understanding with
other Australian Government agencies
• Implement a strategy to recruit and retain technical staff
• Plan, cost and adequately maintain critical ICT resources,
including effective transitions to new systems and
replacement projects
• Enhance further physical security of posts, including through
relocation, security construction projects, implementation
of new and improved security arrangements and staff
security training
• Ensure project works comply with legal and security
requirements and are completed on time to the extent possible
Overview
In close collaboration with other agencies and host governments, the department
continued to work to ensure the safety of overseas staff in often difficult operating
environments. We put in place significant new security measures at a range of posts. In
partnership with the department’s Overseas Property Office, we relocated a number of
chanceries and strengthened the structural security of others. Our Australia-based staff
conducted a program of security assessments and inspections of overseas missions.
The department implemented a rigorous system of security clearances and delivered
mandatory security training courses to foster a culture of vigilance and alertness among
staff handling classified information.
The department signed new agreements with partner agencies to cover the supply and
support of departmental ICT infrastructure and solutions. The department’s ICT systems
service some 3000 users in over 100 locations. We provided overseas posts with
enhanced communications to ensure continuity of reliable communications in high-risk
environments. The department developed a new portable-communications capability to
deliver business continuity during pandemics and other unforeseen events.
1 37
SECTION 2
To protect and advance the national interest, the department will sustain and improve
security and strengthen communications capability at Australia’s overseas missions
SECTION 2
The department embarked on implementation of the recommendations from the Australian
Government ICT Review (Gershon Review) and successfully completed the first phase
of the ICT cost-reduction program. Improved project governance and management have
yielded efficiencies resulting in cost reductions in major ICT projects.
Managing security of overseas missions
To offer staff, clients and visitors at Australia’s overseas missions the best possible
physical protection from attack, the department pursued a program of security upgrades
at a wide range of posts.
We completed 8 of the 11 security-driven chancery relocations. Other relocations and
major fit-out works were completed in our missions in Kuala Lumpur, Tehran, Tel Aviv,
Madrid, Belgrade and Amman. We undertook additional security-related construction works
in conjunction with the department’s Overseas Property Office at our missions in Amman,
Kuala Lumpur, Baghdad and Dhaka. We also carried out upgrades in Colombo, Mexico City
and Singapore.
We made significant headway in analysing blast resistance of all of Australia’s overseas
missions; this should be completed in 2010. Twenty-eight of our posts are now equipped
with a total of 53 civilian armoured vehicles.
Overseas Security Advisers and other specialist staff made 140 visits to posts to conduct
risk assessments as well as inspections of physical and technical security facilities
and procedures.
Client satisfaction with security of overseas missions
The department continued to provide comprehensive, targeted and timely advice to posts
and partner agencies on current and emerging security situations. The department’s
successful hosting of the Eleventh Annual International Physical Security Forum led to
enhanced cooperation on security standards for chancery construction.
Dialogue with like-minded agencies, both Australian and international, increased the
department’s capacity for the provision of security services and advice. Partner agencies
regularly expressed their appreciation of the security services provided by the department
and demand remained high for our training services.
138
Personal Profile:
Chantal Grellman
Chantal started with
the department in
2006 after 13 years at Telstra. While we already had a strong contingent of women
employed as Information Technical Officers, Chantal was the first woman to join the
department as a Technical Officer. She brought experience as a data technician, a
Diploma in Electronic Engineering and project management qualifications.
Since March 2008, Chantal has managed the Network Operations Centre (NOC),
which supports our extensive ICT network both domestically and internationally.
Along with the Global Support Centre the NOC is the first point of contact for
staff at posts who are facing difficulties with ICT systems. The NOC monitors the
network for faults, responds to requests from Post Systems Administrators when
links are not responding and liaises with satellite and terrestrial carriers to ensure
communications paths from posts are kept open.
‘Providing support for over 100 international locations and for DFAT staff as well as
other departments with staff at post involves the use and understanding of new and
emerging technologies. Opportunities to enhance and further your knowledge base
are always present in this dynamic environment.’
1 39
SECTION 2
Managing the central hub
of the department’s ICT
network, Chantal
Grellman leads a
specialist team providing
remote support to SATIN
users 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. Use of
ICT is integral to the
department’s successful
operation and as a
whole-of-government
service provider.
SECTION 2
Contingency and incident-response planning
We continued to work closely with other agencies to develop robust physical and
personnel security policies, to respond to emerging threats and to mitigate security risks.
We remained closely focused on contingency and incident-response planning for high-risk
posts such as Kabul and Baghdad. In response to increased local threat levels, the
department put in place new and enhanced security measures at high-risk posts.
We enhanced communications at a number of posts by using multiple diverse connections
to ensure the continuity of reliable communications in high-threat environments. To
improve the department’s responsiveness to business-continuity challenges, we
developed a remote-working capability. This capability greatly reduces risks of interruptions
to business operations in uncertain international security or health environments.
Protection of official and classified information
The department continued to focus on practical measures to improve secure
communications among Australian government agencies. We remained vigilant in our
efforts to protect classified and sensitive information against possible computer,
electronic and technical attacks. The department revised a number of policies and
procedures concerning the protection of official information and ICT systems. The
revisions ensured our policies and procedures kept pace with evolving technological and
threat environments, were consistent with relevant government guidelines, and were
cost-effective. The trial of a biometrics access-control system continued, with encouraging
results for use at overseas posts.
Security clearances
In accordance with Government policy, staff who handle classified information must have
an appropriate security clearance. The department granted 388 security clearances to
new staff, up from 336 in 2007–08; formally processed and recognised 101 clearances
for personnel transferring from other agencies, a slight decrease from 104 in 2007–08;
and renewed the security clearances of 454 existing staff, up from 351 in 2007–08. Our
overseas posts processed 86 initial clearances and renewals for existing staff, up from
55 in 2007–08.
Security training
The department continued to attach the highest priority to fostering security awareness
and vigilance among its staff, in Australia and overseas. We delivered introductory
and refresher security-awareness courses to 405 staff, down from 575 last year. We
arranged pre-departure overseas-security-awareness training for 219 staff, up from 208
in 2007–08, and for 202 staff from other agencies, a decrease from 281 in 2007–08.
To prepare staff and their partners being deployed to high-risk posts, we arranged training
in defensive driving techniques for 57 people and personal security-awareness training
for 199 staff. Addressing the more specialised training needs of security managers and
140
advisers, we arranged job-specific security-training courses for 92 staff posted to securityrelated positions overseas, an increase from 46 in 2007–08. We also provided specific
training for 164 guards at our overseas missions.
Information management and secure communications access
The implementation of the voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP) telephone system has
enabled us and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to provide Call
Centre capability for DIAC at overseas posts.
With the launch of REACH (Remote Emergency Auxiliary Communications Hub), commissioned as a part of the Consular
Enhancement Program, Emergency Response Teams (ERT) are able to take a Deployable Post with full satellite
interoperability anywhere around the world. DFAT staff Mr Mark Wassell and Mr Paul Daley are pictured setting up REACH
in Davos, Switzerland in January 2009 for the World Economic Forum which the Deputy Prime Minister attended.
1 41
SECTION 2
The department’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Asset Refresh
Program consists of four projects mandated to: replace desktop equipment; replace data
switching/routing equipment; consolidate the department’s servers; and roll out a new
telephone system. The program was in its third year in 2008–09 and is being delivered
within budget and on schedule. This year, 35 posts had their ICT systems upgraded, up
from 24 in 2007–08. With over 70 per cent of posts refreshed, this project is scheduled
to be completed in 2010.
SECTION 2
To ensure the department has the skills to deliver and maintain support services to our
overseas network and partner agencies in future years, we identified two opportunities
for improvement. First, and in line with the Gershon Review recommendations, we began
progressively converting a number of ICT contract positions to Australian Public Service
(APS) staff. This will deliver a long-term financial saving to the department and broaden
the number of staff available for posting as a Regional Technical Officer (RTO). The
RTOs deliver critical, on-the-spot service for the department’s communications network
at all posts in a specific region. Second, we introduced a technical officer development
program. Through a two-year program of tailored on-the-job and technical college training,
selected staff will broaden and improve their skill sets and prepare for posting as an RTO.
Growth of the Secure Australian Telecommunications Information
Network (SATIN)
The use of SATIN High (the department’s classified communications system) by other
government agencies has continued to increase. In Australia, 30 partner agencies
(27 last year) now use SATIN High on 363 terminals. At overseas missions, there are
2671 non-departmental user accounts on SATIN High and Low (the department’s secure,
unclassified system); an increase of 8 per cent from the previous year.
Client relationship management
The department managed the successful implementation of a number of partner-agency
programs in 2009. Each year, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
replaces one-third of the overseas desktop equipment used by immigration officers at
Australian missions overseas. We coordinated the refresh of 761 DIAC desktops. We also
managed the transition to a new DIAC telephone solution at missions, which efficiently
delivers in-bound telephone enquiries on immigration and visa services.
We assisted DIAC with the effective engagement of the ICT resources required to
implement DIAC’s Security Referral Service (SRS) project. SRS represents a vital
improvement to Australia’s border security arrangements.
We worked closely with the Attorney-General’s Department to migrate users of their secure
network to an alternative departmental application. Our application can now be accessed
from any Attorney-General’s Department secure desktop and provides users with access
to classified departmental cables without the need for complex client site installations.
We continue to enhance the support services provided to our two ministers and three
parliamentary secretaries. New services to their offices include the deployment of secure
video-conferencing to domestic and international locations.
This year the Information Technology Strategy Committee decided a new strategic direction
for the department. This will require email and business applications to be moved to a
shared support and development platform, streamlining development and operations and
reducing the associated risks and costs to provide these services.
142
During the year more than 89 000 service requests were raised by SATIN clients
(72 000 last year). The ICT support areas resolved over 82 per cent within the servicelevel timeframe.
Availability and reliability of communications
See Appendix 9 for more information about arrangements to provide ICT services to other
Australian Government agencies.
Mr Peter Rowe, First Assistant Secretary, Diplomatic Security, Information Management and Services Division (centre),
with the first signatories to the department’s new memorandum of understanding (MOU) for ICT Services, First Assistant
Secretary, Systems Division, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Mr Peter McKeon, (left) and Chief Information
Officer for AusAID, Mr Shane McLeod, (right), on 5 May 2009.
1 43
SECTION 2
To improve communications reliability, a new international network design has been
completed and implemented. This new design reduces the risks for potential single points
of failure and performance issues. The network design allows for the continuation of
communications during major failures by bypassing major network points, and providing
dual active communications using diverse links to many posts.
SECTION 2
New ICT MOU signed with partner agencies
The development and negotiation of a new ICT services framework in the
form of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was completed in 2009. On
5 May 2009, the department signed the new ICT MOU with AusAID and the
Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The agreement for the supply and
support of departmental ICT infrastructure will also be signed with over 40 other
partner agencies.
The MOU is based on industry best practice and agreement has been reached
with a number of key partner agencies that require the use of the department’s
ICT services. As ICT systems evolve rapidly, the MOU provides us with a strong
framework to improve existing services and the flexibility to provide new services as
they develop.
The MOU ensures efficient and cost-effective delivery of ICT services by the
department in support of Australia’s national interests globally. It reflects the
increasingly central role of ICT in supporting and sustaining those interests
and ensures Australia presents a coordinated whole-of-government presence in
host countries.
Outlook
The department will continue to operate in an uncertain and often dangerous international
environment. To safeguard Australian staff and assets overseas, particularly in high-risk
locations, we will continue to work closely with other Commonwealth agencies and likeminded governments. The department will give high priority to improving and enhancing
the security of our diplomatic missions in Baghdad and Kabul. Our security training
program will be enhanced to provide more location-specific information to deployed staff,
including against the possibility of hostage situations.
Over the next two years, we plan to complete upgrades, supplementary works or
relocations in Seoul, Suva, Honiara, Phnom Penh, Nairobi, Port Moresby, Ho Chi Minh City,
Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur.
The department’s ICT activities will be driven by the need to provide improved service
delivery, while at the same time improving operational efficiency and effectiveness and
reducing costs. The technology used for the networks and other underlying capabilities will
be examined to identify and remedy any areas which need improvement to keep abreast of
rapid changes in ICT. Emerging technology will be evaluated to provide improved business
tools and strengthen the alignment of ICT with business priorities.
There are a number of factors influencing the department’s operating environment with
potentially significant implications for how the department uses ICT in future. These
factors include the increased use of the internet, and the opportunities and threats this
entails, a greater focus on whole-of-government programs and solutions, a continued
144
OUTPUT 1 . 2 CO MMU NI CAT I O NS A ND S ECU R I T Y
increase in the number of staff from other agencies using our ICT systems, and
environmental considerations. A major challenge for the coming year will be managing the
implementation of the recommendations of the Gershon Review.
output 1.2 additional information
2007–08
Number of posts and Australian Government entities with
access to the secure communications network and secure
telecommunications infrastructure
* 142
116
Number of client agencies receiving ICT services
** 42
33
Number of cables
168 113
185 423
• cables to posts
80 766
83 766
Types of services:
• cables from posts
Cables printed and distributed to other agencies
Number of visits to overseas missions to address protective
security issues
Number of security clearances and reviews processed
87 347
101 657
212 126
323 594
140
125
1029
846
* Figure for 2008–09 shown as number of sites. Detailed breakdown as follows:
DFAT-managed posts 91; Non-DFAT-managed posts 2; DFAT state and territory offices, including Thursday Island, 8; DFAT R G Casey Building 1;
Passports 1; Partner agency sites 32; Parliament House 1; Electoral offices 4; Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices 2.
** Number of government business entities across portfolios.
1 45
SECTION 2
2008–09
SECTION 2
Output 1.3
Services to other agencies in Australia and overseas
(including Parliament, state representatives, business
and other organisations)
To protect and advance the national interest, the department will provide support for
official overseas visits, ensure whole-of-government coordination of services in relation to
the overseas diplomatic network and ensure consultation on trade policy development.
2008–09 Target
• Client satisfaction with
visit facilitation
• Provide efficient and appropriate support for overseas visits
by ministers and parliamentarians, representatives of state or
territory governments and state or territory parliamentarians
• Client satisfaction with
services provided
• Continue effective implementation of the Prime Minister’s
Directive on the Guidelines for the Management of the
Australian Government Presence Overseas
• Maintain high quality financial, personnel and property
management services to other government agencies at
overseas posts in line with service level agreements
• Effective consultation on the
development of trade policy
• Provide accurate and timely statistical trade information and
advice (fee for service basis) to the public
• Maintain close relationships with state and territory
governments, including through the Council of Australian
Governments (COAG) and the newly-created COAG Ministerial
Council on International Trade
• Manage effectively consultative processes with industry
representatives, state and territory governments, NGOs and
community groups to seek their views on bilateral, regional and
multilateral trade negotiations
Overview
The department provided high-level support in Australia and overseas to portfolio
ministers and parliamentary secretaries, Parliament, presiding officers, other
ministers and parliamentary secretaries, parliamentary committees, delegations and
individual parliamentarians.
The department provided financial, human resource and property management services
to 26 government departments and agencies with overseas representation. We provided
information and communications technology services to 31 agencies in Australia
and overseas.
The department worked with the business community and state and territory
governments to implement the Government’s trade policy, trade promotion and trade
development agenda.
146
O ut p u t 1 . 3 Serv i ces to other agenc i es
SECTION 2
Australian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Ms Margaret Twomey, and First Secretary, Ms Michelle Manson, visit
Kyrgyzstan where they joined the Australian company, Santos, to discuss their exploration project in the Fergana Valley of
Kyrgyzstan in March 2009.
Parliament in Australia
The department’s services to Parliament included support for parliamentary travel
and briefing parliamentarians on portfolio issues. We fulfilled our public accountability
responsibilities and contributed to public debate about portfolio issues by providing timely
and accurate information to parliamentary committees and responses to questions taken
on notice. To enhance our services to Parliament, in August 2008 the department issued
updated guidelines for overseas travel by federal parliamentarians.
Parliamentary travel
The department promoted inter-parliamentary relations by assisting with 120 overseas
visits by non-ministerial federal parliamentarians and parliamentary delegations. We
organised official programs and provided advice on in-country travel and briefings on
key foreign and trade policy issues. Our support of Parliament included facilitating the
following parliamentary delegation visits:
• Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade—delegation
attendance at the third Centre for Democratic Institutions’ Indonesia–Australia
Parliamentary Forum in Jakarta (July 2008)
• Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Malaysia and visit to Thailand
(August 2008)
• Colombia and Argentina (August 2008)
1 47
• ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in Singapore (August 2008)
• Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (September–October 2008)
• The United Nations General Assembly, New York (September–December 2008)
SECTION 2
• Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva and visit to Serbia (October 2008)
• Egypt and Israel (October–November 2008)
• Papua New Guinea and East Timor (October–November 2008)
• Singapore and Indonesia (October–November 2008)
• 17th Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, Laos and visit to Vietnam (January 2009)
• Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and visit to Switzerland
(April 2009)
• Visit by members of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Crime
Commission to Canada, the US, Austria, UK and the Netherlands (April 2009)
• Canada and Mexico (April 2009)
• The Philippines, Cambodia and Malaysia (April 2009).
In addition to supporting visits by parliamentary delegations, the department assisted
47 federal parliamentarians undertaking international study tours or attending
conferences, a slight decrease from 49 visits in 2007–08.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr Chris Moraitis (centre), Australian Trade Commissioner to Papua
New Guinea, Mr John Brand (second left), Counsellor AusAID, Mr Dave Vosen, with an Australian National University
(ANU) representative and three shortlisted candidates (all in front) discussing courses offered at ANU on 19 June 2009.
1 48
Incoming delegations
The department assisted with visits to Australia by 21 foreign parliamentary delegations,
providing presiding officers with country briefs and talking points for their meetings with
visiting parliamentarians.
The department briefed and appeared before a range of parliamentary committees
(see Appendix 6). We answered 270 questions submitted in writing or taken on notice
during Senate Estimates hearings, up from 145 questions in 2007–08.
Questions on notice
The department assisted portfolio ministers prepare responses to 78 written
parliamentary Questions on Notice (also known as Questions in Writing), up from 51 in
2007–08. Of these, 18 were received from the House of Representatives and 60 from
the Senate.
Ministerial submissions and briefing
To ensure portfolio ministers and parliamentary secretaries were comprehensively briefed
on the range of foreign and trade policy issues, the department produced 2589 ministerial
submissions (up from 2495 in 2007–08), 592 meeting briefs (up from 446), 102 cabinet
briefs (up from 72) and 15 cabinet submissions.
Ministerial correspondence
Through the provision of high-quality, timely and accurate responses to ministerial
correspondence, the department helped portfolio ministers deliver key messages to the
public regarding the Government’s foreign and trade policy. The department provided
responses to 9362 items of correspondence within agreed timeframes, an increase from
8625 items in 2007–08.
To assist the senior executive monitor and evaluate the department’s performance in
this area, we produced monthly reports that detailed the timeliness of responses and the
quality of drafting and identified issues of public interest.
Services to clients
Federal parliamentarians commended the department on the briefings, programs
and logistical support we provided for overseas parliamentary travel. Ministers and
parliamentary secretaries expressed a high level of satisfaction with the quality of our
briefing, policy advice, responses to ministerial correspondence and management of
workflow systems including for question time.
1 49
SECTION 2
Parliamentary committees
SECTION 2
Federal parliamentarians Ms Nola Marino and Mr Mark Coulten observing Cambodia’s National Assembly elections in
Battambang Province, July 2008 accompanied by Mr Matt Duckwork, Third Secretary at Australian Embassy in Phnom
Penh (right). These were the fourth national elections held since the Paris Peace Accords and UNTAC mission introduced
democracy to the country in 1993, and represented an important step towards the consolidation of democracy in
Cambodia. Australia contributed one of the largest election monitoring teams to these elections, consisting of four
Federal parliamentarians and a further 21 embassy staff.
Services to attached agencies
Under the Service Level Agreement (SLA), the department provides management services,
on a user-pays basis, to 26 government departments and agencies with overseas
representation, and in one instance to the New Zealand Government. The services are
delivered in accordance with the 2007 Prime Minister’s Directive on the Guidelines for the
Management of the Australian Government Presence Overseas.
The SLA sets out the obligations of the department and other agencies for each category
of management service and determines service delivery standards. The services include
financial, human resources and property management services for Australia-based
employees and locally-engaged staff in posts managed by the department.
Feedback from our SLA clients throughout the year has been positive. Our annual Post
Evaluation Report (PER) process is the principal means for the department to obtain
feedback on our work from other agencies. In 2008–09 the PER process again showed
a high level of satisfaction in the department’s input to achieving whole-of-government
objectives (see Section 3).
We will work on establishing a new SLA for services provided to other government
agencies in our overseas network by June 2010.
150
Under separate memorandums of understanding the department also provided information
and communication technology services to 31 agencies in Australia and overseas, and
payroll services to 11 agencies overseas (see Appendix 9).
Services to business
The department provided formal and informal mechanisms for business input into
trade policy. We consulted extensively with industry representatives, state and territory
governments, non-government organisations and community groups on the Government’s
negotiations in the World Trade Organization, as well as negotiations towards regional and
bilateral free trade agreements.
Market information and research
The department continued to offer a consultancy service providing statistical information
and advice, on a fee-for-service basis, to the Australian community, businesses and
researchers interested in overseas markets. The service included trade and economic
data on Australia’s trading and business relationships with over 220 countries, as well
as wider information on the global trade of over 100 countries (accounting for around
90 per cent of total world trade). We produced a wide range of statistical publications
covering the composition and direction of Australia’s international trade in goods and
services, all available online.
Our network of state and territory offices
Through our network of offices in all states and the Northern Territory, we maintained a
close relationship with state and territory governments, providing them with a direct liaison
point on foreign and trade policy issues. The network also provided a local point of contact
for business, community groups and non-government organisations. State and territory
offices supported the Ministerial Council on International Trade and worked closely with
Austrade, engaging with peak business groups and companies on the Government’s trade
policy agenda. In addition, state and territory offices, in consultation with the department
in Canberra and overseas posts, helped states and territories to meet their international
objectives by facilitating overseas contacts and visits.
1 51
SECTION 2
The department worked in partnership with Austrade in Australia and overseas to
implement the Government’s trade policy, trade promotion and trade development agenda.
We made high-level representations to governments on behalf of Australian business;
liaised closely with Austrade on arrangements for public consultation programs for Heads
of Mission and Senior Trade Commissioners; and undertook joint trade promotion and
public diplomacy activities involving both agencies.
Personal Profile:
Philippa King
SECTION 2
Philippa King took up the job as
State Director in the NSW State
Office in August 2008. The role
of the State Office is to maintain
a close relationship with the
NSW Government and to make
sure the Australian and NSW
Governments work together on
their international agendas. To
that end the State Office assists
the Premier and ministers with
their international programs, and
advises the NSW Government on
the Australian Government’s
foreign and trade policy priorities.
The State Office also works
closely with the Office of the
Governor of NSW on a range of
international issues.
Sydney is home to one of the largest consular corps in the world. Philippa and the
State Office team provide a range of services to the corps and work closely with
them on visits by foreign dignitaries and on broader aspects of our relationships
with those countries. The State Office works closely with all the security agencies,
particularly the NSW Police, to protect the security of consulates in Sydney and to
address their specific concerns.
‘An important part of my job is advocating the Australian Government’s foreign
and trade policy agenda to members of the community in NSW, and to help
the community connect with that agenda. So I speak regularly to the business
community, NGOs, think tanks, educational institutions, and members of the
public about issues of interest to them, and I help them to connect directly with
decision-makers in Canberra.’
152
Services to state governments and other agencies overseas
and in Australia
• China: NSW Governor (Oct 08), Queensland Minister for Tourism, Regional
Development and Industry (Nov 08), WA Minister for Education and Tourism (Apr 09),
SA Premier (Oct 08), Victorian Minister for Education (Sept 08), NT Minister for Primary
Industries, Fisheries and Resources (Oct 08)
• India: NSW Minister for Juvenile Justice, Volunteering and Youth (Dec 08), WA Deputy
Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development (July 08), Victorian
Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Trade (Aug–Sept 08)
• Japan: WA Premier (Feb 09), SA Minister for Health (May 09), Speaker of the Victorian
Legislative Assembly with a delegation of three other Victorian MPs (May 09)
• Singapore: Lord Mayor of Sydney (May 09), Queensland Minister for Transport, Trade,
Employment and Industrial Relations (Sept 08), WA Governor (June 09)
• Vietnam: NSW Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Treasurer on Trade and
Investment (Oct 08), SA Deputy Premier (Apr 09)
• Europe: NSW Attorney General (Dec 08), SA Governor (Apr 09), WA Minister for
Mines and Petroleum, Fisheries and Electoral Affairs (Apr–May 09), Victorian Minister
for Industry and Trade (June 09)
• United States: NSW Treasurer (Dec 08), Queensland Governor (Jan 09), SA Minister
for Mineral Resource Development, Urban Development and Planning and Small
Business (Apr 09), Victorian Deputy Premier (Sept 08)
• Middle East: NSW Premier (Apr 09), Queensland Minister for Transport, Trade,
Employment and Industrial Relations (Nov 08), WA Minister for Agriculture, Food and
Forestry (Feb 09), Victorian Governor (Apr–May 09)
• Africa: NSW Minister for Small Business (Oct 08), WA Minister for Commerce, Science
and Innovation and Housing Works (Feb 09).
153
SECTION 2
The department played a significant role supporting visits overseas by state and territory
ministers, parliamentarians and officials. By promoting business, tourism, education and
people-to-people ties, such visits strengthen Australia’s relationships with key foreign
partner governments, including at the sub-national level. A large number of state, territory
and federal government ministers travelled extensively in 2008–09, including:
SECTION 2
Western Australian Minister for Education and Tourism, Dr Elizabeth Constable (left), with Australian Ambassador to
China, Dr Geoff Raby (right), Australian Consul-General in Shanghai, Mr Tom Connor (second from right), and Chief
Representative of Western Australian Trade and Investment Promotion, Shanghai Office, Mr B.J. Zhuang (second from
left), at the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the commencement of Approved Destination Status, in China in
April 2009.
Outlook
The department will continue to accord a high priority to the provision of services to
Parliament. We will ensure that federal parliamentarians, parliamentary delegations and
committees are apprised of the Government’s foreign and trade policy priorities and
supported overseas in their efforts to advance Australia’s interests. We will manage
parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial correspondence in a timely and
efficient manner.
Effective and positive consultation with the business sector and state and territory
governments on trade policy issues will remain a priority. The department’s close work
with and support for the business community, state and territory governments and other
agencies will continue, both overseas and in Australia. Key steps will also be taken to
establish a new Service Level Agreement for services provided to other government
agencies in our overseas network by June 2010.
154
OUTPUT 1 . 3 S ERV I C ES TO OT H ER AG ENC I ES
output 1.3 additional information
2007–08
Number of other agencies provided administrative services overseas
under service level agreements1
27
24
Number of official programs organised for members of the
Australian Parliament (excluding the Prime Minister or ministers) and
parliamentary delegations2
127
53
50
34
Number of overseas visits by representatives of state or territory
governments, and by state and territory parliamentarians, supported by
the department4
470
534
Number of Australian companies supported by the department with
advice on market conditions, access to government and private sector
contacts, and through representations directly connected with their
particular interests5
8262
8119
Number of services provided to parliamentary committees3
1 This is the number of agencies serviced under the Service Level Agreement. The services provided under the agreement are grouped together
in six categories: personnel services (Australia-based staff), personnel services (locally engaged staff), office services, property services,
financial services and communications.
2 This figure is based on work undertaken by each post; that is, it reflects the number of programs organised on a country-by-country basis,
rather than the number of Members of Parliament and Senators assisted by the department in Canberra.
3 This figure reflects the number of committee hearings before which the department appeared.
4 This figure is based on work undertaken by each post; that is, it reflects the number of programs organised on a country-by-country basis.
5 This information was collected by all areas of the department, including overseas posts, and collated centrally. It reflects the number of
companies supported on a country-by-country basis.
155
SECTION 2
2008–09
Output 1.4
SECTION 2
Services to diplomatic and consular representatives
in Australia
The department will provide high-quality services to the diplomatic and consular corps
in Australia.
2008–09 Target
• Efficient delivery of highquality services to the
diplomatic and consular corps
• Ensure timely, accurate and transparent decisions on
diplomatic visas, accreditation and privileges
• Progress policy issues affecting financial privileges including
rates payments and reciprocal tax concessions
• Ensure that diplomatic privileges and immunities are not
abused and that foreign officials respect Australian law
• Promote awareness within relevant agencies of Commonwealth,
state and territory governments of the rights and obligations of
diplomatic and consular officials
• Client satisfaction with the
standard and responsiveness
of protection services
provided to diplomatic and
consular representatives
• Maintain close engagement with Security Coordination Branch,
Attorney-General’s Department (successor to the Protective
Security Coordination Centre), and diplomatic missions
to protect the security and dignity of missions in line with
Australia’s obligations under the Vienna Conventions
• Cooperate with agencies, airlines and diplomatic missions to
protect the dignity of high-level foreign visitors to Australia
Overview
The department provided visa, accreditation and a range of other services to facilitate
the work of diplomatic and consular representatives and their offices in Australia. Despite
the high demand for services arising from a diplomatic and consular community totalling
more than 4700 officials and dependants, most were delivered within short timeframes
and we received positive feedback on the quality and transparency of our support. The
implementation of a new information management system improved the efficiency of the
department’s services to the diplomatic and consular corps, particularly regarding the
issuing of ID cards and renewal of visas.
The department continued to accord a high priority to protecting the security and dignity of
diplomatic and consular representatives in Australia. We worked closely with the Security
Coordination Branch, the Attorney-General’s Department, the Australian Federal Police and
other relevant agencies to respond to issues of concern to individual missions and posts.
156
OUTPUT 1 .4 S E RVI C ES TO D I P LO M AT I C R EPR ES ENTAT I V ES
Services to the diplomatic and consular corps
New arrangements were signed with the governments of Nepal, Kenya, Turkey, Mongolia
and Portugal to regulate the employment of dependants of the Australian corps. This
took to 38 the number of bilateral employment arrangements in place, each of which
carry important reciprocal benefits for the dependants of our staff working in Australian
missions abroad.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Australia, HE Dato Salman Bin Ahmad (seated third from left), after presenting his
Letter of Credence to the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC (seated third from right) on 26 February 2009. Also
pictured are the then Secretary, Mr Michael L’Estrange AO (seated far right), and the Chief of Protocol, Ms Anne Moores
(seated far left).
We also finalised reciprocal indirect tax concession arrangements with 11 countries
(Brazil, Egypt, Eritrea, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Iraq, Libya,
Nepal, Oman, Paraguay and Vietnam), providing indirect tax concessions for certain goods
and services. The arrangements have been reflected in amendment determinations that
are subject to Parliamentary review.
The department facilitated the establishment of new embassies for Tonga, Mongolia and
Cuba in Canberra, as well as the opening of six new consular posts headed by career
consuls in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne and five new honorary consulates. We
157
SECTION 2
The department provided services to 94 diplomatic missions resident in Canberra,
34 non-resident diplomatic missions and 339 consular posts representing 151 countries
in total, as well as nine international organisations. Thirty-eight new resident and ten
non-resident heads of mission were accredited to Australia in 2008–09. We shared
responsibilities with other Australian Government agencies to assist the corps on issues
such as security, immigration, customs and quarantine matters, airport facilitation, land
and premises for foreign missions, taxation and motor vehicle registration.
finalised and implemented a review of honorary consuls. The review led to streamlined
arrangements for the processing of new honorary consul appointments and simplified
requests to renew accreditation.
SECTION 2
Protection of diplomatic and consular missions
The department devoted significant resources to ensuring that Australia met its
obligations with regard to the security and dignity of missions and posts and their staff. In
addition to maintaining appropriate standing arrangements for all missions, we responded
to specific short-term security issues affecting various missions during the year. The
department contributed resources to ensure the protection and protocol requirements of
VIP visitors for World Youth Day 2008 were managed successfully. The corps expressed
appreciation for the protocol duty officer in providing assistance to missions on issues
arising outside working hours.
Engagement with the diplomatic and consular corps
The Ministers’ 2008 mid-year function for the diplomatic corps featured the biennial
Sir Alan Westerman lecture in Australian trade policy, delivered by the Minister for Trade,
Mr Crean. The lecture focused on the Government’s commitment to aligning trade
and development assistance policies. The Secretary hosted the traditional Christmas
reception in honour of the corps. The Prime Minister, Mr Smith and Mr Crean attended the
Christmas reception.
A presentation on the Defence White Paper was well received by the corps, as were
briefings on the National Security Statement and Australia’s Carbon Pollution Reduction
Scheme. Other briefings were held on Australia’s response to H1N1 influenza, Australia’s
treaty-making process and new airport facilitation arrangements for visiting foreign
dignitaries. We developed an information pack for all newly arrived private domestic
employees of diplomatic officers. The pack included general advice on life in Canberra and
community services available. Key sections of the booklet were translated into Indonesian,
Tagalog, Sinhala and Tamil. Domestic employees were provided with identity cards.
Outlook
The department will continue to provide high-quality and timely services to the diplomatic
and consular corps, with security a paramount consideration. Consistency of approach
and transparency will remain hallmarks of the department’s dealings with the corps, as
we continue to expand outreach to members of the corps and their dependants, and
to encourage dialogue. The department will continue to actively pursue new dependant
employment agreements with countries where they are not yet in place.
158
OUTPUT 1 .4 S E RVI C ES TO D I P LO M AT I C R EPR ES ENTAT I V ES
output 1.4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2007–08
Number of diplomatic representatives for whom the department
provides services
998
935
Number of consular representatives for whom the department
provides services
856
892
Number and category of services provided:
visas issued for the corps
2307
2172
arrivals and departures processed
1329
1541
identity cards issued
1300
1204
presentation of credentials
38
24
exequaturs issued
36
22
facilitation of purchase, registration and disposal of cars by
privileged personnel
1065
1469
requests processed for foreign awards to Australian citizens
98
69
requests processed for dependants seeking permission to work
58
94
approvals for new foreign missions in Australia (includes diplomatic
missions, consular posts and offices of international organisations)
14
20
approvals for defence advisers/attaches
13
19
1 59
SECTION 2
2008–09
Outcome 2
SECTION 2
Australians informed about and provided access to consular and
passport services in Australia and overseas
OUTPUT 2.1
Consular services
Passport services
160
O ut p ut 2.1 Con s ular and pass port s erv i ces
Output 2.1
Output 2.1 includes the following administered items:
Travellers emergency loans
Australian travellers assisted through emergency loans in accordance with the guidelines
in the Consular Handbook
Consular emergency services
Australian travellers provided with consular emergency services in accordance with the
guidelines in the Consular Handbook
2008–09 Target
• Delivery of comprehensive,
responsive, high-quality
consular services
• Respond in an effective and timely manner to large-scale crises
involving conflict, civil unrest, natural disaster or significant
transport incidents
• Maintain high-quality consular services while managing
increased case numbers
• Deliver enhanced consular training to departmental staff
• Delivery of effective activities
to improve awareness among
Australian travellers of
potential trouble spots and an
understanding of the extent of
assistance that the Australian
Government can provide
• Maintain up-to-date travel advice
• Ensure highly-developed crisis
management procedures are
in place and tested
• Ensure continuous improvement of contingency planning to
respond to overseas crises and major events
• Monitor and track effectiveness of the smartraveller campaign
• Deliver a revised Contingency Planning and Crisis
Management Manual
1 61
SECTION 2
The department will support and assist Australian travellers and Australians overseas by
providing high-quality consular and passport services.
• Delivery of high-quality and
responsive passport services
• Develop a strategy paper on the outlook for the passport
business over the next five years
• Manage increasing workload effectively and meet tenday turnaround for passports as outlined in the Client
Service Charter
SECTION 2
• Develop a plan for the timely replacement of ageing
passport systems
• Engage with Australia Post and other service providers to
improve efficiency of processes and client service levels
• Develop a plan for the improvement of online services
• Enhance fraud intelligence gathering and analytical capabilities
• Continue the development of a new passport series
• Expand the specialist training program aimed at improving the
integrity of the passport system
2.1.1 CONSULAR SERVICES
Overview
Australians travelled overseas in record numbers in 2008–09 and the demand for
consular services grew accordingly. To assist Australians travelling overseas to assess the
level of risk and to make informed decisions about their travel, the department maintained
over 160 travel advisories covering security, health and other factors that could potentially
affect safety overseas. Our online registration service, which enables us to locate
Australians in emergencies, was heavily subscribed. Our case work in dangerous and
remote areas continued to grow.
We continued to invest in building our capacity to manage consular cases and crises
overseas. This strengthened capacity enabled us to respond quickly to more than
60 overseas crises and incidents. We developed and refined contingency plans for
major events and such high-risk scenarios as Anzac Day commemorations in Turkey
and France, the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, the Commonwealth Youth Games in
India, the Socceroos match in Bahrain and the Australian cricket team matches in the
United Arab Emirates.
From our posts and in Canberra, we monitored developments overseas closely to ensure
information in our travel advisories alerted Australians to situations likely to affect their
travel plans. We focused on high-risk countries and those attracting a greater number of
Australian travellers. We used our smartraveller public information campaign to reinforce
the importance of subscribing to our travel advice and registering travel plans online.
1 62
O u t p u t 2.1 CO NS U LA R S ERV I C ES
Consular services
At 30 June 2009, Australians had access to consular services in 163 locations around
the world including:
• 17 consular missions and four honorary consulates, managed by Austrade
• the Australian Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei
• 20 Canadian diplomatic missions under Australia’s Consular Sharing Agreement
with Canada.
Australians also had access to consular assistance in the form of notarial services
through our state and territory offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart and Perth,
and through our passport offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
The department’s capacity to respond rapidly to consular issues was underpinned by:
• Australia’s extensive consular network overseas, which (at 30 June 2009) offered
consular services in 163 locations around the world
• our 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (CEC)
• our system of on-call Canberra-based consular duty officers.
The CEC provided a direct and permanently staffed point of contact for Australians
overseas in need of emergency consular assistance. It received more than
37 000 telephone calls in 2008–09.
The department’s four Regional Consular Officers based in Mexico, Chile, the United
Arab Emirates and South Africa enhanced our capacity to respond in regions where
our consular presence is less concentrated. Officers in Mexico and Chile provided
additional support to Australians affected by the H1N1 Influenza outbreak in Mexico.
Officers travelled to dangerous or remote places, including Iraq, to assist Australians in
difficult circumstances.
The travel advice subscription service available on the smartraveller website further
enhanced the department’s ability to advise Australians on changed safety and security
environments overseas. The subscription service enabled Australians to receive emails
each time a travel advisory was reissued.
We continued our close practical cooperation with Canada, New Zealand, the United
Kingdom and the United States to enhance delivery of consular services.
1 63
SECTION 2
• 85 diplomatic and consular missions, one representative office and 35 honorary
consulates, managed by the department
SECTION 2
Assisting Australians overseas
Australians travelled overseas in record numbers, increasing from 5 878 445 in 2007–08
to 6 009 033 overseas departures in 2008–09. In 2008–09 consular staff provided
194 523 consular services compared to 184 992 in the previous year. Increased demand
for assistance with notarials (up by 4.8 per cent to 166 662) constituted much of the
growth in consular assistance.
On average, the department actively managed as many as 1550 consular cases at any
one time. These cases ranged from requests for assistance with hospitalisation or for
help when travel documents or money are stolen, through to cases involving arrests,
deaths and missing persons.
Managing increasing expectations of the level of consular assistance, especially in cases
involving Australians detained or imprisoned under foreign laws, remained a significant
challenge. We are unable to intervene in judicial processes overseas or undertake
independent investigations. Widespread media coverage of consular cases led to the
department issuing 911 media talking points on consular matters, up from 757 consular
media talking points issued in 2007–08.
Our consular caseload was complex and diverse, often directed to Australians requiring
assistance in remote and politically unstable locations where the department does not
have an on-the-ground presence. We responded to several kidnappings of Australians
overseas, including in Africa. These cases often involved a significant whole-of-government
commitment. For example, in February 2009 we sent the Regional Consular Officer based
in Pretoria, South Africa, to The Gambia to cooperate with local authorities to resolve the
kidnapping of an Australian man. Our intervention helped to ensure he was released. The
department spent significant resources in providing consular assistance to a group of five
Australians who were detained after they landed in Merauke, Indonesia, in a private plane.
The five returned safely to Australia on 24 June 2009.
We also assisted in missing persons cases, ensuring that local authorities did everything
possible to pursue appropriate investigations. In the case of a missing Australian in
Dubrovnik, Croatia, staff from the Embassy in Zagreb and from other missions in Europe
were deployed to liaise with local authorities and police. In another case, the Australian
Embassy in Vientiane coordinated a rescue mission involving local communities when an
Australian man went missing in the jungle in Laos. This led to his rescue.
Consular staff provided support to 1314 Australians arrested or imprisoned on
various charges overseas. Australian prisoners and detainees received regular visits to
confirm their health and welfare and to ensure they were treated consistently with local
regulations. We ensured that reports on all our visits were conveyed in a timely manner to
nominated next-of-kin. We provided extensive consular assistance to an Australian charged
with offending the crown in Thailand, including by supporting his clemency bid. He was
released after the King of Thailand granted a pardon.
The Prime Minister of Vietnam confirmed on 13 October 2008 that clemency had been
granted to two Vietnamese-born Australians sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug
trafficking. This followed Australian Government representations to support their clemency
164
bids. We continued to provide strong support to three Australians sentenced to death
in Indonesia. We foreshadowed to the Indonesian Government our strong support for
clemency for the three if—after all appeals had been exhausted—their death sentences
still stood.
We hosted the fourth round of Australia–Vietnam Consular Consultations in August 2008.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to raise clemency requests and to discuss
the cases of Australian citizens detained or imprisoned in Vietnam for drug offences. We
also discussed our outreach campaign within the Vietnamese community in Australia on
the dangers of drug trafficking. In March 2009 we held inaugural consular talks with the
United Arab Emirates.
Staff of the department’s Consular, Public Diplomacy and Parliamentary Affairs Division at the inaugural
Australia–United Arab Emirates consular dialogue, held in Abu Dhabi on 31 March 2009.
Photo: Courtesy of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs
1 65
SECTION 2
Repatriation cases involving serious medical conditions or threats to the safety of
Australians overseas remained the most difficult and sensitive consular cases. We
assisted an Australian family to leave Kabul, Afghanistan, following a dispute that led
to threats to the welfare of several children and their mother. Our assistance included
facilitating emergency passports, travel arrangements and reception on arrival in Australia.
Consular staff tracked down an Australian woman in Jordan who had a serious mental
illness. In conjunction with local authorities we organised her repatriation to Australia. In
total, we assisted in 32 medical repatriations, which involved liaising with doctors, airlines
and next-of-kin to organise return arrangements.
SECTION 2
Consular emergency services
In 2008–09, the department granted payments of $75 053 to four Australian travellers,
against the emergency services appropriation of $200 000. This comes under a consular
emergency services financial support mechanism introduced in 2007–08 to allow payment
for in-kind services to destitute Australians and minors, and covers Australian paupers’
funeral costs where it is not practical or legally possible for an undertaking to repay to
be signed.
The emergency loans and emergency services programs had a combined appropriation of
$500 000 in 2008–09. The two programs are able to use the funds flexibly, drawing on
the total combined appropriation as required up to the level of the joint cap.
Travellers emergency loans
In 2008–09, the department granted emergency loans to 334 Australian travellers to the
value of $415 767. This figure is lower than for 2007–08 (loans issued to 384 Australian
travellers to the value of $707 825), as a result of a number of difficult medical
evacuations of Australians citizens who did not have travel insurance during that year.
In accordance with guidelines in our Consular Handbook, the department provided loans
on a case-by-case basis, rigorously assessing client needs and their ability to access
alternative financial sources (including from family members in Australia). All loan
recipients were required to sign legally enforceable deeds of undertaking to repay.
Loans issued during 2008–09 included loans made under the Prisoner Loans Scheme to
53 Australians imprisoned overseas. The loans provided Australian prisoners in approved
countries the means to access adequate food and other essentials not provided by
prison authorities.
In 2008–09, the department recovered $181 789 from Australians who had been issued
loans, compared to $283 168 in 2007–08. As the department issued loans according
to travellers’ needs and not their capacity to repay, this continued pattern of recovery
reflected the success of the department’s debt management and recovery efforts.
The efforts included rapid follow-up contact with debtors offering a number of different
repayment options, linking debtors’ eligibility for a new passport to the repayment of an
outstanding loan and allowing debtors to repay loans by instalment. The decrease in funds
recovered in 2008–09 from the previous year also reflects the decrease in the amount
disbursed over this period.
166
Personal Profile:
Suzanne Stein
SECTION 2
Suzanne Stein (left, viewing emergency facilities with local security and civil
protection officials in Mexico, June 2009) became the department’s first Regional
Consular Officer based in Mexico City in January 2007. She is responsible for
the consular and passport workload for Mexico and its eight other countries of
accreditation in the region. Suzanne also provides consular support to the mission
in Port of Spain and its countries of accreditation.
The four Regional Consular Officer positions were established in 2007 in locations
of growing regional demand—Mexico City, Santiago de Chile, Abu Dhabi and
Pretoria—to improve the reach of the department’s consular services. Suzanne’s
first priority was to get a handle on the number of Australians—both long-term
residents and tourists—in the region to better plan the consular services required.
Her second priority was to understand region-specific problems that would impact on
the consular workload, such as the annual hurricane season and the potential for
major earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Suzanne has travelled throughout the region, meeting key players such as the local
emergency and security authorities, and immigration and tourism ministries. She
has fostered relationships with our Canadian partners under the consular sharing
arrangement and with other like-minded missions.
‘I’ve dealt with a great variety of issues, including the Cricket World Cup tour in the
Caribbean in 2007, a series of hurricanes in Mexico and the Caribbean, and most
recently the swine flu outbreak in Mexico. The day-to-day consular work continues to
grow; that, combined with crisis preparedness, makes for a very interesting job.’
1 67
Responding to and preparing for consular crises
We responded to more than 60 crises and significant incidents that affected or had the
potential to affect Australians overseas. These included:
SECTION 2
• Mongolia post-election protests—July 2008
• Egyptian rail accident—July 2008
• QF30 diversion to Manila—July 2008
• Istanbul bomb blasts—July 2008
• Bombings in Kashgar, China—August 2008
• P&O cruise ship hit by storm—August 2008
• Georgian conflict—August 2008
• North Vietnam floods—August 2008
• Bus bombing in Tripoli, Lebanon—August 2008
• Bus crash during Beijing Olympics—August 2008
• Australian climbers trapped on Mt Cook, New Zealand—August 2008
• Grand Canyon dam collapse—August 2008
• Itek Air plane crash—August 2008
• Sun Air hijack, Sudan—August 2008
• Pettah, Colombo, Sri Lanka bombing—August 2008
• Spanair plane crash, Madrid—August 2008
• Kidnapping, Somalia—August 2008
• Caribbean severe weather—September 2008
• Turkish ferry sinking—September 2008
• Marriott Hotel bombing, Islamabad—September 2008
• US Embassy attack, Yemen—September 2008
• Explosion at Jakarta shopping centre—September 2008
• Severe weather India—September 2008
• Sri Lanka bombing—October 2008
• Bombing in Agartala, India—October 2008
• Bombing in Assam, India—October 2008
• Yeti Airlines plane crash, Nepal—October 2008
• Explosions in Somalia—October 2008
• Bomb attack in Bangkok—October 2008
• Bus crash in Kufri, India—November 2008
• Boat accident, Indonesia—November 2008
• Earthquake in Sulawesi, Indonesia—November 2008
168
• Tour bus fire, Germany—November 2008
• Demonstrations in Nepal—November 2008
• Ferry capsize, the Philippines—November 2008
• Piracy MV Athena Gulf of Aden—November 2008
SECTION 2
• Mumbai terror attacks—November 2008
• Bangkok airport closures—November 2008
• New Delhi airport shootings—December 2008
• Antarctica cruise ship accident—December 2008
• Tourist bus crash, Israel—December 2008
• Bus crash, Ankara—December 2008
• Missing Puerto Rican plane—December 2008
• Bangkok nightclub fire—January 2009
• Tourist boat sinking, Bali—January 2009
• OZJET flight disruptions, Bali—January 2009
• Earthquake, Costa Rica—January 2009
• Fiji floods—January 2009
• New York plane crash—January 2009
• Israel Gaza conflict—January 2009
• Mosque bomb blast, Cairo—January 2009
• Turkish Airlines plane crash, Amsterdam—February 2009
• Marriott Hotel fire, Islamabad—February 2009
• Sri Lankan cricket team attack—March 2009
• Canadian helicopter crash—March 2009
• Jakarta dam burst—March 2009
• Thailand dive boat accident—March 2009
• Aid workers kidnapped, Sudan—March 2009
• Piracy, Melody cruise ship—April 2009
• Morocco music festival stampede—May 2009
• Missing Air France flight—June 2009
• Bombing in Peshawar, Pakistan—June 2009.
Flexible staffing arrangements and the deployment of our Emergency Response Team
(ERT) and Regional Consular Officers to crisis areas enabled us to respond effectively to
these emergencies. We established a special task force to manage a growing number of
Australian travellers affected by the H1N1 Influenza virus or by the quarantine and border
control measures put in place as the virus spread around the world.
1 69
SECTION 2
To improve contingency planning and preparedness, posts transitioned to a new planning
template and revised plans for countries of non-resident accreditation to make these more
practical when responding to crisis situations.
With the Australian Defence Force (ADF) we jointly led Contingency Planning Assessment
Team (CPAT) visits to Thailand and Pakistan to improve contingency plans in these
locations, both of which have a high risk of significant consular incidents. ADF personnel
valued the focused consular perspectives which the department’s staff provided during
these visits.
Our overseas network and officials in Canberra jointly developed event-specific contingency
plans for events attended by large numbers of Australians, such as the Anzac Day
commemorations in Turkey and France. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs and other
agencies organising Anzac Day commemorations expressed satisfaction with the
department’s contingency planning for these events.
We worked closely with Cricket Australia, Football Federation Australia, the Australian
Olympic Committee (AOC), the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) and the Australian
Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) on contingency planning for cricket and soccer
matches, the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2010 Winter Olympics and
the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The AOC and ACGA expressed appreciation for our
cooperation and coordination.
We contributed to training of ADF staff focused on evacuation handling procedures
that would apply in a general evacuation of Australians from overseas trouble spots.
We worked with the Attorney-General’s Department in briefing hostage negotiators in
New South Wales and Victoria on working in an overseas environment. We conducted
discussions with insurance companies and Australian airlines to improve coordination of
our crisis management and contingency planning arrangements.
Under the four‑year Consular Enhancement Program announced in the 2006–07 Budget,
we finalised and continued to develop several new training programs on contingency
planning and crisis management. We conducted training courses for our staff and liaison
officers from other departments to prepare them for work in the Crisis Centre. We updated
the Crisis Centre Operations Handbook and upgraded the classified and unclassified IT
systems to ensure these are tailored to meet our crisis response needs.
170
Response to Mumbai terror attacks
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Mr John McCarthy AO, led the crisis
response on the ground in Mumbai. His presence enhanced the timeliness of the
crisis response. He and our Mumbai Consul-General assisted Australians in Mumbai,
particularly those who were injured during the attacks.
Emergency Response Teams led by the department and comprising officers from
Emergency Management Australia, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship
and the Department of Health and Ageing were deployed quickly to Mumbai and
Singapore. An AFP team was also deployed to Mumbai. These teams provided expert
advice and assistance to Australians both in Mumbai and later during their transit
through Singapore’s Changi airport.
Keeping Australians informed
Our travel advisory system provided Australians with clear, current and practical
information about most overseas destinations, helping them make well-informed decisions
about their travel. We continued to liaise closely with the National Threat Assessment
Centre (NTAC) to ensure travel advice was supported by the best available threat
information. We also participated in weekly discussions with Australia’s consular partners
(United States, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand) to enable broader information
flows on travel advice and possible emerging crises.
We reissued 944 updates to our 165 travel advisories, a 19 per cent decrease on the
1165 updates issued in 2007–08. This reflects a greater focus on maintaining accurate
advice for high-risk countries and an increased emphasis on providing more targeted
information to identified groups of Australians—for example, sporting bodies and schools.
We issued new travel bulletins on a number of major issues, events and incidents such as
the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, Anzac Day in Turkey, the Running
of the Bulls Festival in Spain, the Lebanese General Elections, Balinese New Year, the
introduction of new entry requirements for the United States and H1N1 Influenza. We also
revised and updated our special travel bulletins, Helping to Fight Child Sex Crimes Abroad,
Schengen visa requirements and Travelling by Sea. To assist in the provision of voting
facilities overseas we issued bulletins on the March 2009 Queensland state election and
the May 2009 Tasmanian legislative council elections and also on the Western Australia
daylight saving referendum.
1 71
SECTION 2
Within four hours of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, in November 2008,
we activated our Crisis Centre to coordinate the whole-of-government response.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) hostage negotiators were deployed in the Crisis
Centre and worked closely with consular officers to identify and assist those
Australians trapped in hotels or otherwise affected by the crisis, which involved nine
separate locations across Mumbai.
SECTION 2
With the outbreak of H1N1 Influenza in April 2009, we moved quickly to advise Australians
about both the virus and the steps taken by other governments to manage the situation.
We worked with other Australian Government agencies to ensure the sharing of
information in the early stages of the outbreak. On 28 April we published a travel bulletin,
Health: H1N1 Influenza 09, to provide specific advice about the spread of the virus,
precautionary measures for travellers, action being taken by the Australian Government
and also on the enhanced border control and quarantine measures implemented by
various countries. We updated this bulletin regularly.
Our smartraveller campaign media advertisements in November 2008, February‑March
and June 2009 targeted Australians travelling overseas for Christmas and later the
northern hemisphere summer, and encouraged them to subscribe to our travel advisories,
to register online and to take out travel insurance. Media activities included a stronger
advertising presence in non-English speaking media, particularly radio and newspapers, to
highlight safe travel messages to Australians travelling overseas to visit relatives.
The smartraveller website recorded 26.6 million page-views in 2008–09, an increase
of 10 per cent on 2007–08 (24.3 million page-views). The smartraveller travel advice
subscription service had 70 124 subscribers at 30 June 2009. The service enabled
users to receive updated travel advisories and bulletins via email when they were posted
on the smartraveller website. Travel registrations increased from an average of 7300 per
week in 2007–08 to a weekly average of more than 10 530 in 2008–09, representing a
44 per cent increase.
The smartraveller website was reviewed regularly to ensure current information was
available to Australian travellers. The site was extended to include information on issues
managed by other government agencies where they had particular relevance to the
travelling public such as notification of forthcoming elections/referendums, use of mobile
phones and other communication options while travelling overseas and advice on the
Travel Compensation Fund (a program run by the travel industry to compensate travellers
who lose money when a participating travel agency collapses).
The automated smartraveller telephone service, which received 16 376 calls in 2008–09,
made travel advice available to Australians without internet access.
Tracking research undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the smartraveller campaign
showed that two-thirds of sample respondents agreed that smartraveller should be
accessed by all travellers as part of their travel preparations. Forty-one per cent of
departing travellers in the survey reported having accessed the travel advisories at
some point. Almost three-quarters of those who had accessed the travel advisories were
satisfied with the amount of information they contained.
We updated a number of our consular publications including Travelling Women,
Backpacking and Living and Working Overseas. Travel agents and others ordered these
from the smartraveller website, and they were also popular at travel expos and public
presentations. We continued to monitor those situations and destinations with the
potential to have an impact on significant numbers of Australians with a view to preparing
information to alert travellers to potential risks. New versions of the Travelling Well and
1 72
Travelling Seniors brochures were translated into Italian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese,
Greek and Arabic and will soon be available on the smartraveller website.
The department continued to conduct outreach activities with travel agents who service
communities from non-English speaking backgrounds. We also participated in travel expos
and travel industry events in all Australian capital cities to increase public and travel
industry awareness of smartraveller, especially its safety and security messages. A senior
consular officer gave the keynote address at the annual general meeting of the Council
of Australian Tour Operators in June 2009, emphasising the importance of our continued
close cooperation with the travel industry.
We funded a final training workshop on child protection for hotels and resorts in Fiji in
April 2009. The workshop was conducted by Child Wise Australia and some 31 employees
from 16 major resorts and hotels attended. The workshop resulted in the incorporation of
child protection training into the curriculum for the training certificate program for staff.
In consultation with relevant agencies, we completed certification of the smartraveller
campaign to ensure it complied with new Government Advertising Guidelines introduced in
September 2008.
Satisfaction of the public and the travel industry
In accordance with our Consular Services Charter, we use a range of mechanisms to
obtain and monitor feedback on the consular assistance and travel advice we provide to
the Australian public. We closely monitored the feedback we received through our website
and in correspondence from the public. This feedback contributed to improvements we
made to consular services.
In 2008–09 the department received 1165 letters and emails from the public on
consular issues. Of these, 131 commented positively on services provided in specific
consular cases and on the department’s smartraveller services. Only four items were
negative, expressing concern about staff attitudes and service received. Complaints were
investigated in a timely manner and, where warranted, corrective action was taken. The
remaining letters and emails sought consular information, including in relation to consular
services as set out in the Consular Services Charter.
Most of the feedback emails related to the department’s travel advice and notarial
service. A smaller number sought assistance in completing online registration information
which will be simplified with the release of the department’s new travel registration
system (Consular Assistance Information System). Implementation of the system has been
delayed by software development issues. We expect it to be implemented in 2009–10.
1 73
SECTION 2
We maintained a close relationship with the travel industry to promote travel advice and
other smartraveller messages, including important information on insurance and health
issues. The department convened three meetings of the Smartraveller Consultative Group
to communicate safety and security messages to travel agents/operators, airlines and
Australian travellers. This included an ad hoc meeting to discuss travel to Indonesia in the
lead-up to the execution of the Bali Bombers.
SECTION 2
smartraveller outreach activities
In 2008–09 we produced a travel bulletin to promote safe travel messages to
Lebanese–Australians travelling to Lebanon to participate in that country’s election
in early June. We wrote to Lebanese–Australian community groups in Arabic and
English, encouraging travellers to register, take out travel insurance and subscribe
to the travel advice. Our mission in Beirut conducted a parallel campaign directed at
the Lebanese–Australian community in Lebanon.
We extended our outreach strategy to raise awareness of the dangers of overseas
drug trafficking to Vietnamese–Australian communities in Australia. We participated
in Tet Festival celebrations around Australia in February 2009 to promote the antidrug trafficking campaign and safe travel messages.
We undertook targeted outreach to groups and individuals travelling overseas to
play sport. We disseminated our safe travel messages to over 80 national sporting
organisations, state institutes and academies of sport throughout Australia.
Following an increase in pirate attacks against all forms of shipping in waters off the
Horn of Africa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs wrote to domestic and international
travel providers in January 2009 asking them to bring our re-issued Travelling by Sea
advisory to the attention of Australian clients. The letter was distributed to 2571
members of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, 50 additional domestic travel
providers and 33 international providers.
We disseminated safe travel messages to all secondary schools in Australia
through both state education departments and the National Coordinating Committee
for International Secondary Student Exchanges. The outreach targeted students
participating in school excursions and academic exchanges. In particular, we
encouraged them to register details of travelling school groups and of exchange
students on our online registration facility.
New South Wales State Office staff member, Ms Almaza Farag, at a smartraveller community outreach event at
the Vietnamese Tet Festival in Fairfield on 8 February 2009.
174
Outlook
We expect continued growth in the number of Australians travelling overseas, despite
short-term variations caused by the global economic crisis and the unpredictable security
environment. This growth will result in increased demand for consular services. Key
indicators, such as the rise in the number of Australian passports issued, influence our
planning for this expected increase. An uncertain international security environment,
natural disasters and political crises will continue to contribute to our consular workload.
To address these challenges the department will, in addition to meeting its ongoing
consular responsibilities, focus on three sets of priorities.
1. Public information and risk mitigation
Through the smartraveller campaign and our travel advisories, we will educate Australians
about the importance of considered preparations and well-informed travel decisions, of
avoiding risky behaviour and dangerous destinations, and of holding realistic expectations
of consular services. We will supplement reduced advertising funding with strategically
targeted outreach activities, including through industry stakeholders, to ensure a
continued high level of awareness of smartraveller messages among the travelling public.
2. Consolidating the enabling environment
We will implement the Consular Enhancement Program by refining our consular training
for both Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) and staff involved in contingency planning
and crisis management. We will assess current consular training modules to ensure their
durability for further developing core and specialist consular skills.
Rolling out new equipment to support our Regional Consular Officers and ERTs, so
they are able to establish consular operations in remote areas within short timeframes
and independent of local infrastructure, will remain a priority. We expect the Consular
Assistance Information System to be implemented in 2009–10.
3. Contingency planning and preparedness
Informed by lessons learnt, we will develop more robust Consular Contingency Plans for
our overseas network and countries of accreditation. These will provide for more effective
and efficient responses to a range of risk scenarios. Continued DFAT–Defence Consular
Contingency Planning Assessment Team visits to posts will enhance crisis response skills
including through the conduct of desktop exercises.
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SECTION 2
Continuing support for the Charter for Safe Travel—membership of which grew from
2621 at 30 June 2008 to 2662 at 30 June 2009—reflected the travel industry’s
continued satisfaction with the quality of the department’s information and services to
travellers. The department used travel expos and other industry events to disseminate
smartraveller safe travel messages directly to the Australian travelling public. Feedback
through focus group and other market research mechanisms was generally positive and
provided a useful foundation for further refinements to outreach programs.
OUTPUT 2.1 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CONSULAR SERVICES
2004–05
2005–06
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
4 745 540
5 000 860
5 300 830
5 878 445
6 009 033
Cases of Australians
hospitalised given general
welfare and guidance
638
819
1 093
1 260
1 480
evacuated to another location
for medical purposes
167
82
67
46
32
Cases of next of kin of
Australians who died overseas
given guidance or assistance
with disposal of remains
642
811
912
994
1 038
1 599
68
5 209
51
39
16 545
8 457
13 025
13 598
17 9662
arrested overseas
736
752
934
970
1 019
Cases of Australians in prison
overseas (as at 30 June)
166
291
188
211
2233
6 283
6 225
12 385
8 405
5 9924
25 731
17 505
33 927
25 987
27 861
Notarial acts5
100 851
115 418
135 347
159 005
166 662
Total number of cases of
Australians provided with
consular assistance
126 582
132 923
169 274
184 992
194 523
395
393
301
384
334
SECTION 2
Australian resident departures1
Cases of Australians having
difficulty arranging their own
return to Australia given
guidance and assistance
Inquiries made about
Australians overseas who
could not be contacted by their
next of kin
Cases of Australians given
general welfare and guidance
Total number of cases
involving Australians
in difficulty
Australians in financial
difficulty who were
lent public funds to
cover immediate needs
(travellers emergency loans)
1 This figure draws on ABS data and includes permanent departures, long term departures and short term departures of Australian residents.
It includes Australian citizens (5 032 151) and other residents (976 882), who reside in Australia on a permanent or temporary basis.
2 This figure includes inter alia whereabouts and welfare inquiries in the ongoing H1N1 Influenza Pandemic (376), and crises in Fiji (25), Italy
(70), Mongolia (58), Thailand (13 822) and India (1 535).
3 The total number of cases of Australians in prison who had been convicted and sentenced during 2008–09 was 295. Some of these cases
may have been resolved during that year. The ‘Cases of Australians in prison overseas as at 30 June’ is a ‘snapshot’ of the Australian
overseas prisoner population who had been convicted and sentenced as at 30 June 2009.
4 Welfare and guidance figure includes the following sub-categories: assaults (238), theft (1 445), welfare of children (196) and other welfare
matters (4 113).
5 Figure includes notarial acts performed by overseas posts, in Canberra and in state and territory offices in Australia.
176
O u t p u t 2.1 PASSP O RT S ERV I C ES
2.1.2 PASSPORT SERVICES
Overview
The strong demand for passport services of recent years continued and the use of online
passport services also increased. To manage projected growth in demand over the
next five years, the department updated the Australian Passport Office Strategic Plan,
undertook comprehensive business forecasting and developed a detailed program to
introduce new systems and technology.
The department maintained a strong focus on client service. The average turnaround
time for passport issue was 5.1 days, well within our advertised ten working days. We
developed and began delivering an enhanced client service training program across
the network.
Passport security remained a priority. We launched a new passport, the N series,
Australia’s most secure and visually appealing travel document to date. The resources
devoted to the department’s passport fraud detection, investigation and prevention
programs resulted in the identification of 525 new fraud cases.
The department made significant contributions to international and inter-governmental
efforts to promote security of travel documents and border security. We contributed to the
work of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop technical standards
for travel documents. We were active in ICAO’s Machine Readable Travel Document
Technical Advisory Group and, as a member of the board, of the ICAO Public Key Directory
(PKD) which confirms that electronic passports are genuine and unaltered.
Passport services
Demand for passport services continued to be strong, with 1 524 945 documents issued.
A total of 1 472 674 passports were produced in Australia and a further 44 892 at our
regional production centres in London and Washington. Australian diplomatic missions
overseas produced 7379 emergency passports. The application rate for passports
fell by 2.2 per cent in the first half of the year, compared with the same period in
2007–08 and rose by 1.2 per cent in the second half. This fluctuating demand required
careful management. Our forecast modelling continued to provide accurate data for
such purposes.
The department trialled the centralisation of processing and passport production work
from regional centres in London and Washington to Canberra. The results of this trial were
encouraging and formed the basis of a proposal to extend the arrangement across the
overseas network. This will see an overall reduction in costs as the majority of production
and processing of overseas passports will be carried out in Canberra. The department
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SECTION 2
The department offered passport services to Australian citizens both through our network
of passport offices in nine cities around Australia and through our diplomatic and consular
missions overseas. Our call centre, the Australian Passport Information Service (APIS),
and 1705 Australia Post outlets (as at 30 June 2009) also helped in the service delivery.
Programs to centralise passport production and processes to determine applicants’
eligibility delivered significant advantages to us in our management of the fluctuations
of passport demand. We expanded our centralised data verification unit in the Sydney
Passport Office. The unit began processing work across the entire domestic and overseas
passport network.
Enhanced procedures to improve the integrity of the passport decision-making process
were fully implemented across our domestic network. We also delivered specialist training
programs to officers who, when there is a higher than normal risk profile, assess the
eligibility of applicants for passports.
The identification and outsourcing of non-core functions continued to be a focus.
We contracted a subsidiary of Australia Post to receipt, prepare and compile
passport applications ready for processing, reducing the burden on passport offices
across Australia.
The number of passports reported as lost or stolen dropped slightly to 34 788 (from
35 119 in 2007–08) and continued to be below the levels recorded prior to the
introduction of the stringent measures in the Australian Passports Act 2005 to manage
this issue. The number of passports missing in the mail was 128 compared with 123 in
2007–08. We worked closely with Australia Post to establish more robust tracking
measures to reduce this incidence.
Figure 14. Travel Documents Issued
1 800 000
1 600 000
1 400 000
1 200 000
Number
SECTION 2
also developed a proposal to establish an overseas support unit to assist posts to
manage this change.
Travel D
1 000 000
800 000
600 000
400 000
200 000
0
2003–04
2004–05
2005–06
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
Use of our online passport services continued to grow, with 26 per cent of all passports
issued using online forms. We engaged an IT consultancy firm to re-engineer our online
services and are now poised to take forward improvements to our online services.
98.7 per cent of passport applications were processed within APO’s advertised client
service commitment. The average turnaround time for passport issuance was 5.1 days.
1 78
This was a slight increase on the average of 4.6 days recorded in 2007–08, due to
the unexpected surge in demand in the second half of 2008–09. The turnaround time
remained well within the department’s advertised client service commitment of ten
working days and compared favourably with other countries.
The relatively small number of negative letters to ministers regarding passport matters,
as well as more general positive feedback from clients, confirmed public satisfaction with
passport services.
Passport security
The department launched the new N series passport in May 2009, continuing our
reputation for travel documents among the most secure in the world. The N series is
the second generation ePassport, following the release of Australia’s first ePassport in
2005. More than 5 million ePassports are now in circulation and over 1.5 million are
issued annually.
The N series offers advantages in terms of security, integrity, visual design and
environmental responsibility. Highly advanced printing and manufacturing techniques, the
use of carbon-neutral paper, and state-of-the-art physical and digital security features have
created Australia’s most sophisticated passport to date.
Since the release of the N series, other Australian travel documents such as our
Certificates of Identity and our United Nations Convention Travel Documents have been
issued under ICAO’s ePassport standards. These additional edocuments are among a
number of initiatives to combat abuse of genuine documents by impostors.
We began research and development work on the next generation Australian passport
(the P series) in accordance with our Australian Passport Office Strategic Plan and
consistent with our program to improve the integrity of the passport and issuance
processes. We held discussions with industry and government agencies over ways of
replacing ageing production systems with processes that will complement existing wholeof-government identity management and border security programs.
1 79
SECTION 2
The priority passport service was well subscribed. A total of 181 606 applicants paid the
priority processing fee to obtain their passports within 48 hours compared with 178 318
in 2007–08. Fees were refunded to 17 applicants where the 48-hour turnaround service
level was not met.
SECTION 2
N series passport launch
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, officially launched the new N series
passport in May 2009 at an event attended by business partners involved in the
manufacture of the passport, artistic contributors and state and federal government
agencies responsible for identity security. In his speech Mr Smith noted that
the N series was the culmination of a long and successful partnership between
government and business to continually improve Australia’s passport.
The N series was designed and printed by Note Printing Australia using expertise
and technologies developed in printing Australia’s bank notes. The images of
Australia (flora and fauna, and lifestyle) printed throughout the passport make each
visa page unique and therefore difficult to falsify through page substitution or other
tampering. The N series is Australia’s most visually impressive passport since
Australian travel documents were first issued in 1901.
Yumari 1981, the famous Papunya painting by Indigenous artist Uta Uta Tjangala,
features in the artwork of the N series. The original canvas, held in the collection of
the National Museum of Australia, was kindly loaned by the museum for the launch
of the new passport.
The passport uses a laminate developed exclusively for Australian travel documents.
The laminate incorporates several tamper-resistant technologies to assist
international border control authorities to distinguish the document as a genuine
Australian passport. A security information
section in the document alerts border
control officials to some of the readily
identifiable security features that will help
them to detect attempted fraud.
Active Authentication technology on the
Radio Frequency Identification chip in the
passport lets border authorities determine
the passport’s digital data are being read
from the genuine original chip and not
a copy or clone. It also offers passport
holders confidence that personal details
contained on the chip are secure.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and
the Executive Director, Australian Passport Office,
Mr Bob Nash, at the launch of Australia’s new N series
passport in Canberra on 28 May 2009.
180
Every Assistance and Protection: A History of the
Australian Passport
The book and display trace the story of Australia’s passport from its origins in
travel documents of antiquity, and the development of Australia’s passport service
from the British system. Originally issued to British subjects in the Commonwealth
of Australia, the passport evolved into a document attesting to the bearer’s
membership of an Australian identity.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, launched Every Assistance and
Protection: A History of the Australian Passport and highlighted Australia’s role in
developing technologies that have enhanced the security of travel documents and
thereby the security of Australia’s borders. He noted the significant contribution
made by Australia to international efforts to develop machine-readable passports
and biometric technology, culminating in the introduction of Australia’s first
ePassport in 2005.
The rapid expansion of international travel at a time when the security environment
has deteriorated presents particular challenges for our passport service. Our dual
commitments to protect the integrity of Australian travel documents and to provide
an efficient and responsive passport service to Australians found practical effect in
our issuing of more than 1.52 million passports in 2008–09.
The then Secretary, Mr Michael L’Estrange AO, speaking at the November 2008 launch of the departmental
publication and display Every Assistance and Protection: A History of the Australian Passport.
Photo: Norman Plant
181
SECTION 2
The Australian passport is not only a travel document; it is also a historical record
of political and social change and the evolution of our national identity. This was
reflected in a departmental publication and related exhibition, both titled Every
Assistance and Protection: A History of the Australian Passport, which were
launched in November 2008.
SECTION 2
Fraud detection and prevention
We continued to detect, investigate and prosecute offences under the Australian
Passports Act 2005. A total of 525 new passport fraud cases were detected by, or
referred to, the department for investigation. While the number of cases fell slightly from
last year, the matters being referred or investigated were of a more serious nature. This
change is a result of improved targeting and prioritisation, more effective partnerships
with law enforcement agencies and enhanced analysis of intelligence about cases
of fraud.
In accordance with the Australian Passports Act 2005, the Minister for Foreign Affairs
cancelled 71 Australian travel documents during the year. These documents were
cancelled for reasons relating to Australian and international law enforcement, security
and potential harmful conduct, including terrorism, child sex tourism, child abduction or
people smuggling.
The department continued to work closely with the Attorney-General’s Department
on elements of the National Identity Security Strategy. Our work continued on the
development of a national Document Verification Service that will enable users to
electronically validate key Australian identity documents such as birth certificates,
drivers licences, citizenship certificates and passports. We worked with the Department
of Immigration and Citizenship to increase the coverage and effectiveness of the APEC
Regional Movement Alert System, which was designed to detect and prevent the illegal
use of invalid travel documents.
Client service
We provide services to the Australian public in accordance with our Client Service Charter.
We use a range of mechanisms to obtain and respond to feedback on these services and
through that feedback to improve service provision. These mechanisms include feedback
forms available through passport offices, online feedback facilities, in-house surveys and
mystery shopper exercises conducted by independent market research firms at our key
service delivery channels (Australia Post, APIS, passport offices, the passports website
and the department’s emergency call centre).
In September 2008, we surveyed clients’ understanding of the passports Client Service
Charter through all state and territory passport offices and selected overseas missions.
Ninety-eight per cent of respondents reported that information in the charter is clear and
easy to understand and adequately explains the level of service clients can expect. In
response to feedback from mystery shopper exercises conducted in 2008, we developed
a client service training program to be delivered to all passport officers by the end
of 2009.
1 82
Facial recognition technology
In late 2008, for example, during processing of a passport application the
department’s FR technology linked the applicant’s photo to another passport
application lodged several years earlier under a different name and date of birth.
An investigation, in conjunction with other government agencies involved in identity
document issuance, established that the applicant had used fraudulent documents
to obtain passports dating back more than a decade—and before the introduction of
FR technology.
Our investigations found five identities had been used by the suspect. An
inter-agency search of the suspect’s house unearthed evidence, including fraudulent
Australian and foreign passports. It also found firearms and financial records
registered in false identities, and fraudulent Centrelink payments totalling more
than $300 000.
Before the introduction of FR technology the suspect’s fraudulent activities would
have been virtually undetectable. With FR checks now conducted routinely across
all passport applications, many federal and state agencies are benefiting from the
department’s identity fraud detection systems.
Outlook
Despite the uncertain global economic outlook, we anticipate that passport growth will
remain strong throughout 2009–10. We predict passport application rates will grow by
about nine per cent in 2009–10. To cope with increasing demand and to maintain security
and service standards, we will continue to work closely with our client service delivery
partners to simplify and improve the passport application and interview process. Central
to this will be enhanced online capabilities including application procedures.
We will continue to explore options to centralise business operations in order to promote
the efficiency, security and responsiveness of our services. Integrity of the passport
issuing process will feature prominently. The expansion of our Business Assurance Unit
and programs to improve the skills of our more experienced eligibility officers (who assess
passport applicants’ eligibility for travel documents) will also be a focus. Our systems
and procedures will continue to be developed in the direction of risk-based assessments
and decision-making.
183
SECTION 2
The department’s introduction into its passport production and issuing systems of
facial recognition (FR) technology has provided a robust tool for identity verification
and delivered an enhanced capability for the detection and prevention of passport
fraud. A number of the passport fraud cases we investigated in 2008–09 were
detected as a result of FR technology.
Outcome 3
SECTION 2
Public understanding in Australia and overseas of Australia’s foreign
and trade policy and a positive image of Australia internationally
OUTPUT 3.1
Public information services and public diplomacy
Public information and media services on Australia’s foreign and trade policy
Projecting a positive image of Australia internationally
Freedom of information and archival research and clearance
184
O ut p ut 3.1 P ubl i c i nfor m at i on s erv i ces and publ i c d i plo m acy
Output 3.1
Public information services and public diplomacy
Output 3.1 includes the following administered items:
Australia Network
Television service delivered to the Asia-Pacific region that, inter alia, provides a credible,
reliable voice in the region and presents images and perceptions of Australia in an
independent and impartial manner.
Grants
Grants delivered in support of the Government’s foreign and trade policy goals, including
to bilateral foundations, councils and institutes, to promote people-to-people links and
accurate, contemporary images of Australia.
World Expo 2010 Shanghai
Australia contributes to World Expo 2010 in a manner that highlights Australian business
expertise, culture and values to the rapidly-expanding China market and to a wider
global audience.
• Provision to Australians of
comprehensive, relevant,
up-to-date information on
Australia’s foreign and
trade policy
• Effective promotion of an
accurate and positive image
of Australia overseas
2008–09 Target
• Maintain high standards of media and parliamentary services
• Maintain effective, up-to-date and user-friendly websites
• Enhance the reach and appeal of the Australia Network
television service
• Prepare for Australia’s participation at the Shanghai World Expo
in 2010 by finalising the design and commencing construction
of the pavilion; and developing the business promotion,
communications and cultural programs with state and territory
governments and the corporate sector
• Deliver effective and targeted international media and cultural
visits programs
• Implement accepted recommendations from the Senate
Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade’s
report Australia’s public diplomacy: building our image
• Administer the International Relations Grants Program
effectively and in accordance with government guidelines
• Effective management of
information and recordkeeping
• Process FOI requests efficiently
• Strengthen recordkeeping policy and procedures
1 85
SECTION 2
The department’s public diplomacy activities project a positive and contemporary image of
Australia and promote a clear understanding of Government policy and programs.
3.1.1 public information and media services on
australia’s foreign and trade policy
SECTION 2
Overview
The department’s work continued to attract substantial public and media attention. In
addition to strong media interest in consular cases, there was also a high level of interest
in a number of significant foreign and trade policy developments. We gave a high priority to
assisting the media to provide informed and balanced coverage of these issues.
The department’s online services experienced high usage levels, in particular for
information across the range of foreign and trade policy, media releases, travel advice
and passports information. Demand for our trade advocacy materials, including specialist
trade-related publications, statistics and services, both publications and online,
remained high.
Media services
The department’s provision of consular assistance to Australians overseas attracted
significant media interest. High-profile consular cases included individual cases in Croatia,
India, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Drug cases
involving Australians overseas were also a focus of media interest.
In addition to responding to enquiries on these issues, we arranged 52 background
briefings and interviews. Issues covered by individual media briefings included free
trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, the Doha Round, developments in Zimbabwe, the
Middle East, the Pacific and South Asia, and nuclear issues. We also provided general
media briefings on APEC, the Australia–European Union Partnership Framework and FTA
negotiations. We received positive feedback from the media on these briefings.
We provided strategic media advice and support to ministers in connection with a range
of international meetings, including the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Niue in August
2008; the inaugural meeting of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation
and Disarmament in Sydney in October 2008; the APEC Leaders’ meeting in Lima in
November 2008; the Australia–Indonesia: Partners in a new era conference in Sydney in
February 2009; Anzac Day commemorations in Turkey in April 2009; and the Australia–
PNG Ministerial Forum meeting in Brisbane in June 2009.
In the monitoring of media reporting, our priority remained to ensure portfolio ministers,
parliamentary secretaries and the senior executive were kept fully informed of media
interest in, and reporting on, key portfolio and emerging issues. This monitoring also
helped us to provide informed and timely responses to occasionally incomplete or
inaccurate media coverage of portfolio issues.
We responded to over 7078 media enquiries from domestic and foreign media outlets,
of which 2108 were handled by the after-hours media liaison duty officer. This was
consistent with the level of enquiries in the previous year.
186
O ut p ut 3.1 publ i c i nfor m ati on and m ed i a s erv i ces
We assisted with the issuing of 393 press releases from portfolio ministers,
parliamentary secretaries and the department itself. We issued 70 notes to the media
advising them of such matters as accreditation requirements for overseas events and
details of media conferences. We also facilitated and distributed 337 transcripts for
ministers and the senior executive.
Website services
The department’s suite of websites remained a key tool in delivering online services
and accurate and current information. Information across the range of foreign and trade
policy issues and specific services (such as consular and passport services) attracted
significant public interest. The departmental home page includes regularly updated
information on current issues and events.
In response to an external content and design review commissioned in 2007–08, we
appointed a website design company to enhance the useability and appearance of our
corporate and ministerial websites. This was the first phase of a major strategic review of
our web presence planned for 2009–10. This review will also address issues raised in an
Australian National Audit Office audit of a number of websites, including the department’s.
We continued to strive for full compliance with current guidelines aimed at ensuring
websites are accessible to people with a disability, as required by the Australian
Government Information Management Office.
New subsidiary websites were established during the year for the International
Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament and for Australia’s candidature
for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2013–2014.
We launched a new project to enhance server capacity to manage unexpected demand
while providing effective business continuity systems. To improve productivity and better
balance staff workloads pending the outcome of the strategic review, an interim content
management tool was installed to streamline control of updates and other changes to
the site.
The website recorded high usage, bearing out its importance in our overall public advocacy
strategy. Average weekly access to the website remained stable, compared to 2007–08,
at around 755 000 page-views per week. The smartraveller website recorded an average
of 512 000 page-views per week compared to 476 000 in 2007–08.
Trade advocacy and outreach
The department produced a variety of public diplomacy materials, including media
releases, brochures, fact sheets and articles, to encourage greater understanding
of the Government’s trade policy and to spell out the benefits of trade to the
Australian community.
1 87
SECTION 2
We provided in-house training on dealing successfully with the media on portfolio issues to
new graduate recruits, consular officers and selected officers going on overseas postings.
SECTION 2
We developed a series of fact sheets about the ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand FTA
(AANZFTA) and, in conjunction with Austrade, a brochure explaining the key points of the
Australia–Chile FTA. We commissioned a study by the Centre for International Economics
titled Benefits of trade and trade liberalisation, which was launched by the Minister
for Trade on 1 June 2009. The study quantified the benefits to growth, income and
employment in Australia that have been generated by Australia’s trade reform over the
past 20 years.
We played a leading role in delivering key messages to the Australian community on
the broader benefits of trade and investment. We regularly produced and disseminated
information and advocacy material to the media, stakeholders and the public on issues
such as World Trade Organization negotiations and the latest trade statistics and analysis.
Economic analysis
We produced an analytical publication, Australia and Japan: How distance and
complementarity shape a remarkable commercial relationship. The publication highlights
the importance of the Australia–Japan relationship to both countries, as well as to the
Asia-Pacific region. The Parliamentary Secretary for Trade launched the publication at
Parliament House on 5 December 2008.
We covered a wide range of trade issues through the inclusion of articles in our various
trade publications. One article, for example, noted the Australian Bureau of Statistics’
decision to make imports of large aircraft confidential from September 2008. As a result,
Australia’s reported total trade with Brazil, Canada, France and the United States would
be lower, but Australia’s reported total trade with the world would not be affected. Our
trade statistical publications contained other analyses, including the reconciliation of
Australia’s reported trade with that of partner country data.
Market information and research
The department’s trade statistical publications and monthly trade statistics remain
valuable resources for businesses, researchers and members of the public. The
publications, covering the composition and direction of Australia’s trade in goods and
services with over 220 countries, are available free online. Monthly trade statistical
updates provide a snapshot of Australia’s trade performance, including the composition
and direction of trade.
Australia’s trade by state and territory, produced annually by the department, provides
detailed statistical data and analysis of the composition and direction of trade by state
and territory. It is the only publication which provides detailed trade information covering
all states and territories in one easy-to-use book.
There were over 700 000 website downloads of the publications in the reporting period.
The Composition of Trade Australia, which is produced on a calendar and fiscal year basis,
received over 235 000 downloads.
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O ut p ut 3.1 publ i c i nfor m ati on and m ed i a s erv i ces
Commercial and statistical services
In 2008–09, the department’s statistical consultancy service answered around
5000 enquiries, compared to around 6000 in 2007–08.
A set of fact sheets, including economic and demographic data for more than 170 of
Australia’s trading partners and summaries of their trade with Australia, is available on
the department’s website at www.dfat.gov.au/geo/fs. The fact sheets are a valuable
resource for Australian business people travelling overseas.
Speeches
The department’s speechwriters, in consultation with ministers’ offices and relevant areas
of the department, prepared 118 speeches for ministers, parliamentary secretaries and
the senior executive.
Treaties
The Australian Treaties Database is an online public resource maintained by the
department for researching treaties to which Australia is a signatory, or where Australia
has taken other treaty action. The database can be accessed at www.info.dfat.gov.au/
treaties. The department links the database to all government legislation and regulations
passed or issued relevant to Australian treaty action since 1983.
Outlook
The media will retain a close interest in high-profile consular cases and in major foreign
and trade policy developments. We will continue to accord priority to the provision of
accurate information and targeted background briefings to media representatives. We
will conduct a strategic review of the department’s web-based services to ensure this
important public advocacy tool remains comprehensive, up-to-date, accessible and
responsive during periods of high demand.
We will continue our leading role in delivering key messages to the Australian community
on the benefits of trade and investment, as well as specific statistical information about
our trading partners. Our production and dissemination of information and advocacy
material to the media, stakeholders and the public on issues such as World Trade
Organization negotiations and the latest trade statistics and analysis will remain a priority.
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We maintained our consultancy service which provides statistical information and advice,
on a fee-for-service basis, to Australian businesses and researchers. While the service
specialises in trade and economic data on Australia’s trading and business relationships,
it also provides information on the global trade of over 100 countries (accounting for
around 90 per cent of total world trade).
3.1.2 PROJECTING A POSITIVE IMAGE OF AUSTRALIA
INTERNATIONALLY
SECTION 2
Overview
Our international public diplomacy efforts promoted understanding of Australia’s foreign
and trade policies; advanced Australia’s interests by shaping and influencing international
opinion; projected a positive image of Australia; and assisted efforts to deepen
people-to-people links in key countries.
The department worked intensively to promote accurate and positive messages about
Australia and to correct misleading information about Australia. We recalibrated our media
visits program to ensure the focus and timing of visits aligned more closely with key
policy objectives.
We coordinated the Government’s response to the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign
Affairs, Defence and Trade’s Report Australia’s public diplomacy: Building our image,
which the Minister for Foreign Affairs tabled on 5 February 2009.
International public diplomacy
Our posts overseas conducted 5054 public diplomacy briefings, events and initiatives
to advance Australia’s foreign and trade policy interests and to promote a positive and
contemporary image of Australia.
Posts’ swift delivery of information contributed to positive regional and international media
coverage of Australian policies, including Australia’s approach to the G20 and to the
global economic crisis, and Australia’s Indigenous reconciliation policies, environmental
initiatives, trade liberalisation efforts and the Asia Pacific community initiative.
The department responded robustly to counter instances of false media reporting about
Australia. Posts monitored the international media and ensured our international media
outreach was targeted appropriately as issues arose. We worked closely with other
agencies to ensure consistent and cohesive delivery of messages and programs and
to provide factual information to posts on emerging and contentious issues such as
H1N1 Influenza, mulesing and the culling of kangaroos. We hosted two meetings of the
inter-departmental committee on public diplomacy and participated in the taskforce on
crimes against international students (see sub‑output 1.1.5).
Public diplomacy officers at posts worked closely with portfolio and other ministers
travelling overseas, facilitating contact with host country media and assisting Australian
media representatives.
We provided posts with resources to assist their advocacy of foreign and trade policy
issues, including Australia’s United Nations Security Council candidacy. A weekly
Key Messages brief, a twice-weekly Newslinks cable and issue-specific talking points
provided posts with background on topics such as international security, climate change
and Australia’s commitment to human rights.
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O ut p ut 3.1 P RO J ECT I NG A POSI T I V E IM AG E O F AU ST RA LI A
To ensure that the quality of public diplomacy initiatives undertaken by our posts remained
high, the department continued to provide public diplomacy training courses for staff
proceeding on overseas postings. This training was also available for staff of other
government agencies.
We used various mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of our international public
diplomacy programs. We analysed and provided feedback on our posts’ annual reports
on their public diplomacy programs, noting in particular the extent to which they had
succeeded in conveying particular messages, generating positive media coverage and
changing opinions in Australia’s favour. Our public diplomacy programs were reviewed as
part of our annual planning and review process to ensure they were aligned with current
policy priorities, appropriately funded, took advantage of developments in technology, and
were well coordinated across target countries. These evaluations incorporated the views of
other agencies on our posts’ performance.
The department used the results of independent international nation brand surveys to
feed into ongoing evaluation and targeting of public diplomacy efforts. We also drew on
audience surveys carried out by Australia Network.
Activities and events overseas
Our network of overseas posts conducted a wide range of innovative and effective public
diplomacy activities and events to promote a contemporary and positive image of Australia
and to convey Australia’s foreign and trade policies throughout the world. Our posts’
activities included:
• Washington advocated Australia’s foreign, trade and cultural policies through a
program of addresses and presentations at leading US forums, including Harvard’s
Kennedy School of Government, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International
Studies and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
• Abu Dhabi coordinated the translation and publication of an Arabic version of Australia
in brief, used in outreach activities in schools and at university fairs in Abu Dhabi and
distributed to other posts in Arabic-speaking countries. The booklets were also used
by Australian Education International to promote Australia as an education destination
across the Middle East and North Africa.
• Tokyo supported the internationally acclaimed exhibition of the work of Australian
Indigenous artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye in Tokyo and Osaka. This show was the
culmination of several years’ collaboration between the Embassy, Australian and
Japanese museums and Japan’s largest mass-circulation newspaper, the Yomiuri
Shimbun. The exhibition attracted a record number of visitors for an Australian
exhibition in Japan, raised the profile of the quality and creativity of Australian
Indigenous art and deepened cultural exchange between Australia and Japan.
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An international opinion survey we commissioned, in conjunction with several other
agencies, indicated that Australia enjoys a strong and multifaceted brand image. According
to the survey, Australia is seen as an economically advanced, well governed country with a
friendly, welcoming people, a diverse multicultural society and rich in natural beauty—all of
which make Australia attractive for tourism, immigration and investment.
SECTION 2
• Paris organised an exhibition entitled Antarctica—Land of the Blizzard to coincide
with the French translation of Mawson’s journal of his first scientific expedition to
Antarctica and the 50th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty. The exhibition and an
address by the department’s Special Negotiator on International Environment Issues
highlighted bilateral cooperation in the conservation of the Antarctic.
• Dili supported the Alola Foundation to publish, distribute and launch Mem Fox’s
children’s book Whoever you are in Tetum. This highlighted Australia’s support for the
further development of Tetum as East Timor’s lingua franca and its commitment to
early childhood education in East Timor.
• Suva coordinated a major public affairs campaign to highlight Australia’s $3 million
contribution of emergency relief and rehabilitation assistance following the devastation
caused by widespread flooding in Fiji in January and February 2009.
Public affairs material
Through print and our websites we delivered a wide range of public affairs material for
international audiences. About Australia: Fast Facts is a pocket-size reference guide
containing ‘at a glance’ information about Australia, including trade, tourism, education,
climate change and cultural diversity in Australia. The 49th edition of Australia in brief,
a pocket-size publication on contemporary Australia, was translated into 15 languages.
Other specialised resources produced included:
• Australia: United Nations Security Council candidate 2013–2014, a brochure
advocating Australia’s candidacy to the Security Council for 2013–2014. The brochure
raises awareness of Australia’s commitment to the multilateral system (with the United
Nations at its core) to enhance security, improve economic and social wellbeing and
strengthen environmental protection
• Australia: Seeking human rights for all, a brochure highlighting the importance
in Australia’s foreign policy of the promotion of human rights worldwide and the
strengthening of human rights institutions. The brochure includes information about
Australia’s efforts to address Indigenous disadvantage, support public education and
celebrate cultural and religious diversity.
Special Visits Program
The Special Visits Program brings emerging opinion-shapers to Australia for meetings with
government, business and community figures, and an introduction to Australia’s culture
and policy environment. Over the years, the program has helped establish a network of
international contacts relevant to our foreign and trade policy interests. The 22 visits to
Australia we organised in 2008–09 included:
• Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Mr Pascal Lamy, to contribute to
understanding of the importance of maintaining pressure against trade protectionism
• Mr Keiichiro Asao, then Japanese Shadow Defence Minister, to exchange views on
regional security and foreign policy issues
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• Deputy Director, Centre for International and Strategic Studies, Beijing University,
Professor Zhu Feng, to enhance awareness of Australia’s perspectives on
strategic issues
• Tongan Public Service Commission Chair, Ms Mishka Tu’ifua, to demonstrate
Australia’s support for public sector reform in Tonga
• Republic of Korea Grand National Party Chair, Mr Park Hee-tae, who was accompanied
by a further six members of parliament, to reinforce the priority Australia places on its
relationship with the ROK
• Director of Studies at the European Policy Centre in Brussels, Dr Antonio Missiroli
• internationally renowned Indonesian film maker, Ms Mira Lesmana, to explore
cooperation in the arts.
International media visits
Our International Media Visits (IMV) program plays an important role in generating
informed international media coverage about Australia, on the strengths of Australia’s
economy and our foreign and trade policy objectives. The program also aims to promote
understanding of Australia’s cultural diversity and capacity for innovation and creativity.
The 2008–09 IMV program comprised 19 visits to Australia by 84 journalists from
16 countries. We worked with posts to ensure IMV programs were targeted at priority
issues and countries and timed to make the most effective contribution to the
Government’s policy objectives. The majority of IMV participants were drawn from
countries in Asia and the Pacific, including China, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand,
Vietnam, Bangladesh, Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand.
The IMV program supported deeper links with Indonesia by funding the participation of five
senior editors and six working journalists from Indonesia at Australia–Indonesia: Partners
in a new era, a high-level conference on the future of the Australia–Indonesia relationship
held in Sydney in February 2009 (see sub‑output 1.1.2). We organised visits by three
Indonesian journalists with an interest in Islam in Australia, including during the holy
month of Ramadan. Those visits were complemented by the Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism
Award—granted to one journalist from Indonesia (Kartika Sari, Rakyat Merdeka) and one
journalist from Australia (Sophie Morris, Australian Financial Review). Each journalist took
part in a three-week program in the other country to build a stronger understanding of the
broad range of issues facing contemporary Indonesia and Australia.
The IMV program supported the Government’s initiatives to reach bilateral free trade
agreements (FTAs) with major trading partners. Six journalists from India visited Australia
to explore the mutual benefits of a bilateral FTA and to research Australia’s agricultural
policies. We followed up the official launch of FTA negotiations with South Korea with a
visit by eight Korean journalists (see sub‑output 1.1.7 for information on FTAs).
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• Hong Kong legislator, Ms Tanya Chan, to highlight Australian expertise in urban
renewal, waterfront redevelopment and green building technologies
SECTION 2
We supported the Government’s greater emphasis on relations with Africa by arranging
a visit by five African journalists to Australia (from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa
and Tanzania). We also arranged visit programs for Australian-based members of the
Foreign Correspondents Association, including one to the Northern Territory focusing on
Indigenous issues. The IMV program reinforced Australia’s engagement in the Pacific
through the Douglas Gabb Australia Pacific Journalist Internship with Radio Australia,
which included two journalists from Fiji and Samoa. We also arranged the secondment of
one journalist from Vietnam with Australia Network under the John Doherty Asia-Pacific
Journalism Award.
International cultural visits
The International Cultural Visits (ICV) program hosted four visits to Australia by leaders in
the arts and culture from selected countries, with a view to enhancing their understanding
and appreciation of the diversity and depth of Australian arts.
• Dr Finarya Legoh, Director of the Indonesian Science and Technology Centre,
accompanied by Dr Idwan Suhardi, Deputy Minister for the Utilisation and
Dissemination of Science and Technology, explored several areas for science and
technology cooperation, including Australian capacity to establish professional
development workshops for Indonesian science communicators.
• Mr Ma Shulin, Deputy Director of the National Art Museum of China, and an artist
in his own right, visited Australia to explore opportunities to present Australia’s
contemporary visual arts and Indigenous visual arts in China.
• Ms Amna Kusumo, Director of the Kelola Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation
supporting the arts in Indonesia, investigated the feasibility of Australian involvement
in the establishment of a proposed network of arts management practitioners and
producers in Asia.
• Ms Grace Lang, Program Director for the Hong Kong Arts Festival, met key contacts
in the Australian arts community, previewed touring productions, and attended one of
Australia’s major arts festivals, Tasmania’s Ten days on the island. Ms Lang reported
that as a result of the visit she was examining artist exchanges with the Melbourne
International Arts Festival and liaising with performance groups regarding touring
Hong Kong in 2010 and beyond.
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Cultural diplomacy
We pursued an active cultural diplomacy program designed to shape international views
of Australia. Its pitch and direction were guided by the foreign and trade priorities of
the Government.
In February 2009, we supported the fifteenth meeting of the Government’s peak advisory
body on cultural diplomacy, the Australia International Cultural Council (AICC). The meeting
was co-chaired for the first time by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for the
Environment, Heritage and the Arts, in line with Recommendation 10 of the 2006 Senate
Report Australia’s public diplomacy: Building our image.
We worked closely with colleagues in the Department of the Environment, Water,
Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) to implement the AICC’s international cultural diplomacy
priorities, including:
• China in 2010, to coincide with Australia’s participation in the Shanghai World Expo
• Korea in 2011, to mark the 50th anniversary of full diplomatic relations
• India in 2012, reflecting the Government’s commitment to bring India into the front
rank of Australia’s bilateral relationships.
Australia International Cultural Council grants program
The second round of the AICC grants program approved 13 activities, including in the
United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan. Our posts often worked closely with
recipients to implement their projects. Initiatives funded under the AICC grants program’s
first funding round included:
• Coming Home, a Sydney Olympic Park Authority exhibition staged at Linda Gallery in
the 798 arts precinct of Beijing, featured 37 Australian–Chinese artists from across
three generations. The largest exhibition of Australian–Chinese contemporary art to be
staged in China, the works reflected the growing ties between Australian and Chinese
arts communities over successive generations. The show highlighted the depth and
breadth of bilateral cultural relations.
• The Australian Art Orchestra toured India, performing Into the fire in collaboration
with the Sruthi Laya Ensemble in Chennai, Mysore, Hyderabad and Bangalore.
Approximately 9650 people attended the concerts, which received extensive media
coverage. The orchestra’s creative partnership with the ensemble increased Indian
interest in the tour. In Chennai, the orchestra and ensemble made a studio recording
which is to be released in Australia and India later in 2009–10.
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Australia International Cultural Council
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Cultural diplomacy in Indonesia
The AICC’s first major cultural initiative in Indonesia in many years, IN2OZ: Creative
Australia, achieved significant public diplomacy outcomes in direct support of the
overall bilateral relationship. IN2OZ began in 2007 and continued in 2008–09.
• The Streetworks: Inside Outside Yokohama exhibition, featuring the work of
Australian artists Shaun Gladwell and Craig Walsh, was presented at the
National Gallery of Indonesia in Jakarta and at Jogja Gallery, Yogyakarta, in
August–September 2008. There was strong attendance and positive responses
from artists, students and the general public.
• The University of Sydney and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern
Territory delivered two projects to support cultural heritage preservation in
Indonesia and to demonstrate Australia’s expertise in conservation and museum
management. Display and collection management techniques have since been
implemented in the Bogor summer palace and the Cipanas palace in West Java.
• In January 2009 Dreaming Stories, an Australian Indigenous arts festival,
showcased award-winning Australian films about Indigenous culture, subtitled in
Indonesian, and the international debut of Balgo, an exhibition of contemporary
Indigenous art from the Balgo Hills in Western Australia. The festival was set up
in response to high levels of interest in Indonesia in Australia’s reconciliation
process. For thousands of young people visiting the festival venue—a very busy
shopping and entertainment complex in central Jakarta—Dreaming Stories was
their first direct experience of Australia’s Indigenous cultures.
• Visits by Australian Idol star Jessica Mauboy to Australian-funded schools in rural
Nusa Tenggara Timur and West Java in August 2008, which received extensive
television coverage, demonstrated the strength of people-to-people links between
Australia and Indonesia.
Australian performer Jessica Mauboy meets students in Indonesia during her visit under
the IN2OZ program in August 2008.
Photo: AusAID/Adi Rahmatullah
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Working with Australians overseas to promote Australia’s interests
Advance’s main event of the year was the Advance Asia 50 Summit, Partnerships for the
Asian century, held in Shanghai in March 2009. Funded by the department, the event
gathered leading Australians working in Asia and alumni of Australian universities to
discuss ways they might contribute to efforts to deepen Australia’s international linkages.
Supporting Australian artists overseas
Australian contemporary visual arts and fine music were exhibited and performed in South
and South-East Asia under the auspices of the department’s Australian Visual Arts Touring
Program and Australian Fine Music Touring Program. Managed by the Asialink Foundation
and Musica Viva Australia respectively, the programs fostered greater appreciation of
Australia’s cultural accomplishments, promoted the professional development of selected
artists and strengthened institutional linkages. Performances included:
• Jazz musician James Morrison and his sextet performed at Bangkok’s 10th
International Festival of Dance and Music in October at the Thailand Cultural Centre.
Rangsit Conservatory of Music organised a workshop by Mr Morrison which was
attended by approximately 120 professional and amateur musicians.
• Two Asialink touring exhibitions, Under my skin and Brook Andrew: Eye to eye were
exhibited at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore in September and
October. Both exhibitions were supported by outreach programs, including workshops
and public lectures.
Indigenous Australian culture
We worked to develop deeper appreciation and awareness of contemporary Indigenous
Australian arts and culture through our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program. The
program included visual arts exhibitions and complementary public programs, supporting
performing arts and providing information and educational resources to our overseas
posts. The exhibition touring component of the program contributed economically to
Australia’s Indigenous communities by introducing the work of Indigenous artists to new
audiences and thus facilitating sales.
In collaboration with Artbank, we launched a new exhibition, Balgo: Contemporary
Australian art from the Balgo Hills. Balgo toured five cities in South-East Asia and the
Pacific and will continue to other Asian destinations, including China, in 2010. In Port
Moresby, Balgo featured as the flagship event of Australia Week and was opened by the
PNG Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare.
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Through a four-year grant we continued to support the activities of the Advance Global
Australian Professionals network of Australians overseas, deepening its engagement with
Australian expatriate professionals and with alumni of Australian universities in Asia. In
2008–09 Advance continued to build local chapters across Asia, opened its first office in
Asia in Hong Kong, and extended its communications program to reach a new audience in
Asia. In April 2009, the organisation announced that the Prime Minister had agreed to be
its patron.
SECTION 2
The Torres Strait Islander linocut print exhibition, Gelam Nguzu Kazi: Dugong my son,
completed the final leg of its international tour, visiting seven cities in North America
and Latin America. In New York, the exhibition was launched at the United Nations in the
margins of the annual United Nations Economic and Social Council meeting. The event
generated excellent television and print media coverage, drawing attention to the Prime
Minister’s National Apology and the Government’s moves towards closing the gap on
Indigenous disadvantage.
We supported events to celebrate NAIDOC Week, both in Australia and overseas (for
further information see Section 3).
Embassy Film Roadshow and Australian Film Focus Program
We worked with Screen Australia on the AICC-funded initiative, the Embassy Film
Roadshow, to promote greater understanding of Australia and its people through film and
to promote the Australian film industry.
We presented 15 Australian film festivals, using the Embassy Roadshow collection of
64 feature films and documentaries and 32 short films. Festivals were presented in
Jakarta, Hong Kong, Taipei, Manila, Phnom Penh, Zagreb, Moscow, Port Louis, Seychelles,
Kathmandu, Colombo and the northern and southern provinces of Vietnam. Total audience
attendance for these events was approximately 25 500.
In Vietnam the Embassy Roadshow collection was presented in Australian film festivals
in seven locations—Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, four northern central provinces, and the
southern province of An Giang. The events complemented events celebrating the 35th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam.
The Embassy Roadshow was the first ever foreign film festival to visit most Vietnamese
regional destinations.
We funded Screen Australia to establish an Indonesian-subtitled collection of four films
with a focus on Indigenous Australia and to coordinate the expansion of the department’s
subtitled Spanish collection from 10 to 15 films. The subtitled films will allow posts in
Indonesia and Spanish-speaking countries to connect with new audiences.
We also funded Screen Australia to deliver the Australian Film Focus program, with the
aim of supporting Australian participation in established international film festivals in AICC
priority regions. Screen Australia assisted six international film festivals to include an
Australian focus in their programs, with the screening of a minimum of five Australian films
in each of the United States, American Samoa, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Australian Sports Outreach Program
We supported the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP), a discretionary grant
program jointly managed by the department and the Australian Sports Commission. In
2008–09, 20 grants were approved under the Pacific Program and 33 grants under the
Rest of the World Program in predominantly Commonwealth countries. Projects focused
on community sports development, coaching clinics, equipment and infrastructure
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construction. The projects, which received strong support from local communities and
assisted sports development, included:
• In the Federated States of Micronesia, the Yap Sports Council and Department
of Health and Social Affairs expanded the physical education opportunities for
elementary school students.
• In Kathmandu, a project for children with Down Syndrome focused on developing their
motor skills and increasing the public’s awareness of these children and their abilities.
A grant to the Shangri-la Cricket Academy enabled it to provide cricket clinics to
underprivileged children.
Fostering people-to-people links
The International Relations Grant Program (IRGP) is the largest grants program
administered by the department. The majority of the grant programs funded under the
IRGP are managed by nine foundations, councils and institutes (FCIs). The department
provides secretariats for, and works closely with, the FCIs to promote people-to-people
links and positive images of Australia in support of the Government’s foreign and trade
policy goals.
Council for Australian–Arab Relations
The Council for Australian–Arab Relations (CAAR) aims to promote greater mutual
understanding and foster positive perceptions between the peoples of Australia and Arabic
speaking countries.
Highlights included: the conclusion of the CAAR Scholarships Program, which provided
up to 12 months’ study in Australia for four Arab students to achieve postgraduate
qualifications; and the completion of a rural irrigation reconstruction project sponsored by
CAAR and the Australian aid program in the Bsharreh region of Lebanon that has helped
improve livelihoods. CAAR also supported a multi-year project to develop and distribute
a multimedia teachers’ resource kit about the Arab world for use in Australian secondary
schools; and a number of grants for business promotion, education, and cultural
sponsorships and exchanges with the Arab world.
Australia–China Council
The goals of the Australia–China Council (ACC) include fostering positive perceptions in
China of contemporary Australia’s scientific, technological and educational outlook. The
ACC also worked to increase Australians’ capacity to engage with China and promoted
Australian culture and expertise in China, including in publishing, conservation and
heritage, and science and technology.
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• In Samoa, three provinces worked with their affiliate, Oceania Academy of Sports,
to increase participation in sport and exercise by developing sporting clubs covering
swimming, athletics, weightlifting, beach and indoor volleyball, cricket, baseball, lawn
bowls and a Healthy Lifestyles Program.
SECTION 2
A key initiative supported by the ACC was the University of Queensland’s Australian
Studies Centres in China program which supported the publication by Chinese scholars of
nine books, 80 journal articles, many unpublished conference papers and 15 articles on
Australian studies. Two PhDs and 39 Masters degrees were completed and approximately
1800 university students enrolled in courses about Australia.
Australia–India Council
The Australia–India Council (AIC) continued to build institutional and people-to-people links
between Australia and India, with an emphasis on showcasing Australian excellence to
influential Indian audiences. The AIC organised a visit to India by climate change expert
and former Australian of the Year, Professor Tim Flannery, and by the poet, Mr Geoff Page.
The AIC also supported visits to Australia, including by India’s Special Envoy to West Asia,
Ambassador C.R. Gharekhan, who delivered the Australia–India Strategic Lecture at the
Lowy Institute.
A major new AIC initiative was the establishment of the Australia India Science and
Technology Research Award, in partnership with the Australian Academy of Technological
Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), which will allow outstanding young scientists from each
country to travel to the other to undertake collaborative research.
Australia–Indonesia Institute
The Australia–Indonesia Institute (AII) celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 2008–09
with a conference held in Sydney in February 2009, Australia and Indonesia: Partners
in a new era. The Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith,
and the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Dr Hassan Wirajuda, addressed the conference
and emphasised the importance of people-to-people links—and the role of the AII—in
developing the relationship between Australia and Indonesia.
Education was the AII’s largest program in 2008–09. The AII obtained major external
funding from the Myer Foundation and AusAID for the Building Relationships through
Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement (BRIDGE) project, which is managed by the
Asia Education Foundation. Australia hosted the first of three annual visits by Indonesian
school teachers during which the teachers worked with their Australian counterparts in
30 school communities. The schools will now go on to collaborate through a specially
designed web-based curriculum.
Australia–Japan Foundation
The Australia–Japan Foundation (AJF) aims to increase mutual understanding and goodwill
between the peoples of Australia and Japan and to highlight our shared interests as
economic and strategic partners. Highlights included the inaugural Crawford-Nishi lecture
on Australia–Japan relations delivered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and
the 2009 Australia–Japan Talkback Classroom Forum held at the National Press Club
of Australia.
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The AJF supported Australian arts activities in Japan by funding The Australian Ballet’s
participation in the 12th World Festival of Ballet in Tokyo; the creation of Australian
contemporary art installations for the 2009 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial; and collaboration
between Indigenous playwright David Millroy and the Rakutendan Theatre Company.
Australia–Korea Foundation
The Australia–Korea Foundation (AKF) supported efforts to broaden and deepen relations
with the Republic of Korea by enhancing mutual understanding and long-term collaboration
between the two countries. Six large-scale AKF flagship programs, including the Next
Generation Leaders Program, Early Career Researchers Program and the Australia–Korea
Business Internship Program promoted strong institutional links between counterpart
agencies and business organisations.
A major new initiative, the AKF Scholarship Program, announced during the visit of the
ROK President Mr Lee Myung-bak in March 2009, was widely promoted across Australia.
In May 2009, 11 successful Australian scholarship recipients were selected by the AKF
Board and received funding for a range of study, research and intern programs in Korea.
Other projects supported advocacy for a free trade agreement with Korea and enhancing
bilateral collaboration on global issues such as climate change.
Council on Australia Latin America Relations
The Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) continued to build Australia’s
relations with Latin America across the Council’s priority areas of business, education,
tourism and cultural promotion. COALAR worked closely with Austrade and the Australia–
Latin America Business Council to raise awareness of Latin American markets in
Australia and to enhance the profile of Australian businesses. Support was provided for
the inaugural Australia Latin America Leadership Program and the 2008 Australia Latin
America Business Awards with the aim of building professional links and networks.
In cooperation with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations,
COALAR promoted Australia as a competitive and high-quality provider of education and
training. COALAR funded the attendance of several Latin American buyers at the Australian
Tourism Exchange in Melbourne to promote Australia as a travel destination. COALAR
also funded a visit by two Australian journalists to Peru and Chile in the lead-up to APEC
2008 which provided an opportunity to increase awareness of those countries and APEC
in Australia.
201
SECTION 2
The Foundation supported projects that increased public debate on Australia–Japan
strategic relations and emerging regional security architecture. Among these was a
report by The Lowy Institute for International Policy, Australia–Japan going global: An
agenda for multilateral cooperation and a workshop hosted by the Australian Research
Council Centre of Excellence in Policing and Security in conjunction with the International
Alliance of Research Universities. The AJF also supported a series of public forums on
Australia–Japan cooperation for nuclear disarmament conducted by the Nautilus Institute
for Security and Sustainability in San Francisco.
SECTION 2
Australia–Malaysia Institute
The Australia–Malaysia Institute (AMI) continued to support efforts to broaden the bilateral
relationship through strengthening people-to-people and institutional links between
Australia and Malaysia. The AMI awarded 25 grants to a range of projects including
academic research on Malaysian development and local government, and an exchange
program between schools in Western Australia and Sabah (focused on aspects of
shared history).
The AMI funded training courses for Malaysian doctors and nurses in severe burns
management and an exchange program for young Australian and Malaysian journalists.
Working with the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development,
the AMI administered a pilot Australia–Malaysia sister schools program. Following
initial teacher exchanges, the schools involved have built teacher–student and practical
curriculum links.
Australia–Thailand Institute
The Australia–Thailand Institute (ATI) continued to strengthen people-to-people and
institutional links between Australia and Thailand in public policy, education, media and
culture. A visit by four Thai business journalists focused on the Thailand–Australia Free
Trade Agreement (TAFTA), generating substantial coverage on TAFTA issues in the Thai
press and building links between the journalists and Australian business. The Institute
funded a visit by four Muslim community leaders and two Buddhist teachers from southern
Thailand to foster goodwill, ideas for community initiatives and relationships between the
participants and Australian community leaders.
Highlights included support for a study program for Thai secondary school students in
Tasmania, Thai participation in the Asia-Pacific Community Mental Health Development
Project and collaboration between a Cairns-based theatre company and the Makhampon
Living Theatre in northern Thailand. The ATI also sponsored a lecture in Australia with
Professor Suchit Bunbongkarn from Chulalongkorn University on Thailand’s political
situation, its constitution and role in ASEAN in June 2009.
Direct Aid Program
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small aid program funded by AusAID and implemented
by the department through 52 overseas posts. Its objective is to deliver targeted locallevel assistance while advancing Government policy.
We administered a DAP budget of $4.5 million, the majority of which was directed toward
South-East Asia and the Pacific. Substantial proportions were also directed toward Africa,
South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and Central Europe.
Typical DAP projects addressed community health, youth and education, gender equality,
rural development and environmental issues. Grants were also provided to disaster
relief and emergency humanitarian operations, including for the victims of the Honduras
earthquake in May 2009, and in June 2009 for the more than two million internally
displaced persons in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province.
202
SECTION 2
Third Secretary at the Australian Embassy in Manila, Mr Rick Adams (centre), with members of Kooperatiba ng mga
Magsasaka ni San Isidro Labrador (KOMSIL) during the opening of a DAP-funded traditional sugar milling plant in
Nasugbu, Batangas, the Philippines on 18 March 2009.
Regional television service: Australia Network
The Government provides funding for a regional television service with the aim of
presenting a credible and reliable Australian voice in the Asia-Pacific region and promoting
Australia as a sophisticated, diverse, innovative and tolerant society. Since August 2006
we have contracted the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to operate the Australia
Network television service.
In 2008–09 the global economic recession and strong competition in key markets
affected Australia Network, including reducing its advertising revenue and sponsorship.
The Synovate PAX cable and satellite survey for the Asia-Pacific indicated that the
audience for Australia Network increased in Bangkok, Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Mumbai,
New Delhi and Bangalore and declined in Hong Kong, Jakarta and Seoul.
Our overseas posts worked closely with Australia Network to facilitate contacts at senior
levels to secure re-broadcasting opportunities. For example, the post in Kuala Lumpur
secured agreement in late 2008 to re-broadcast Australia Network as a full channel on
the leading Astro Satellite platform (up from a previous programming level of four hours
a day). The Embassy in Beijing assisted Australia Network in its efforts to seek ‘landing
rights’ to be included in the officially sanctioned list of international broadcasters allowed
access to the Chinese market.
203
SECTION 2
Australian participation in the 2010 World Expo—Shanghai
We made good progress in our preparations for Australia’s participation in World Expo
2010, which will be held from 1 May to 31 October 2010 in Shanghai. In May 2009,
the Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, took part in a construction milestone ceremony on the
building site, which attracted extensive Chinese media coverage. Chinese organisers
forecast 70 to 80 million people will visit the expo, which will be the largest world
exposition ever held. Up to seven million people are expected to visit Australia’s national
pavilion. This is an unparalleled opportunity to update and enhance perceptions of modern
Australia, to promote bilateral trade and investment, and to strengthen institutional and
people-to-people links with China.
Through competitive public tender processes, we awarded four major contracts to
Australian companies for: the construction of the Australian pavilion; the development of
the associated communications and public affairs program; pavilion operations, including
staffing and associated support; and the development and implementation of an extensive
cultural program. Contract negotiations for the fifth and final tender, to decommission the
pavilion, were completed, with the contract to be awarded in early August 2009.
Australia’s preparations for the expo advanced steadily and, overall, on schedule.
Bovis Lend Lease Projects (Shanghai) Co Ltd, our construction contractor, together with
Think!OTS and Wood Marsh Architecture, made rapid progress on pavilion construction
and production of the exhibition content. In February 2009, Australia became the first
international participant to complete pavilion foundations.
Partnerships were signed with the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory, New
South Wales, Western Australia, and Queensland, all of which will provide the project with
both cash and in-kind support. ANZ, BlueScope Steel and Rio Tinto were confirmed as
leading corporate sponsors. Sponsorship negotiations continued with the remaining states
and other private sector companies.
Minister for Trade, Mr Crean (centre), visiting the construction site of the Australian pavilion in Shanghai, China in
May 2009.
204
We continued developing, with other agencies and the states and territories, a trade and
investment program aimed at highlighting Australian commercial capabilities, strengthening
bilateral trade ties and increasing two-way investment. The pavilion’s business program
will cover industries such as resources, education and tourism, and showcase emerging
sectors such as financial and business services, urban design and planning, clean energy
and environmental technologies.
A targeted communications and public affairs strategy designed and implemented by our
communications contractor, Parker & Partners, and their China-based partner, Ogilvy Public
Relations Shanghai, helped to ensure Australia was well-recognised in the Chinese media
as a leading international participant. More than 637 feature articles were produced
about Australia’s participation. Mr Crean also launched the pavilion’s bilingual website
and a public competition within China to name the pavilion’s kookaburra mascot. By
the end of the voting period, 2805 competition entries had been received, and 16 859
hits had been registered on the website, demonstrating expanding interest in Australia’s
participation in the expo.
Outlook
The department will deliver high-quality and cost-effective public and cultural diplomacy
programs in support of the Government’s foreign and trade policy goals. Supporting a
public diplomacy strategy for Australia’s United Nations Security Council candidacy will be
a priority in 2009–10.
The department will plan and implement Australia International Cultural Council country
programs in the United States (2009), China (2010) and Korea (2011). The US program
in Washington in September-December 2009 will present the Sydney Theatre Company
and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, combined with a major Indigenous visual arts
exhibition, Culture Warriors, on loan from the National Gallery of Australia.
Australia’s participation at the World Expo in Shanghai from May to October 2010
will provide the launching pad for a year-long program of Australian cultural activities
throughout China. This will be a major bilateral cultural initiative supported by the Chinese
and the Australian governments. The Australian launch of the pavilion will be held in the
last quarter of 2009.
We will support Football Federation Australia’s 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bids.
We will implement a major increase in the Direct Aid Program budget. We will refine our
advocacy and engagement strategies and seek to utilise emerging web 2.0 technologies
to promote key messages abroad. Deepening regional awareness both of Australian
creativity and innovation and our long-standing respect for cultural and religious diversity
will be priorities.
205
SECTION 2
Our cultural program contractor, George P Johnson, began detailed programming work
for the pavilion cultural program, which consists of three core components: a resident
performance group; a rolling program of visiting Australian artists including performances
and visual arts exhibitions; and a program of performances for Australia’s designated
national day at the expo on 8 June 2010.
3.1.3 freedom OF INFORMATION AND archival research
and clearance
SECTION 2
Overview
The department has taken a broad-based approach to handling requests for information,
and, where appropriate, provided information outside the formal processes of the Freedom
of Information Act. We have focused on improving our Freedom of Information processes
and supporting decision-makers in their making of decisions.
Our historical research and publications program completed preparation of several new
publications covering seminal events and topics in Australian foreign and trade policy, and
helping to improve public understanding of the department’s work and history.
We implemented strategic improvements in our records management systems and
practices and launched the pilot of a new Electronic Document and Records Management
System to move the department from paper-based to electronic filing.
Freedom of information
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) extends the right to obtain access to
information in the Government’s possession. Access is limited only by exemptions
that protect essential public interests and the private and business affairs of people
about whom departments and statutory authorities collect and hold information
(see Appendix 5).
We finalised 90 applications, 12 more than last financial year. Requests often involved
a substantial volume of information and/or covered complex and sensitive topics. When
access decisions were made outside the statutory deadline, it was often due to the
volume or the sensitive nature of the documents. We actively managed the FOI caseload,
liaising closely with applicants on the content and processing of the requests, especially
when there were delays in decision-making.
We received five requests for internal review of access decisions and decisions were
made on all those requests in 2008–09. Two appeals to the Administrative Appeals
Tribunal (AAT) against access decisions and one appeal to the AAT against our decision to
not remit the application fee for a request were lodged in 2008–09. The three appeals to
the AAT were lodged by the same applicant.
One appeal to the AAT lodged in 2007–08 was withdrawn by the applicant. One appeal to
the AAT lodged in 2007–08 is ongoing.
We provided training on our FOI obligations at induction programs and executivelevel courses. We provided assistance on FOI processing, reporting and practice to
portfolio bodies.
There were no applications received under section 48 of the FOI Act for amendment
of records.
206
O u t p u t 3.1 freedo m O F I NFO R M AT I O N
We met our obligations under sections 8 and 9 of the FOI Act, including the provision of
statistical reports to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (see Appendix 5).
TABLE 6. REQUESTS PROCESSED UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 1982
2008–09
2007–08
2006–07
Access granted in full
7
14
23
Access granted in part
39
39
40
Access refused
12
6
21
Requests transferred or withdrawn
32
19
13
Total
90
78
97
Requests for internal review (s.54)
5
4
7
Appeals lodged with the AAT (s.55)
3
2
0
Ombudsman
0
2
0
Requests for information
Requests subject to review or legal appeal
Historical publications and information
The department continued to research and publish in the field of Australian foreign
policy. Our publications are an important resource for scholars and the general public
and a valuable means of explaining the nature of the department’s work. This year
we supplemented our longstanding Documents in Australian foreign policy series with
publication of several narrative commemorative histories.
To coincide with the centenary celebrations for the visit of the United States’ ‘Great
White Fleet’ to Australia in 1908, the Minister for Foreign Affairs launched the history,
Great White Fleet to Coral Sea: Naval strategy and the development of Australia–United
States relations, 1900–1945 at the University of Sydney in August 2008. Also in
August, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade launched Emissaries of
trade: A history of the Australian Trade Commissioner Service. Written by Emeritus
Professor Boris Schedvin, this work was commissioned by Austrade and published by
the department.
In November, the Minister for Foreign Affairs launched Every Assistance and Protection:
A History of the Australian Passport, written and researched by the department’s
Historical Publications and Information Section. The launch was held in conjunction with
an exhibition in the R G Casey Building on the history of the passport (see output 2.1.2).
207
SECTION 2
We also—when documents relevant to the request are in the possession of the
department—process requests received in the offices of the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
the Minister for Trade, the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development
Assistance, the Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs and the Parliamentary
Secretary for Trade.
SECTION 2
In October 2008, the department and the National Archives of Australia (NAA) jointly
hosted the third annual R G Neale lecture at the NAA. This public lecture series focuses
on foreign policy issues and utilises 30-year-old Commonwealth records released each
year by the NAA. Professor Richard Cashman of the University of Technology, Sydney
delivered the lecture on the subject ‘Australia’s role in the apartheid sports boycott
in 1977’.
The department also organised a historical photographic exhibition in the R G Casey
Building to commemorate the life of former Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs,
Dr Alan Renouf OBE. The then Secretary, Mr Michael L’Estrange AO, opened the exhibition
in October 2008.
We responded to 149 requests for historical information from public and official inquirers.
Archival examination
Our archival records more than 30 years old are available to public researchers on
application to the National Archives of Australia (NAA) under Section 40 of the Archives Act
1983. Prior to release to the public, the NAA refers classified records to the department
for expert assessment regarding possible exemption in light of sensitivities relating to
intelligence, security or international relations of the Commonwealth of Australia. We are
also responsible for approving applications for Special or Official access to Commonwealth
records under Section 56(2) of the Archives Act 1983.
Table 7 outlines requests received by the department under the Archives Act. We received
913 requests from the NAA, foreign governments and other agencies for archival records
to be assessed for public release. These included files or documents requested by public
researchers relating to:
• British and United States policy on Antarctica—1949 to 1977
• Negotiations with Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor on seabed
boundaries—1972
• Nuclear non-proliferation—1973
• Entry of terrorists into Australia—1975
• Australia–US relations—1973
• Australia’s relations with Asia
• The internal security situation in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia—1966 to 1978
• The political situation in Bougainville
• Australia’s relations with East Timor—1976–1977
• USSR foreign policy—1977–1978
• Australian defence aid to the South-West Pacific.
We cleared records relating to specific projects such as research material in support
of the Australian War Memorial’s Official History of Australian Peacekeeping, the
2008 R G Neale Lecture on ‘Australia’s role in the apartheid sports boycott in 1977’,
208
documents requested under Special Access provisions, 1979 Cabinet Records due for
public release in January 2010 under the 30-year rule and final clearance of records from
the 1977 Hope Royal Commission on Intelligence and Security.
TABLE 7. REQUESTS ASSESSED UNDER THE ARCHIVES ACT 1983
2008–09
2007–08
2006–07
Number of requests received
913
499
635
Total requests assessed
462
445
636
Total completed
462
441
629
69 118
84 080
113 913
Open access
Number of folios assessed
287
132
318
Wholly or partly exempt
175
309
298
Subject to review
2
5
0
Subject to appeal
0
2
0
Recordkeeping
We began implementation of a new Strategic plan for DFAT records management 2008–11
which builds on enhancements to our recordkeeping capability completed under the
previous strategic plan and the Record-keeping initiative 2006. The plan draws closely on
recommendations of the 2007 Management Advisory Committee Report number 8, Note
for file—A report on recordkeeping in the Australian Public Service.
Seventy per cent of the 66 specific actions under the new strategic plan have been
taken forward. There have been significant improvements in records management
support, training, systems, compliance and self-assessment measures. Implementation
of the plan is an important part of the department’s preparations to introduce
electronic recordkeeping.
On 22 July 2008, the then Secretary officially launched the project to develop and
implement a new Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) for
the department. After a successful proof of concept involving 70 users in Canberra, we
commenced the pilot phase in two divisions, the Sydney State Office, the Australian
Embassy in Manila and the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby. The EDRMS
can significantly increase our ability to manage our electronic records in compliance with
legislative recordkeeping obligations.
209
SECTION 2
Of the 913 requests received, 175 files or documents were the subject of a
recommendation for at least one exemption on national security or international relations
grounds, and 287 were released in full. We referred for clearance 112 files or documents
to other agencies (Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Australian Security Intelligence
Organisation and the Department of Defence) and 50 requests to foreign governments
(United Kingdom, United States, Canada and New Zealand). We processed ten requests
from foreign governments (United States and United Kingdom) and 22 requests from
other agencies (the Department of Defence, Australian Secret Intelligence Service and the
Office of National Assessments).
SECTION 2
Staff at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby at the launch of the pilot for the Electronic Document and
Records Management System (EDRMS) on 23 June 2009. L-R: Local Area Network Administrator, Ms Mary Joseph,
Senior Administration Officer, Mr David Poulter, Security Section Assistant, Ms Rose Mobutuna, and Assistant Secretary,
Information Resources Branch, Ms Robyn Mudie.
We completed 20 records management projects. We conducted 12 sentencing and
disposal projects: nine in Canberra, two at overseas posts and one in a state office.
Other projects focused on enhancing records management systems in line with action
items in the strategic plan. We also provided specialist recordkeeping registry services
when requested by divisions. Following the creation of additional storage space for such
records, we transferred over 300 linear metres of ‘Retain as National Archives’ files to the
National Archives of Australia.
210
H V Evatt Library
The relocation and rebranding of library services stemmed from an internal strategic
review of the Library and its role during 2008. The review confirmed that there
was an ongoing need for our library to provide authoritative, relevant and timely
information to staff.
Library staff continued to develop and improve the range of library services.
Personalised email alerts were sent to officers in Canberra and at posts on work
topics. A new intranet site was launched to provide a comprehensive guide to library
holdings, alert staff to new books and highlight journal articles of interest. New
efficiencies such as the self-service check-out freed up library staff to spend more
time responding to staff requests.
Outlook
In 2009–10, we will continue to review our Freedom of Information (FOI) processes to
ensure best practice in fulfilling our obligations under the FOI Act, including any new
requirements flowing from the proposed reforms to the FOI and Archives Acts.
We will research and publish histories of significant events in foreign and trade policy.
These publications make a valuable contribution to scholarship, with topics chosen to
showcase the broad range of our work.
Implementation of the Strategic plan for DFAT records management 2008–11, which will
lay the basis for effective operation of the EDRMS, will be a priority. The department will
consider the lessons learnt from the EDRMS pilots before committing to the full rollout in
2010. We will give priority to comprehensive communications and training, crucial to the
success of the system.
21 1
SECTION 2
In November 2008, the department’s H V Evatt Library was relocated to new
premises in the R G Casey Building and our library holdings were returned from offsite storage. In recognition of the expanded role of the Library in the digital age,
library services were re-launched under a new logo Smarter, faster information
to you.
Outcome 4
SECTION 2
Efficient management of the Commonwealth overseas owned estate
OUTPUT 4.1
Property management
OUTPUT 4.2
Contract management
212
OUTPUT 4.1 property m anagem ent
Output 4.1
Property management
Key Performance Indicator
2008–09 Target
• Management of the overseas
property estate meets the
Government’s property needs,
achieves the agreed dividend
and return on investment and
accords with the principles
set out in the Australian
Government Property
Ownership Framework
• Maintain building condition to industry standards and meet
tenant requirements
• Plan and implement approved construction and fit-out projects
in accordance with Government priorities
• Pay agreed dividend from the operations of the overseas owned
estate to the Government
• Achieve a rate of return on investment commensurate with
risk factors in the overseas environment and the nature of
the property
• Achieve a management expense ratio consistent with external
industry benchmarks
Overview
The department’s Overseas Property Office (OPO), which is responsible for managing all
aspects of the Australian Government’s overseas owned property estate, continued to
provide accommodation for all government agencies represented at overseas posts. Our
work covered the construction, refurbishment and maintenance of embassy buildings and
the provision of staff accommodation.
The department applied sound commercial practice to all aspects of property
management, in accordance with principles outlined in the Australian Government Property
Ownership Framework. We maintained the value of the Government’s property assets,
paid a dividend to the Government and achieved a management expense ratio consistent
with industry benchmarks.
We continued our close cooperation with the Department of Finance and Deregulation on
the policy framework that governs our work on property issues overseas.
The difficult international security environment continued to pose significant challenges
in our management of overseas property. The department ensured that new projects in
the overseas estate complied with security requirements. We achieved a rate of return on
investment commensurate with risk factors in the overseas environment and the nature of
the property.
21 3
SECTION 2
The department will manage the Government’s overseas owned estate in an efficient and
effective manner.
Provision of accommodation overseas
SECTION 2
In 2008–09 the department managed owned properties in 61 locations, valued at $1.717
billion at 30 June 2009.
By managing a mix of owned and leased properties, the department met office and
staff accommodation requirements of agencies representing the Government’s interests
overseas. We consulted closely on overseas property management issues, for example
on the provision of suitable office space, with government agencies represented at our
overseas posts.
The overseas leased estate, comprising property leased from private landlords by the
department and other agencies, is funded from departmental appropriations. OPO
provides management oversight of the leased estate (see Section 3 for information about
the department’s leased estate).
Physical management of assets
We maintained our program of continuous assessment of overseas property through
annual inspections by facilities managers and consultation with post management and
attached agencies.
In accordance with industry standards, the department determined priorities for upgrading
and refurbishing properties under a five-year rolling program for the owned and leased
estates approved annually by the senior executive. Acquisition and disposal of properties
was implemented in accordance with the Australian Government Property Ownership
Framework and the provisions of the Lands Acquisition Act.
We developed and managed significant construction and refurbishment projects in the
overseas owned estate, enhancing its quality and long-term value (see output 4.2 for
information on these projects).
Portfolio condition
The department assessed the overall condition of the overseas owned property estate in
2009 as good measured against industry-based benchmarks. New construction works and
refurbishments carried out by the OPO, cyclical maintenance and compliance programs
have continued to improve the condition of the estate.
Tenant satisfaction
OPO assesses tenant satisfaction with the delivery of property management services
by United Group Services Pty Ltd (UGL). The performance of UGL was assessed as
satisfactory throughout the year.
The department ensured that the service provider maintained close liaison and effective
working relations with tenants and that property management services were delivered to
agreed standards.
214
OUTPUT 4.1 property m anagem ent
Financial management of assets
Return on investment
The rate of return on investment on the overseas owned estate was 8.66 per cent in
2008–09.
Management expense ratio
The management expense ratio indicates the relationship between costs of management
and value of the estate. For 2008–09 the ratio was assessed at 1.353 per cent.
Annual dividend
The department paid to the Government a dividend of $24.731 million from the
operations of the overseas owned estate in 2008–09, as agreed between the Minister for
Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Finance and Deregulation.
Property divestment
The department returned $7.998 million from property divestment proceeds.
Outlook
We will continue to manage a significant construction program in the overseas property
estate in 2009–10. We will maintain our program of regular post inspections and
assessments to ensure that the value of the estate is maintained and enhanced
in compliance with appropriate standards. We will be mindful of our objectives in
management of the owned estate through prudent operation of the overseas property
Special Account.
21 5
SECTION 2
The department manages the overseas owned estate through the operation of a Special
Account established by the Minister for Finance and Administration in 2002 and separate
from the department’s budget appropriations. Revenue is derived from commercially
based rents paid by agencies that occupy Government-owned property overseas. Our
management of the overseas owned estate achieved a rate of return commensurate with
risk factors in the overseas environment and the nature of the property. We also achieved
a management expense ratio consistent with external industry benchmarks and paid an
agreed dividend to the Government.
Output 4.2
SECTION 2
Contract management
The department will ensure the efficient and effective contract management of the
overseas owned estate.
2008–09 Target
• Effective management of
the United Group Limited
contract for the provision of
outsourced property services
to the overseas estate
• Implement successfully the new contract with United Group
Limited and establish an agreed operational model
• Efficient and effective
management of construction
project contracts in the
overseas estate
• Manage construction project contracts effectively to meet
performance and cost targets
Overview
The department’s Overseas Property Office (OPO) made use of a wide range of specialist
contracted services in managing the overseas property estate, including project design,
management and construction, property purchase and disposal, audit and legal. Service
providers were selected in accordance with government tendering and contracting
procedures. We successfully managed our new four-year contract with United Group
Limited for the provision of property services.
The department’s management of our substantial construction program was efficient
and effective. A key achievement in 2008–09 was the successful completion of key
construction projects in the overseas estate, in particular the opening of the new chancery
in Cambodia.
Management of construction projects
We managed a varied construction program in the overseas owned estate throughout
2008–09. New chanceries were completed in Amman and Phnom Penh, as were
refurbishment works on the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. Works continued on the
construction of staff apartments at our embassy in Baghdad. Preparatory work began on
refurbishment of staff apartments in Tokyo.
Acquisition of land for construction of a new chancery and staff apartments in Jakarta
was completed. We signed a contract for the design of the Jakarta chancery with
international architects Denton Corker Marshall in May 2009. This major project was
referred by Parliament to the Joint Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration
in June 2009. Land purchase in central Jakarta for this purpose was completed in 2009.
216
O u t p u t 4. 2 Contract m anagem ent
SECTION 2
Executive Director, Overseas Property Office, Mr Peter Davin (right), with Director of Denton Corker Marshall, Mr John
Denton, at the signing of the contract for the design of the new Australian Embassy complex in Jakarta, on 29 May 2009.
In addition to projects in the owned estate, OPO completed work on new leased chancery
offices in Belgrade, Madrid and Tel Aviv, and work commenced on leased office relocation
and fit-out in Abu Dhabi, Nicosia, Seoul and Stockholm.
Number of project contracts managed
OPO completed eight projects in the overseas owned and leased estate, and had oversight
of five projects under construction in the owned and leased estate. OPO managed
preliminary and design works for 15 properties approved for relocation or refurbishment.
In accordance with its obligation to maintain the long-term value and condition of the
overseas estate, and to meet security and other requirements, OPO undertook feasibility
studies for possible or prospective future works in a number of other locations.
21 7
SECTION 2
New chancery opens in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh embassy staff moved into new office accommodation on 29 June, with
the completion of construction and fit-out of the new chancery. This project was one
of the most significant construction works delivered by the Overseas Property Office
in 2008–09.
Australian firm Bligh Voller Nield were the architects with the main construction
completed by Leighton Contractors Asia. Works were completed in May 2009 with an
impressive safety record of over 1.3 million man-hours logged without accident.
The new building houses Australia-based staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade, the Australian Agency for International Development, the Department
of Immigration and Citizenship, the Department of Defence and the Australian
Federal Police.
The new three-storey chancery provides a functional and efficient work space and
is built to appropriate security and environmental standards so that it provides a
pleasant and secure environment for staff and visitors. It is conveniently located
next door to the Cambodian National Assembly and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and International Cooperation.
Visitors to the chancery will notice immediately the large sacred bodhi tree at the
front entrance. The bodhi tree has particular religious significance to all Buddhists,
including Cambodians, and is generally only planted in public buildings or temples.
This mature tree was on the original block of land purchased for the chancery.
Because of its significance, considerable efforts were made to protect the tree
during construction and it now forms the centrepiece of the garden, which combines
local tropical plants with design elements of wood and stone.
A view of the new Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh completed in May 2009.
218
O u t p u t 4. 2 Contract m anagem ent
Outsourced property services contract
Under the contract UGL provides services to the owned estate like repairs and preventive
maintenance of plant, equipment and buildings. Services provided for leased chanceries
and leased head of mission and head of post residences include, for example, annual
property inspections and technical advice on essential services, building safety
and compliance.
UGL maintains a 24-hour helpdesk service to receive and respond to problems
reported by staff overseas. A total of 5870 calls were made to the UGL call centre,
with 93 per cent of calls responded to within indicated response times for successful
service delivery.
Contractual outcomes
OPO successfully managed the implementation of the new contract with UGL through
a program of mobilisation briefings at regional posts attended by posts’ senior
administrative officers and locally engaged property managers, and through constructive
engagement with UGL in Canberra.
The department ensured that the service provider maintained close liaison and effective
working relations with tenants and that property management services were delivered to
agreed standards.
The performance of UGL is measured against contractual indicators relating to financial
and business processes, tenant satisfaction, portfolio condition, divestments and capital
works. Overall, the contract delivered good outcomes.
Each year OPO measures tenant satisfaction with the delivery of property management
services by UGL and this measure for 2008–09 was satisfactory.
Outlook
In 2009–10 we will continue to manage substantial commercial contracts to deliver a wide
range of project and property management services in the overseas property estate.
21 9
SECTION 2
We began a new four-year contract with United Group Services Pty Ltd (UGL) in July 2008
and established agreed operational arrangements for the provision of an expanded range
of property, facilities management and finance services in the overseas property estate.
This included expansion of the on-site facilities management network with additional
positions in South America, Africa and the Middle East.
The department’s NAIDOC Week Reception featured
a performance by Mr Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu
(centre), pictured with the Indigenous Employees
Network, and was attended by members of the
diplomatic corps and departmental staff, in July 2008.
Photo: Mark Graham
Australian High Commissioner to Mauritius,
Ms Cathy Johnstone, with children from a local school for
the disabled in June 2009. The High Commission funded
the construction of an extra classroom and upgrade to their
woodwork department, including the purchase of tools and
the building of a store room for their tools and wood.
Opposite »
The department’s 2008
Corporate and Financial
Management Trainees,
who are training to be
corporate policy specialists,
with the then Secretary,
Mr Michael L’Estrange AO, on
3 September 2008.
Photo: Auspic
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CORPORATE
MANAGEMENT
AND
ACCOUNTABILITY
Section 3
Corporate management and
accountability
Overview
External scrutiny
SECTION 3
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Cor p orat e Man ag e m e n t | Overvi ew
Overview
The department demonstrated strong and flexible resource management in its timely
responses to the Government’s new policy initiatives and budget priorities. These included
the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, Pacific
engagement, the United Nations Security Council campaign and new policy positions to
manage people smuggling and Afghanistan issues.
Working with the Department of Finance and Deregulation, we undertook a ‘root and
branch’ review of the adequacy of the department’s resources. The work of the review
was considered in the development of our 2009–10 budget.
The department’s achievement of performance outcomes has been underpinned by a
robust institutional governance framework.
Senior executive
The department’s senior executive consists of the Secretary and five deputy secretaries.
The senior executive delivered strong leadership and strategic direction for the
department in its pursuit of policy goals, and enhanced the supporting corporate
governance framework.
The Secretary in the 2008–09 reporting period, Mr Michael L’Estrange AO, provided
rigorous oversight of all significant foreign and trade policy and corporate management
issues, and decided all placements for senior executive staff. The five deputy secretaries
supported the Secretary through their management of the department’s 24 work
units (see Figure 2 for our organisational structure and the deputy secretaries’ areas
of responsibility).
The deputy secretaries represented the Government at high-level meetings in Australia and
overseas. They also chaired key corporate governance bodies.
Management mechanisms
The senior executive held weekly meetings, chaired by the Secretary, to consider
foreign and trade policy as well as corporate issues. Representatives from key areas
also attended as appropriate to ensure effective coordination within the department
and the portfolio more broadly. Regular attendees included the heads of Corporate
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In response to the Government’s new workplace legislation, the department made
appropriate transitions from Australian Workplace Agreements to agreements under
section 24(1) of the Public Service Act 1999. We negotiated a new Collective Agreement,
which included substantial revisions to our performance management system and new
arrangements to manage flex-time and time-off-in-lieu provisions. The transition to an
upgraded version of our human resource management information system was also
achieved with limited disruption to payroll and HR functionality.
Management Division, Diplomatic Security, Information Management and Services
Division, and Executive, Planning and Evaluation Branch; the Chief Finance Officer; and,
where appropriate, the Director General of AusAID and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer
of Austrade.
The senior executive and individual deputy secretaries met the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
the Minister for Trade and the parliamentary secretaries regularly to discuss policy and
corporate issues.
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The department’s Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) provides independent assurance and
assistance to the Secretary and senior executive on the department’s risk, control and
compliance framework, and its external accountability responsibilities. The committee
is chaired by a deputy secretary not directly responsible for overseeing the Corporate
Management Division.
In 2008–09, the ARC met five times and issued a revised Internal Audit Charter. Recurring
themes considered by the ARC included: reviewing the department’s risk management
processes and business continuity planning; reviewing outcomes from the internal
audit program, including ensuring post audit recommendations were implemented; and
ensuring the effectiveness of control self-assessment at posts. The ARC also oversaw
the implementation of a plan of action endorsed by the senior executive arising from
the external quality assurance review of internal audit. In addition, the ARC provided
a recommendation to the Secretary in relation to his sign-off of the Certificate of
Compliance process.
Our Ethics Committee meets three times a year to oversee and make recommendations
on the development and implementation of the department’s conduct and ethics policy.
The committee has an important responsibility to promote the highest standards of
conduct and ethics within the department. Chaired by the deputy secretary responsible
for corporate management issues, the committee comprises 12 members from various
staffing levels and areas within the department.
In 2008–09, the Ethics Committee assisted in the biennial update of the department’s
fraud control plan, oversaw improvements to ethics-related training and to ethicsrelated aspects of the new performance management system, and implemented the
Government’s Lobbying Code of Conduct in the department.
The Workplace Relations Committee is the primary consultative forum for management
and staff representatives to discuss work-related issues. The deputy secretary
responsible for corporate management issues chairs the committee. Under the terms
of the department’s Collective Agreement, membership includes both representatives
from management areas and elected staff representatives. The Association of Foreign
Affairs and Trade Employees, the Community and Public Sector Union, the Australian
Manufacturing Workers’ Union and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance are also
represented on the committee.
The committee’s discussions during 2008–09 led to improvements in the postings and
placements processes and enhanced staff training and career development opportunities.
The committee also contributed to the streamlining of departmental work practices to
support the work–life balance of staff.
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Co r p o rat e Ma n ag e m e n t | Corporate governance
Other senior management meetings and mechanisms
The Secretary met division heads every week to communicate the department’s foreign
and trade policy and corporate priorities. In turn, division heads disseminated the key
messages from these meetings to staff. The Secretary also held policy planning meetings
with senior executive staff to discuss priority or emerging issues as required.
The Secretary communicated with staff through a monthly message which outlined
strategic and corporate priorities and other issues. This message augmented other
mechanisms such as weekly meetings with division heads, administrative circulars and
the department’s intranet and staff newsletter, DFATNEWS.
Our overseas network remained engaged with, and was kept informed of, policy and
corporate initiatives through:
• periodic regional heads of mission/post meetings and consultations
• periodic visits by officials from Canberra, at times in conjunction with ministerial or
senior officials’ meetings
• post liaison visits led by a deputy secretary
• regional management conferences attended by senior representatives of the
Corporate Management Division and Diplomatic Security, Information Management and
Services Division
• policy and administrative guidance delivered through administrative circulars.
Evaluation and planning
The department’s performance was evaluated throughout the year to ensure resources
were directed most effectively to support the Government’s foreign and trade policy goals.
All divisions, overseas posts and state and territory offices were involved in a series of
departmental planning and review processes. The department’s performance expectations
and planned use of resources were outlined in the department’s Portfolio Budget
Statements, which are tabled in Parliament as Budget-related papers.
Divisional evaluation reviews are conducted each year in July/August, with a mid-term
review in February. These reviews enable the senior executive to evaluate the performance
of each division and to determine or refine divisional priorities for the period ahead.
The Budget Allocation Review (BAR) and the Capital Management Plan (CMP) are the
primary mechanism through which decisions are made on allocation of funding within
the department. Work units both in Australia and overseas have the opportunity to bid
for funds through the BAR/CMP and mid-term BAR/CMP each year. Bids are considered
by the senior executive. This consolidated process allows for strong budget planning and
expenditure forecasting, and ensures the department’s internal processes are aligned
with the Government’s Budget timetable. BAR/CMP meetings were held in June 2008,
with mid-term BAR/CMP meetings in December 2008.
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• weekly key messages briefs distributed to all posts and regular formal and informal
channels of communication with divisions in Canberra
Each year, we evaluate the performance of overseas posts over the previous 12 months
through our post evaluation reports process. This process is the central mechanism for
ensuring work at posts is focused on the Government’s priorities. Posts’ contributions to
policy outcomes and the quality of post management are assessed. Priorities for each
post are set for the forthcoming year. Post evaluation feeds into the senior executive’s
appraisal of the performance of individual heads of mission.
SECTION 3
A key part of these evaluations is incorporating the views of other departments and
agencies. As for previous years and as suggested by the ANAO in its 2004–05 audit on
the Management of bilateral relations with selected countries, in 2008–09 we invited
comment from 48 departments and agencies, and also requested that they consult
relevant bodies within their portfolios. We sought assessments of posts’ performance
towards meeting the Government’s policy objectives and feedback on operational issues.
All agencies responded to our request and comments were very positive, indicating overall
that our overseas network was successful in meeting whole-of-government objectives.
State and territory offices are reviewed at the end of each financial year. This evaluation
focuses on key areas including support to ministers, liaison with the local consular corps,
business liaison programs and trade advocacy and outreach activities. The assistance
each provided for major meetings, notarial services and office administration is also taken
into account.
In 2008–09, deputy secretaries led small teams to four posts—Brasilia, Mexico City,
Dhaka and Colombo—to conduct post liaison visits (PLVs) to assess at first hand each
post’s performance against agreed objectives.
Internal audit
Internal audit forms an important part of the department’s governance framework,
providing an integral contribution to governance, risk management and control. Internal
audits presented to the Audit and Risk Committee in 2008–09 included:
• 13 post compliance audits
• one state office compliance audit
• superannuation delegations audit (annual requirement)
• our handling and storage of highly sensitive national security material
(annual requirement)
• ongoing compliance audits of divisional recordkeeping practices
• performance audit of the Language Studies Unit
• performance audit of departmental tendering within Australia
• input to corporate management review of medical clinics at post
• input to corporate management review of social clubs at post.
All recommendations arising from these audits were either satisfactorily addressed during
the year or were in the process of being addressed. Refinements were made to the
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Co r p o rat e Ma n ag e m e n t | Corporate governance
control self-assessment audit tool for post finance managers to ensure it continued to be
focused on risk.
Conduct and ethics
The department has a unit dedicated to investigating allegations of fraud and misconduct,
promoting the Australian Public Service (APS) Values and APS Code of Conduct and
providing conduct and ethics training. The 2008 findings of the annual Australian Public
Service Commission employee survey verified that the awareness of our staff of both
the APS Values and APS Code of Conduct and suspected breach reporting procedures
was higher than the APS average. The survey also found that a higher percentage of
respondents in the department compared to other APS agencies regarded the behaviour
of their colleagues, supervisors and senior managers as in accordance with APS values.
Staff were regularly reminded of their responsibilities through the department’s conduct
and ethics awareness program. The program included training, policy circulars and
briefings on overseas post-specific conduct and ethics issues for heads of mission, deputy
heads of mission and senior administrative officers.
In addition to the APS Values and APS Code of Conduct, the department obliges
employees posted overseas to abide by our own Code of Conduct for Overseas Service
for Australia-based staff, which aims to address the department’s significant overseas
representational role.
Countering fraud
The department’s fraud prevention, detection, investigation, reporting and data collection
procedures and processes meet the specific needs of the department and comply with
Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines.
Our 2008–10 fraud control plan is focused on raising awareness among staff through
fraud prevention training, fostering an ethical and professional working environment
aligned with the APS Values and APS Code of Conduct and maintaining strong internal
control and audit procedures that reduce fraud risks.
Our fraud and misconduct investigators all hold Advanced Diplomas of Government
(Fraud Control Management) which is the Attorney-General’s Department’s recommended
qualification for Commonwealth employees involved in managing fraud prevention,
detection and investigation activity.
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We implemented a number of new policies aimed at ensuring staff remain informed of
best ethical practices and emerging ethical issues in the public sector. The Government’s
Lobbying Code of Conduct and understanding the responsibility to report extraterritorial
offences by Australians were among issues addressed. We joined the Ethics Contact
Officer Network (ECONET) at its inception in May 2009. The network plays a key role in
enhancing ethics and accountability in the Commonwealth public sector.
In accordance with the Public Service Act 1999, we have appropriate procedures in place
to ensure that Australia-based staff who report breaches of the APS Values and APS Code
of Conduct or the department’s Code of Conduct for Overseas Service are protected from
the threat of reprisal and that allegations are investigated fairly. Procedures are also in
place to protect locally engaged staff.
Risk management and business continuity planning
SECTION 3
The department introduced new approaches to strategic management of risk that aim to
enhance corporate governance and assurance processes and to ensure that current and
emerging risks are appropriately identified and addressed. Improved integration of risk
management into existing corporate governance mechanisms and the establishment of a
critical risk list were among the new measures.
The Audit and Risk Committee has responsibility for risk management and business
continuity planning. We also provided a submission to the annual Comcover risk
management benchmarking survey.
We began a comprehensive review of the department’s business continuity management
and planning. To achieve organisational consistency, we developed and instituted standard
business continuity templates for use by our overseas missions, state and territory
offices, and Canberra work units. We also established management procedures for the
reporting of incidents that identified a single point of contact for all work areas in Australia
and overseas in the event of an unplanned interruption to our services (outage). Improved
escalation procedures were introduced to ensure the department’s response to a sudden
outage is properly coordinated.
Portfolio coordination
As the lead agency in the foreign affairs and trade portfolio, the department worked
closely with portfolio agencies to deliver effective coordination and consistency of
objectives. In addition to routine consultation at the working level, we held portfolio
coordination meetings at deputy secretary-level with the executive director of Austrade
(two meetings), and heads of AusAID (five meetings) and ACIAR (two meetings) to discuss
strategic and corporate issues.
More frequent meetings with AusAID, including separate meetings on corporate and policy
issues, reflected the need for close inter-agency alignment in our aid–foreign/trade policy
priorities. The department was also represented at the deputy secretary-level on the
Development Effectiveness Steering Committee (DESC) charged with strengthening wholeof-government coordination of the aid program and playing an advisory role to government
on overseas development assistance strategy and budget proposals.
Whole-of-government coordination
Effective whole-of-government coordination is essential to the department’s policy and
organisational work. We worked closely with a wide range of other agencies to achieve
whole-of-government objectives, including in hosting major international meetings,
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Co r p o rate Man ag e m e n t | E xternal scruti ny
in responding to consular crises, in regional counter-terrorism cooperation, and in
coordinating policy approaches to bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations.
Whole-of-government coordination at our overseas posts is crucial to their operations,
given the increasing numbers of attached agency staff. We highlighted the importance
of the department’s whole-of-government approach by including it as a core
professional requirement in performance management templates and in departmental
training programs.
External scrutiny
The Auditor-General tabled in Parliament the following reports by the Australian National
Audit Office related to the department’s operations:
Report No.1: Employment and Management of Locally Engaged Staff
Report No.13: Government Agencies’ Management of their Websites
This audit involved the department and two other agencies. Particular attention was given
to the audited agencies’ website purposes, risk management and planning, policies,
content management procedures, and website performance monitoring and reporting.
Report No.14: Audits of the Financial Statements of Australian Government Entities
for the period ended 30 June 2008
Financial statement audits are an independent examination of the financial accounting
and reporting of public sector entities. This report complements the interim phase report
and provides a summary of the final results of the audits of the financial statements of
all Australian Government entities, including the Consolidated Financial Statements for the
Australian Government.
Report No.25: Green Office Procurement and Sustainable Office Management
This cross-agency audit of 63 government agencies assessed their progress in achieving
better practice in green office procurement and sustainable office management.
Report No.42: The Interim Phase of the Audit of Financial Statements of General
Government Sector Agencies for the Year Ending 30 June 2009
The interim audit of agencies related to agencies’ financial reporting responsibilities,
and an examination of relevant internal controls, including information technology
system controls.
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The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of our employment and
management of locally engaged staff at Australia’s overseas missions. In particular,
the audit examined arrangements for: planning and risk management; guidance and
training; recruitment, engagement and employment of locally engaged staff; and
performance management.
Courts and administrative tribunals
We were involved in a number of legal matters during the year (see Appendix 7). There
were no decisions that had a significant legal impact on the operations of the department.
Ombudsman
The Commonwealth Ombudsman investigated 31 approaches/complaints with respect to
the department’s activities in 2008–09 (down from 36 in 2007–08), making two informal
findings of administrative deficiency (down from seven in 2007–08).
SECTION 3
Privacy
No reports were served on the department under section 30 of the Privacy Act 1988
(the Privacy Act), nor were there any determinations made by the Privacy Commissioner
relating to the actions of the department under sections 52 or 53 of the Privacy Act.
No public interest determinations were sought from the Privacy Commissioner under
section 72 of the Privacy Act. However, the department has proposed to the Office of
the Privacy Commissioner changes to Public Interest Determination 7, issued under
section 72 of the Privacy Act. The proposed changes would provide greater scope for
the department’s consular staff to contact next of kin and authorities in whereabouts
enquiries and to share information with medical staff in hospitalisation cases when
assisting Australians abroad.
In August 2008, the Secretary issued an Administrative Circular, ‘Personal Information—
Obligations under the Privacy Act 1988’, reminding staff of their obligations when handling
personal information. Consular staff at overseas posts were provided with more guidance
on privacy issues that arise when assisting Australians abroad with the launch of the
revised Consular Handbook.
Five complaints were made directly to the department this year. We concluded our
investigations into two of these complaints, finding no breach of privacy occurred in
relation to both matters. We are continuing to investigate the other three complaints.
We concluded our investigation into one complaint made in the previous year, finding a
breach of privacy occurred. We offered an apology to the complainant.
We initiated investigations into two possible breaches of privacy by the department
this year. We concluded our investigation into one matter, finding a breach of privacy
had occurred and we provided an apology to the individual. We are continuing our
investigations into the other matter.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) completed investigating one complaint it
received in 2007–08, finding that the department had handled the matter appropriately
and agreeing that the department had not interfered with the complainant’s privacy. The
OPC is investigating the other complaint it received in 2007–08 where the department had
found no breach of privacy occurred.
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Co r p o rat e Man ag e m e n t | H U M A N R ESO U RC ES
In June 2008, the department made a submission to the OPC on the draft Guidelines
for Personal Information Security Breach Notifications. We also participated in the OPC’s
government wide survey on ‘Portable Storage Devices’.
Legislation
The process for all portfolio-related legislation has been managed effectively.
Amendments to the Export Market Development Grants Act 1997 made by the Same-Sex
Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws—General Law Reform) Act 2008
began on 10 December 2008. Amendments to the Trade Representatives Act 1933 made
by the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws—General Law
Reform) Act 2008 began on 10 December 2008. Minor amendments were made to a
number of Acts we administer by the Statute Law Revision Act 2008, which commenced
operation on 4 July 2008.
We provided input to legislation managed by agencies within the portfolio and
to legislation managed by other agencies that affected foreign affairs and trade
portfolio legislation.
Compensation for detriment caused by defective administration
Thirteen cases were lodged under the compensation scheme for detriment caused by
defective administration. Eight cases were resolved during the year (including three from
previous financial years), resulting in five payments made from administered funds. In
three cases, compensation under the scheme was found not to be warranted. Eight cases
(including one from the previous year) remained in progress at 30 June 2009.
We deployed staff to meet shifting policy priorities—for instance, in response to the
Government’s announcement of new positions overseas to focus on people smuggling
and Afghanistan. Resources devoted to trade issues were managed flexibly to ensure
effective coverage of our interests in the World Trade Organization, free trade agreement
negotiations and APEC activities.
We established a secretariat to support the work of the International Commission on
Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, a taskforce to coordinate the campaign to
secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and a new unit to
support the work of the Prime Minister’s envoy, Mr Richard Woolcott, on the Asia Pacific
community initiative.
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We facilitated the enactment and amendment of a number of regulations and
determinations. Among them were regulations to implement Australia’s obligations under
United Nations Security Council resolutions to impose sanctions upon several countries
and regulations on diplomatic and consular privileges and immunities.
Several small teams were created to implement the Government’s Pacific Engagement
Strategy, including support for the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Program and PACER Plus
free trade negotiations in the Pacific.
We also responded quickly to consular crises. Additional staff have been deployed since
September 2008 to assist with kidnapping cases in Africa. Various consular emergencies,
such as the Mumbai bombings, the airport disruptions in Thailand and a nightclub fire in
Bangkok, required the activation of call centres in Canberra and overseas, as well as the
deployment of staff on short-term missions to these locations. The Embassy in Beijing
was supplemented to support a heightened visits, logistics and consular workload at
the time of the Beijing Olympics. Staff were also sent to Mexico City and Singapore to
assist Australians affected by the outbreak of H1N1 influenza. We again sent a significant
support team to help manage the Anzac Day commemoration in Gallipoli.
SECTION 3
Workforce planning, staff mobility and retention
The department responded to the Government’s savings measures by slowing the pace
of recruitment in the first half of 2008. This helped achieve staffing reductions involving
the withdrawal of 25 positions overseas and 18 positions in Canberra. The reductions in
staffing levels were accommodated through natural attrition.
Having met the Government’s savings requirements we resumed our normal pace of
recruitment. We will continue to meet our staffing needs through regular bulk recruitment
processes at all levels as well as recruiting trade policy, legal, accounting, IT, personal
assistants and other specialists.
In 2008–09, 122 ongoing staff separated from the department, down from 149
in 2007–08.
Human resource management information system
In July 2008 the department upgraded its human resource management information
system, PeopleSoft. The new system improved payroll processing and enhanced electronic
aspects of human resource management.
Currawong Childcare Centre
As part of our commitment to EEO principles and to helping staff achieve a reasonable
work–life balance, we provide on-site childcare in the R G Casey Building. The Currawong
Childcare Centre, established in 1997, is managed by a not-for-profit organisation that
provides 90 long-day care places for babies to preschoolers.
Recruitment
Our recruitment and selection processes are based on merit and the APS Values as set
out in the Public Service Act 1999. In 2008–09, we completed 55 recruitment processes
resulting in 259 offers of employment at all levels and covering generalist and specialist
232
positions such as accountants, lawyers, economists, information technology officers,
personal assistants and physical security managers.
Forty graduate trainees and eight corporate and financial management trainees (CFMT)
started work in 2009. These graduates had qualifications in a variety of disciplines
including arts, economics, law, accounting, public policy and social science, reflecting our
need for a broad range of skills and experience. They also brought skills in a variety of
languages such as Arabic, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish.
Our 2010 graduate recruitment program attracted a higher number than usual of wellqualified applicants: 2399 applications were received for the graduate trainee intake and
220 for the CFMT intake.
Workplace diversity
Two signature events in our workplace diversity calendar were NAIDOC Week in July and
International Women’s Day in March.
We commemorated NAIDOC Week with a traditional flag-raising ceremony and an
inaugural whole-of-government reception, co-sponsored with the Australian Public Service
Commission. Award-winning singer-songwriter Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu performed at
the reception. Forty-three posts also held events to celebrate NAIDOC Week. The Embassy
in Dublin, for example, supported Liyarn Ngarn, a concert featuring performances by
Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Amy Saunders, Bart Willoughby, Dave Arden and Dan Sultan.
We celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March 2009 with a range of activities
throughout our overseas network and state and territory offices. These events aimed to
recognise and promote the contributions women make to society in Australia and globally.
We continued our participation in APS-wide initiatives to promote workplace diversity,
Indigenous employment and enhanced employment opportunities for people
with disabilities.
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Our Workplace Diversity Program promotes a culture of professional behaviour and
encourages relationships based on respect, equity, personal courtesy and inclusion.
It also works to eliminate bullying, harassment and discrimination. The program
emphasises the importance of all employees (including locally engaged staff) achieving an
appropriate balance of work, family and cultural responsibilities that are inclusive, secure
and rewarding.
Personal Profile:
SECTION 3
Annie Hildebrand
Annie Hildebrand (left) joined the Fiji section in the Pacific Division in February
2009 as part of the department’s graduate trainee program. Annie worked with the
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Mr James Batley (right), as the liaison officer
for his mid-term consultations. She worked with New Zealand counterparts to assist
with the coordination of policy positions on Fiji, and with the Department of the
Prime Minister and Cabinet, AusAID, the Treasury and the Australian Federal Police
to assist with the coordination of a whole-of-government response to developments
in Fiji.
Graduate trainees undertake a two-year in-house training program consisting of
four work placements to build their bilateral, trade, multilateral and corporate policy
skills. This is supplemented with professional skills training and academic gap-filling
courses as required. The program is designed to enhance diplomatic skills and
equip the graduate trainees to undertake the full range of duties overseas, including
economic and political reporting, advocacy and representation.
‘The department’s graduate training program has given me practical experience of
the challenges inherent in advancing our national interests in a region of political
and strategic significance to Australia.’
23 4
Reconciliation Action Plan
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2007–2010 aims to contribute to Australia’s National
Strategy of Action, the overarching objective of which is closing the 17-year life expectancy
gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The RAP reflects our Indigenous
Recruitment and Career Development Strategy 2007–2010, which seeks to improve
recruitment and retention rates of Indigenous staff and ensure these staff maximise their
potential for a successful career in the department. The RAP also promotes awareness
of Indigenous Australia within the department. The plan is guided by the APS Employment
and Capability Strategy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employees.
Commonwealth disability strategy
We met our responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Workplace
Relations Act 2006 and the objectives in the Management Advisory Committee report on
Employment of People with Disability in the APS, in accordance with the Commonwealth
Disability Strategy Performance Reporting Framework.
We are committed to equity in employment and the elimination of harassment and
discrimination of employees with a disability. Our 2006–09 Collective Agreement and
human resource policies set out mechanisms to achieve Commonwealth Disability
Strategy objectives.
We continued to develop appropriately tailored individual employee programs designed
to: foster reasonable adjustments, behaviours, attitudes, systems and knowledge;
successfully engage with people with a disability as employees; and implement proactive
strategies to attract and retain talented people with a disability.
As at June 2009, 32 staff identified as having a disability.
Our Workplace Diversity Unit and Workplace Diversity Contact Officers in Canberra and in
our overseas network worked cooperatively to promote continuing awareness of the needs
and contributions of employees with disabilities. Such needs were also reflected in our
training and development programs, which provided information on policies and programs
addressing disability issues.
There were no formal grievances during the year relating to disability under the Workplace
Diversity Program. Mechanisms we provided to receive feedback and grievances from
internal and external sources included the Collective Agreement, the Workplace Relations
Committee and the network of Workplace Diversity Contact Officers.
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We maintain informal and formal consultative mechanisms through the Indigenous
Employees Network and the Indigenous Task Force. These play an important role in
establishing relationships and dialogue within the department on a range of Indigenous
issues. The Indigenous Task Force assists with the recruitment, career development and
retention of Indigenous employees and promotes awareness of Indigenous Australia within
the department.
Training and development
We provided a range of induction, management, leadership, policy skills and overseas
training programs. We also delivered extensive and specialised training to enhance the
technical skills of staff who work in the Australian Passport Office and the Diplomatic
Security, Information Management and Services Division.
Staff had access to over 120 courses and workshops, including 14 offered for the first
time in 2008–09. The average number of training days per employee over the year was
9.6 days, well above the target of five days per year required under the department’s
training and development strategy. All training delivered by the department was evaluated
to ensure effectiveness and relevance.
SECTION 3
Work started on the evaluation of a range of online learning products, including e-learning
and virtual classroom technologies to provide development and distance education
options for staff located overseas or in state and territory offices.
Trainee programs
In February 2009, 40 graduate trainees commenced a two-year training program, up
from 29 in 2007–08. The program consisted of four work placements to build the
trainees’ skills in bilateral, trade, multilateral and corporate policy. The placements are
supplemented with professional skills training, policy courses and academic gap-filling
courses as required. The training program is designed to develop diplomatic skills and
to equip the graduate trainees to undertake the full range of duties overseas, including
economic and political reporting, advocacy and representation.
Eight corporate and financial management trainees joined the department in February
2009 (the same number as last year). Recruited with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree
minor in accountancy, they are trained to be corporate policy specialists. In their two-year
training program they complete eight workplace rotations in financial management,
audit, consular and post management issues. The trainees undertake professional
skills training and study towards a Certified Practicing Accountant or equivalent
qualification. After approximately two years they can expect to be posted overseas in an
administrative capacity.
The two-year Administrative Development Program provides a pool of skilled staff to fill
administrative positions. This program is offered to employees at the APS2 to EL1 levels
of the department. In 2008–09, 17 staff participated in the program.
We assisted five cadets with their tertiary studies through the Indigenous Cadetship
Program. Three of the cadets completed the program and started work in the department
and one cadet undertook a twelve-month overseas university exchange placement from
July 2008 to July 2009 as part of the studies component of the program. A further four
cadets joined the department in March 2009. Indigenous Cadetship Program graduates
undertake professional training and four work placements over a two-year period before
being assigned to positions in Canberra or overseas.
236
Personal Profile:
Kimberly Radford
Kimberly joined the department as an
Indigenous Cadet in 2005 while she undertook
a combined degree in Law and Communications.
On completion of her studies, Kimberly joined
the department full-time as an Indigenous
Cadetship Program Graduate and is undertaking
a two-year program of work placements across
four distinct areas of the department—bilateral,
multilateral, trade and corporate.
‘I have enjoyed the opportunities afforded by the Indigenous Cadetship Program to
contribute to the policy-making process, to experience a broad cross-section of the
department’s work, and to undertake training to further develop my professional
skills. In the future I hope to utilise these skills and experience to represent
Australia at an overseas mission.’
Studies assistance
Our Studybank scheme provided leave and financial assistance to 58 staff to complete
academic courses in areas relevant to the department’s work (up from 57 in 2007–08).
This included studies in diplomacy, international relations, foreign languages, international
law, public policy, accounting and financial management, and business administration.
Language training
We continued to place a high priority on training staff in languages that reflect Australia’s
foreign and trade policy interests and consular priorities. Over the year, 88 officers
undertook long-term language training in Australia and overseas (up from 75 in 2007–08).
A further 55 undertook short-term ‘survival’ language training of four weeks in preparation
for their postings (compared to 72 in 2007–08). We also provided ‘survival’ language
237
SECTION 3
Initially placed in the United States Branch,
Kimberly was involved in a wide range of US
political, strategic and trade related issues.
The corporate management rotation allowed
Kimberly to gain invaluable experience in the
department’s Domestic Legal Branch working on complex and sensitive subpoenas,
commercial litigation and settlements, privileges and immunities issues as well as
passport matters. Kimberly’s trade rotation with the Agriculture and Food Branch
in the Office of Trade Negotiations exposed her to a wide range of complex and
technical trade issues concerning food and quarantine.
training to 27 spouses accompanying departmental officers. Total expenditure on
language training was over $2.7 million.
SECTION 3
We used a range of measures to encourage employees to maintain existing language
proficiencies, including through financial rewards (language proficiency allowance) and the
provision of immersion courses and regular lunchtime discussion classes. We held five
one-week, intensive immersion courses in Arabic, Indonesian, Japanese, Mandarin and
Thai which attracted participants from the department and other agencies.
Departmental officer Ms Patricia Martino learning Arabic for a posting to Abu Dhabi with her Language Tutor,
Ms Loubna Khay, in Canberra, June 2009.
Performance management
Performance appraisal of our employees is an important component of the department’s
human resource strategy. The performance management system sets performance
objectives for each employee, provides the key means for evaluation and feedback against
these objectives, and is used to identify personal development needs.
Generic performance agreements and work-level standards were updated, in consultation
with the Workplace Relations Committee, for the 2008–09 performance cycle. These
provided more objective measurement standards in the performance management
system. The system was also comprehensively reviewed during negotiations on the
2009–10 Collective Agreement and in consultation with staff. A new performance
management system will apply from 2009–10.
238
Locally engaged staff
Locally engaged staff (LES) make a significant contribution to the effective performance
of our overseas posts. The department manages the employment of over 3080 LES, over
1500 of whom were employed on behalf of other government agencies.
The ANAO tabled a performance audit on the Employment and Management of Locally
Engaged Staff on 5 August 2008 which acknowledged the department’s effective
management of locally engaged staff. The ANAO report concluded that the department
provided sound policy and guidelines which allowed the flexibility to operate in a complex
and diverse overseas operating environment and accommodated differences in labour
law, local economic factors, currencies, work/performance norms and cultural/religious
environments. The department agreed, or agreed with qualification, with the four
recommendations made in the report, and is currently addressing them.
We managed the migration of LES records into the new departmental human resource
management information system, which will provide enhanced workforce planning
capabilities. We also provided training on LES and post management issues.
Workplace arrangements
Consistent with the Government’s workplace relations framework, we use determinations
made under section 24(1) of the Public Service Act 1999 to supplement the collective
agreement terms and conditions for non-SES staff. We also use these workplace
arrangements for new SES staff.
Locally engaged staff from a range of overseas posts participating in a Leadership and Development Program in Canberra
on 22 October 2008.
Photo: Auspic
239
SECTION 3
We reviewed the LES Better Practice Guide which provides overseas posts with
comprehensive advice on all aspects of LES employment. The guide is an important tool
for ensuring that the policy and employment conditions for LES remain current.
The department is progressively moving staff still covered by Australian Workplace
Agreements (AWAs) to section 24(1) determinations as their AWAs expire or the conditions
those AWAs provide are overtaken.
Remuneration of senior executives
SES employees on existing AWAs continued to receive a pay rise of 12 per cent over the
nominal three-year duration of these AWAs (up to June 2009). New SES staff who have
been placed on determinations made pursuant to section 24(1) of the Public Service Act
1999 received the same pay rise over the course of this financial year as those SES staff
on existing AWAs.
SECTION 3
Collective Agreement
Negotiations took place on a new Collective Agreement as the department’s existing
2006–09 certified agreement expires on 6 July 2009. A one-year agreement will come
into effect on 7 July 2009. The new agreement includes a salary package that rolls
performance bonuses into base salary, re-bases salaries against key marker agencies
and provides a salary increase of 2.8 per cent. It also provides for substantial revisions
to our performance management system and new arrangements to manage flex-time and
time-off-in-lieu provisions.
Non-salary benefits
Our staff are entitled to a range of non-salary benefits as offered by both the collective
agreement and individual workplace arrangements. These include performance-based
bonuses (see Appendix 2) and a range of flexible and family-friendly working practices.
Allowances for overseas service are a non-salary benefit available to compensate staff
posted overseas for the costs and, in some cases, the hardship conditions, associated
with a posting.
Staff welfare
We support our staff through specialist services provided by the Medical Unit, the Staff
Counselling Office and the Family Liaison Officer.
The Medical Unit provided a range of medical services to support the department and in
particular those employees and their families posted overseas. The unit managed over
75 medical evacuations (up from 70 in 2007–08), including two requiring a medical escort
on a commercial flight. We continued contingency planning and monitoring for the risk of
pandemic influenza. This planning came into effect in 2009 with H1N1 influenza. We also
managed multiple outbreaks of dengue that posed a risk to our posted staff and their
families around the world.
The Staff Counselling Office provided a comprehensive counselling, training, selection
and advisory service to the department. Over 420 Australia-based staff, their families
and locally engaged staff received counselling. Counsellors visited 25 posts and provided
support following incidents in Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.
24 0
Co r p o rat e Man ag e m e n t | F I NA NC I A L R ESO U RC ES
The staff counsellors fulfilled an important training function, conducting 27 training
sessions for staff at posts and 45 training sessions for staff in Australia on stress
management, leadership training, security and consular skills, and cultural awareness.
They assisted in selection, assessment, monitoring and support of staff at high-risk posts.
The Family Liaison Office worked with the Community Liaison Officer network at
overseas posts to provide assistance to posted employees and their families on
spouse recognition and employment, educational needs of children, cultural adjustment,
general living conditions at post and other issues. The Family Liaison Office managed
25 compassionate travel requests and provided logistical assistance to 22 medical
evacuations to Australia.
The department’s operations in Australia and overseas are underpinned by our sound and
prudent financial resource management framework. The framework includes:
• managing our internal and external financial and budgetary processes
• supporting and improving our financial management information system
• providing comprehensive and timely budgetary performance reports to the
department’s managers and senior executive and the Government
• developing and monitoring financial management, budgeting and procurement policies
• monitoring and refining a system of effective internal controls, including
financial delegations
• managing our treasury and tax functions
• managing the external financial audit process.
In the ANAO’s Interim Phase of the Audit of Financial Statements of General Government
Sector Agencies for the Year ending 30 June 2009, tabled in Parliament in June 2009, the
department was recognised for having effective internal controls in place to ensure good
financial management and a sound financial reporting framework. The ANAO found no
audit issues of a significant nature in our financial statements.
In the 2008–09 Budget, the Government provided additional funding for the department to
advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally, including:
• $61.0 million over three years towards Australia’s participation in World Expo 2010
in Shanghai
• $25.6 million over two years to continue Australia’s contribution to the international
effort to stabilise Afghanistan, bringing the total contribution to this measure to
$39.3 million over two years.
241
SECTION 3
Regular consultations with staff on occupational health and safety (OHS) issues were
held throughout the year (see Appendix 4). We delivered training modules on OHS,
workers’ compensation and rehabilitation, and continued our program of OHS briefings to
employees undertaking overseas postings and to new staff as part of orientation training.
The Government also decided to increase application fees for passports.
Through the 2008–09 Additional Estimates Budget the Government provided additional
funding as follows:
• additional $1.9 million to support efforts to promote Australia’s candidacy for a
non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2013–2014 term
• additional $3.8 million to establish the International Commission on Nuclear
Non-proliferation and Disarmament and to support future meetings and outreach
• additional $0.5 million for the initial regional consultations phase of the proposal for
an Asia Pacific community
• additional $1.6 million to progress the Government’s Pacific Engagement Strategy
SECTION 3
• additional $12.0 million to meet the ongoing construction and operational costs
associated with Australia’s pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010
• additional $1.9 million to contribute to the initial regional Bali Democracy
Forum meeting
• additional $0.3 million to meet the costs of engaging and supporting Australia’s
Special Envoy for Whale Conservation
• additional $1.2 million over four years for outreach in support of the Australian-led
international non-lethal whale research partnership in the Southern Ocean
• additional $11.6 million over four years for the appointment of a resident Ambassador
to the Holy See and the establishment of a chancery
• additional $19.4 million to fund the purchase of land for an Australian embassy in
Kabul, Afghanistan
• additional $4.9 million over four years to improve security for staff at the Australian
High Commission in Suva, Fiji
• additional $6.3 million over four years to improve security for staff at the Australian
High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan
• additional $1.4 million over four years for the department’s role in the implementation
of the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme
• additional $0.2 million for the implementation of Operation Sunlight, the Government’s
reform agenda to improve the openness and transparency of public sector budgetary
and financial management and to promote good governance practices.
Through the Updated Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the Government also provided
$26.3 million over four years to improve security for staff at the Australian High
Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan.
In 2008–09 the department paid to the Consolidated Revenue Fund a dividend of
$24.731 million from the Overseas Property Special Account ($25 million in 2007–08).
242
Review of the department’s resources
Working with the Department of Finance and Deregulation, we undertook a ‘root and
branch’ review of the adequacy of the department’s resources. The work of the review fed
into the development of the department’s 2009–10 budget.
The budget includes a range of measures which will provide increased resources for the
department to enhance its capabilities and strengthen Australia’s overseas diplomatic and
consular missions.
There have been no other developments or events since 30 June 2009 that have affected
or may significantly affect future operations or financial results of the department.
Financial management information system
Asset management
The department manages assets prudently. A rigorous capital funding process has been
implemented whereby work units must provide well-argued business cases to seek capital
funds. These are assessed twice a year by the senior executive. Concurrently, the senior
executive, in addition to receiving monthly reports, reviews the progress of previously
approved projects. Managers of high-risk capital projects submit quarterly progress reports
to the senior executive. Work areas continually review and update their asset purchasing
and disposal needs as part of a five-year asset plan.
In 2005–06, the department moved to a five-year rolling cycle for asset revaluations.
Under the rolling plan, asset classes are revalued once every five years. The only
exceptions are land and buildings, which are revalued every year. Informal reviews
and impairment testing of asset classes covered by the relevant Australian accounting
standards are conducted annually to ensure asset values are fairly stated. In 2008–09,
the artworks asset class was formally revalued under the rolling cycle.
Competitive tendering and contracting
We collaborated with the Department of Finance and Deregulation on a range of
coordinated procurement studies. The department continued to investigate possible
procurement synergies with other government agencies. This was undertaken with a
view to achieving efficiencies through streamlined procurement processes, leveraging
the purchasing scope of combined procurements and taking advantage of volume
price discounts.
We strategically reviewed our procurement policies and practices during the year. Our
involvement in performance reviews (encompassing the tendering stage and contract
management role of procurement processes) provided useful insights into current
practice. These reviews delivered recommendations, including refinement of procurement
guidelines and templates, which will improve departmental processes.
243
SECTION 3
A comprehensive business case was prepared to upgrade the financial management
information system, SAP. Work on the upgrade will be carried out over the next two
financial years. The business case incorporated significant productivity improvements and
enhanced functionality.
Personal Profile:
Yushen Cui
SECTION 3
Yushen Cui joined the department in
2006 as a Certified Practising
Accountant (CPA) in the Diplomatic
Security Information Management
and Services Division (DID). During
his time in DID, Yushen was
responsible for the financial
management of significant resources
invested by the department to
secure our missions and staff
overseas, including numerous
chancery relocation projects.
In late 2008, Yushen commenced as
a trainee under the Administrative
Development Program, undertaking
rotations across the department
to further develop his core
administrative and corporate
skills in administering Australia’s
overseas posts. Yushen is currently
undertaking his third rotation with
the consular operations team
in Canberra.
‘I am excited by the prospect of using the skills and experience I have acquired
under the Administrative Development Program in an overseas environment for the
first time, when I begin a three-year posting to Kuala Lumpur from late October 2009
as First Secretary and Consul.’
All contracts of $100 000 or more (inclusive of GST) let during the reporting period
provide for access for the Auditor-General to contractors’ premises.
Purchasing performance
Our procurement policy provides for the efficient, effective and ethical delivery of
the Government’s purchasing and procurement programs. Contractual arrangements
entered into by the department are in accordance with the principles of value for
money, encouraging competition and non-discrimination. They comply with all relevant
Commonwealth procurement policies and legislation, in particular the Commonwealth
Procurement Guidelines.
24 4
Exempt contracts
There were no contracts in excess of $10 000 or standing offers exempted from
being published in the Purchasing and Disposal Gazette (AusTender) on the basis that
publication would disclose exempt matters under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
The department engages recognised experts on an ad hoc basis both to provide specialist
expertise and where independent assessments or input are considered desirable. The
selection process for consultancy services both in Australia and at overseas posts is
consistent with the department’s broader procurement policies and the Commonwealth
Procurement Guidelines.
More information, including a summary of the department’s policy on the selection and
engagement of consultants and a list of consultancy contracts let during the year to the
value of $10 000 or more, is available at Appendix 12. Annual reports contain information
about actual expenditure on contracts for consultancies. Information on the value of
contracts and consultancies is available on the AusTender website (www.tenders.gov.au).
Overseas property—leased estate
The overseas property estate comprises Australian government-owned properties, funded
from the overseas property Special Account (see Outcome 4), and properties leased from
private landlords and funded from our appropriations.
The department’s Overseas Property Office (OPO) manages the overseas owned estate,
and also—in consultation with Corporate Management Division—has oversight of the
overseas leased estate. We lease approximately 530 properties overseas, including
chanceries, head of mission residences, staff accommodation and other facilities.
OPO’s management role in the leased estate includes responsibility for refurbishment
projects, relocation of leased chanceries and head of mission residences. Posts are
responsible for ensuring that staff accommodation meets appropriate standards, and that
tenant maintenance obligations are met and rents paid.
Properties in the overseas estate must meet functional needs and security requirements.
Staff welfare is an important aspect of managing the overseas estate. For this reason
OPO maintains an audit program of properties in both the overseas owned and leased
estates to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements, and to assist posts in
meeting compliance obligations.
Overseas leased estate projects under way, or in the planning and development stages in
2008–09, included relocation of the chanceries in Seoul (within the current commercial
office building) and Stockholm and new space in the building housing the existing
chancery in Abu Dhabi. Relocation of chanceries to new premises in Belgrade and Madrid
was completed.
245
SECTION 3
During 2008–09, 61 new consultancy contracts were entered into involving total actual
expenditure of $2 256 976. In addition, 18 ongoing consultancy contracts were active,
involving total actual expenditure of $1 063 149.
Personal Profile:
SECTION 3
Tim O’Hara
Tim O’Hara joined the department in
February 2009 as a corporate and financial
management trainee (CFMT). Tim’s first threemonth rotation was in the Australian Passport
Office, where he gained hands-on experience
in passport operations, policy, production and
fraud prevention issues. He had the
opportunity to assist with passport issues
affecting Australian citizens in Australia and
all over the world. In his second rotation in the
Consular Policy and Training Section, Tim
helped to develop consular training programs
and worked on consular policy issues in a
constantly changing international environment.
Tim also assisted in the development of an inter-departmental agreement that will
provide an improved service for some disadvantaged Australians.
The CFMT program provides an extensive range of practical experiences and
exposure in key areas of the department to develop core corporate, finance and
administrative skills. CFMTs undertake further CPA (Certified Practising Accountant)
or financial corporate management study to further develop skills and expertise.
Tim is enrolled in a Graduate Certificate of Corporate Management which will assist
him in the management of Australian missions abroad.
‘The CFMT program is a fantastic opportunity to be able to work in different areas of
the department gaining valuable skills and experiences for future roles in DFAT.’
Domestic property
We lease office accommodation for our operations in Canberra, in the state capitals, in
Darwin, Newcastle, and on Thursday Island. Tenant maintenance of the properties was
undertaken to meet functional, security and occupational health and safety requirements.
We increased our office space in the R G Casey Building to alleviate accommodation
pressures and to accommodate some passport work units that had been operating in
other premises.
The department continued its commitment to incorporating environmentally sustainable
measures in its operations. Our Environmental Management System (EMS) for the
R G Casey Building underwent review and audit in May 2009 and was re-certified as
complying with International Standard ISO 14001.
24 6
Cor p orat e Man ag e m e n t | O utlook
We completed the rolling program of security-systems upgrades in the R G Casey Building
and at state and territory offices. Further upgrades are planned to security systems so
that all state and territory offices will be monitored centrally by December 2009.
Outlook
A key corporate management and accountability challenge for 2009–10 will be the close
monitoring and review of budget expenditure. The department will focus on the efficient
roll-out of new positions overseas and in Canberra to meet increased staffing needs.
The implementation of a new one-year collective agreement will be a priority, including
introducing a revised performance management system. Negotiation of a new collective
agreement will also be required.
247
SECTION 3
We will undertake a number of initiatives to improve efficiencies, including establishing
whole-of-government coordinated procurement contracts for travel services, implementing
Visalink automated online visa applications processes, and taking transitional steps
toward cash-based budgeting.
248
APPENDIXES
Section 4
Appendixes
1 Ministerial responsibilities
2 Staffing overview
3 Agency resource statement and outcome
resource summaries
4 Occupational health and safety
5 Freedom of information
6 Inquiries by parliamentary committees
SECTION 4
7 Matters before courts and administrative tribunals
8 Ecologically sustainable development and
environmental performance
9 Purchaser–provider arrangements
10Advertising and market research
11 Grants and contributions
12Consultancy services
13List of sponsors
14Summary of the overseas network
25 0
A PPENDI X 1 . MI NIST ER I A L R ES PO NSI B I LI T I ES
Appendix 1
Ministerial responsibilities
Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Stephen Smith, MP
Mr Smith has overall responsibility for the Foreign Affairs and Trade
portfolio, including administration of the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade. He is responsible for all non-trade international
political, multilateral and legal issues (including the treaty-making
process), consular and passport functions, management of
overseas estate, and development assistance matters. In addition,
he is responsible for all human rights, arms control and
disarmament issues, peacekeeping, and the non-trade related
aspects of the UN system. Mr Smith shares responsibility for
international security and counter terrorism issues with the Minister for Defence. Mr Smith
has primary carriage of non-trade related public affairs activities and questions of
protocol. He also has responsibility for the administration of AusAID, the Australian Secret
Intelligence Service, the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office and the
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
Minister for Trade, The Hon. Simon Crean, MP
251
SECTION 4
Mr Crean is responsible for pursuing Australia’s trade and
investment interests through multilateral, regional and bilateral
trade diplomacy and negotiations. He has responsibility for
Austrade (including TradeStart, the Export Market Development
Grants Scheme and the promotion of investment in Australia) and
the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation. His multilateral
responsibilities include the World Trade Organization (WTO) and
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The
WTO covers trade in industrial and agricultural goods, services,
trade-related intellectual property rights, dispute settlement and other key issues in global
trade. Mr Crean chairs the Cairns Group of agricultural exporting countries. At the regional
level Mr Crean is actively engaged in pursuing Australia’s trade and economic interests,
including in the Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, through the ASEAN–Australia–
New Zealand FTA and through discussions to advance PACER Plus. Mr Crean’s bilateral
responsibilities cover trade and economic agreements, including FTAs, with a range of
trading partners.
Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance,
The Hon. Bob McMullan, MP
Mr McMullan supports the Minister for Foreign Affairs in
implementing Australia’s international development policy and is
responsible for the day-to-day management of issues related to the
aid program. This involves working closely with AusAID,
international development partners, other donor governments and
international organisations to advance Australia’s development
objectives. He is also responsible for raising the awareness of the
Government’s aid policies and priorities among the Australian
public through the media and public events. Mr McMullan works
closely with the Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Mr Kerr, to advance the
Pacific Partnerships for Development and other development assistance activities in
the Pacific.
SECTION 4
Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs,
The Hon. Duncan Kerr, SC MP
Mr Kerr supports the Minister for Foreign Affairs in advancing
Australia’s interests and diplomatic relations in the Pacific. As part
of this responsibility, Mr Kerr works with Pacific countries in taking
forward and building on Australia’s partnership approach to the
region based on mutual respect and mutual responsibility. Mr Kerr
works closely with the Parliamentary Secretary for International
Development Assistance, Mr McMullan, to advance the Pacific
Partnerships for Development and other development assistance
activities in the Pacific. Mr Kerr is also responsible for raising the
Australian public’s awareness of the Government’s policies and priorities in the Pacific
through the media and public events.
252
A p p e n d i x 1 . M i n i ster i al res pon s i b i l i t i es
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade,
The Hon. Anthony Byrne, MP
Mr Byrne supports the Minister for Trade in promoting and
advocating the Government’s trade and investment attraction
policy. Mr Byrne works with the Minister for Trade, the Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Austrade to implement export,
business development and investment attraction programs. He is
responsible for raising the awareness of the Government’s trade
and investment policies and priorities among the Australian public
through the media and public events. Mr Byrne represents the
Minister for Trade at trade-related functions. He also seeks to help
Australian companies capitalise on new market access opportunities resulting from
multilateral, regional and bilateral agreements, especially with respect to the ASEAN–
Australia–New Zealand FTA and the Australia–Chile FTA.
SECTION 4
253
25 4
123
163
62
98
19
4
1
0
1
6
0
0
3
APS Level 5
APS Level 6
Exec. Level 1
Exec. Level 2
Non SES Unattached**
SES Band 1
SES Band 2
SES Band 3
SES (Spec.) Band 1
SES (Spec.) Band 2
SES Unattached**
Director of Safeguards***
Secretary
Cadet
208
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
6
2
61
85
26
26
0
State Offices
Female
243
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
21
0
41
75
33
31
32
2
0
0
Overseas
669
1
0
18
2
1
1
18
0
1
4
17
45
35
125
211
86
27
69
5
3
0
Canberra
230
279
558
298
133
120
47
15
1
1
24
1
1
5
38
6
1
2226†
55
373
Note: Staffing figures are based on headcount.
† In broad terms, the rise in staff is attributable to an increase in Australian Passports Office staff (to service the growing demand for passports) and the conversion of IT contractors to ongoing positions in
implementing the APS-wide Gershon review recommendations. The additional APO staff were funded by the Passports Funding Agreement with the Department of Finance and Deregulation.
2153
1
5
70
5
1
1
18
1
1
14
48
114
143
317
514
245
224
249
111
0
71
0
40
30 June
2008
30 June
2009
Total Staff
Total Staff
*** Director of Safeguards, a statutory officer responsible to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, occupies the position of Director General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office.
294
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
20
34
0
61
86
33
17
30
0
0
0
Overseas
** Includes staff on leave without pay, on long service leave, seconded to other agencies and staff covered by the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984.
84
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
8
17
2
18
28
7
3
0
State Offices
Male
* Broadband classifications applicable to APS 1–6, Executive Levels 1–2, Cadets and Graduates are identified in Table 16 on page 258.
728
0
Medical Officer Cl. 4
Total
0
Medical Officer Cl. 3
20
76
APS Level 4
Graduate APS
15
129
APS Level 3
0
8
APS Level 1
Canberra
APS Level 2
Classification*
TABLE 8. EMPLOYEES BY CLASSIFICATION, GENDER AND LOCATION (EXCLUDING LOCALLY ENGAGED EMPLOYEES OVERSEAS)
SECTION 4
Appendix 2
Staffing overview
Ap p e n d i x 2. Staff i ng overv i ew
TABLE 9. ONGOING AND NON-ONGOING EMPLOYEES (EXCLUDING LOCALLY ENGAGED EMPLOYEES
OVERSEAS), FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME
Ongoing employees
No-ongoing employees
Total
Total
Full-time
Part-time
Full Time
2033
119
65
Part Time
30 June 2009
30 June 2008
9
2226
2153
TABLE 10. EMPLOYEES BY CATEGORIES OF EMPLOYMENT (AS DEFINED UNDER SECTION 22 AND 74 OF
THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT 1999)
Category
Ongoing employees
Non-ongoing employees
Overseas employees
(locally engaged employees)
Total
Female
Male
Total
30 June 2009
Total
30 June 2008
1132
1020
2152
2039
47
27
74
114
797
780
1577
1548
1976
1827
3803†
3701
† In broad terms the rise in staff is attributable to an increase in Australian Passports Office staff (to service the growing demand for
passports) and the conversion of IT contractors to ongoing positions in implementing the APS-wide Gershon review recommendations and
increases in locally engaged staff at posts (to support expansion of other Government agencies overseas). The additional APO staff were
funded by the Passports Funding Agreement with the Department of Finance and Deregulation, while the additional LES were funded though a
Service Level Agreement with other Government agencies.
TABLE 11. SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE BY LEVEL AND LOCATION
State Offices
Overseas
Total
30 June 2009
Total
30 June 2008
SES Band 1
64
1
22
87
86
SES Band 2
21
1
3
25
24
SES Band 3
5
0
0
5
5
SES Specialist Band 1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
Director of Safeguards*
1
0
0
1
1
Head of Mission Band 1
0
0
33
33
28
0
0
22
22
24
0
0
10
10
9
Secretary
1
0
0
1
1
24
0
0
24
18
118
2
90
210
198
SES Unattached**
Total
* Director of Safeguards, a statutory officer responsible to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, occupies the position of Director General of the
Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office.
** Includes staff on leave without pay, on long service leave, seconded to other agencies and staff covered by the Members of Parliament (Staff)
Act 1984.
255
SECTION 4
Canberra
Category
TABLE 12. SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE BY GENDER
Female
Male
Total
30 June 2009
Total
30 June 2008
SES Band 1
27
60
87
86
SES Band 2
4
21
25
24
SES Band 3
1
4
5
5
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
Category
Director of Safeguards*
0
1
1
1
14
19
33
28
5
17
22
24
0
10
10
9
Secretary
0
1
1
1
SES Unattached**
6
18
24
18
58
152
210
198
Total
* Director of Safeguards, a statutory officer responsible to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, occupies the position of Director General of the
Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office.
** Includes staff on leave without pay, on long service leave, seconded to other agencies and staff covered by the Members of Parliament (Staff)
Act 1984.
SECTION 4
TABLE 13. SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE: GAINS AND LOSSES DURING THE YEAR
Total
Commenced in the department*
24
Separated from the department
12
* Includes promotions of non-SES staff from within the department.
TABLE 14. SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE: INTER-AGENCY MOBILITY DURING THE YEAR*
Band 1
Band 2
Band 3
Total
To the department
4
2
0
6
From the department
3
0
0
3
* Includes SES staff on temporary movement to or from other agencies.
25 6
TABLE 15. EMPLOYEES BY LOCATION AND GENDER AS AT 30 JUNE 2009
Location Australiabased:
female
Australiabased:
male
Australiabased:
total
728
669
1397
Locally
engaged:
female
Locally
Locally
engaged: engaged:
male
total
Canberra
Subtotal
Overseas Post Regions
Europe
62
55
117
195
142
337
North Asia
27
41
68
124
87
211
Americas
28
42
70
95
77
172
South and South East Asia
67
84
151
228
293
521
New Zealand and the South
Pacific
26
34
60
76
78
154
Middle East and Africa
33
38
71
79
103
182
243
294
537
797
780
1577
Subtotal
Staff in state and
territory offices
Queensland
38
16
54
Victoria
50
26
76
Western Australia
25
12
37
New South Wales
70
19
89
South Australia
14
5
19
Tasmania
4
4
8
Northern Territory
7
2
9
208
84
292
1179
1047
2226
Subtotal
Total
797
780
1577
257
SECTION 4
258
1954
0
0
1954
0
300
883
652
119
No.
127,981 – 213,812
*
*
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
Salary Range ($)
AWA
175
169
169
127,981 – 213,812
111,593 – 154,369
127,981 – 133,911
*
*
n.a.
Salary Range ($)
77
34
34
43
6
31
4
2
0
No.
Section 24 (1) Determination
2206 #
203
203
2003
7
336
887
654
119
Total
# Note: This table excludes 18 staff on temporary transfer, including to the Office of the Governor-General, Parliament House and other government agencies.
*** The Secretary and the Director-General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office have not been included in the above figures as their remuneration is set by Prime Ministerial Determinations and the Remuneration
Tribunal respectively.
** Includes Executive Level 2 staff deployed to Head of Mission SES positions overseas.
6
1
5
0
0
0
No.
* Where there is a possibility that payments to individuals may be identified (i.e. five or fewer employees at a classification level) the salary range is not shown.
n.a. not applicable
Total
n.a.
Subtotal SES
n.a.
Subtotal non-SES
SES ***
n.a.
Medical Officers
65,103 – 91,198
APS Level 6-Exec. Level 1, Broadband 3
96,477 – 111,593
54,503 – 63,654
APS Level 4-5, Broadband 2
Exec. Level 2 **
37,086 – 52,545
Salary Range ($)
APS Level 1-3, Broadband 1
(includes graduates and cadets)
APS Level
Collective Agreement
TABLE 16. EMPLOYEES COVERED BY THE COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT, AUSTRALIAN WORKPLACE AGREEMENTS AND SECTION 24 (1) DETERMINATION UNDER THE PUBLIC
SERVICE ACT 1999 AS AT 30 JUNE 2009
SECTION 4
Performance pay
The Collective Agreement 2006–09 covers the terms and conditions of employment of
all non-SES Australian Public Service employees of the department employed under the
Public Service Act 1999 but does not apply to any such employees who are parties to
workplace agreements made before, on or after the date of the Collective Agreement.
Performance pay information reported in this section relates to the 2007–08 performance
appraisal cycle. Performance bonuses are paid in August (non-SES) and September (SES)
following the end of the performance cycle on 30 June. Complete information about the
2008–09 appraisal cycle is not available in time for publication in this report.
Non-SES employees who receive an appropriate rating are entitled to be paid a bonus
or (where applicable) receive a pay-point movement or in some cases a combination of
both. Members of the SES continued to be eligible for performance pay in the form of
bonuses only.
Performance assessment is on the basis of a five-point rating scale: Outstanding,
Superior, Fully Effective, Effective and Unsatisfactory. Staff are initially assessed as Fully
Effective, Effective or Unsatisfactory. All those who are assessed as being Fully Effective
are entitled to performance rewards. Additional rewards are provided to the top ten per
cent of staff (Outstanding) and the next 25 per cent of staff (Superior) according to a
comparative rating system across broadbands and work units. The same rating scale
applies to both SES and non-SES employees.
The total cash value of performance-related bonuses and pay-point movements for the
2007–08 performance cycle was $6.87 million (compared to $6.44 million for 2006–07).
This was made up of $4.4 million in bonuses and $2.47 million in pay-point movements.
The increase reflects payments made against a higher pay scale operating in 2007–08
than in 2006–07.
For non-SES employees, the cost of performance bonuses and pay-point movements was
around $5.26 million. Pay-point advancements were received by 668 non-SES employees
(40 per cent of non-SES staff) as a result of their 2007–08 performance ratings and
valued at $2.47 million. The number of employees advancing a pay point increased by
approximately six per cent from the previous year.
SES employees rated Outstanding receive a 12 per cent bonus, those rated Superior
receive a six per cent bonus, and those rated Fully Effective receive a three per cent
259
SECTION 4
Non-SES employees rated as outstanding advance one pay-point and receive a six per
cent bonus or, if they are at the top of a broadband, receive a 12 per cent bonus. Those
rated Superior advance one pay-point or, if they are at the top of a broadband, receive
a six per cent bonus. Fully Effective ratings are banked and can then be combined with
another Fully Effective rating in a following or previous year to advance a pay-point.
Employees rated Fully Effective receive a three per cent bonus if they are at the top of
a broadband. Employees rated Effective do not receive a performance-related reward.
Employees rated Unsatisfactory are subject to the underperformance provisions of the
Collective Agreement 2006–09.
bonus. SES bonuses for the 2007–08 cycle cost $1.61 million (up from $1.51 million
in 2006–07). Bonus payments ranged from $1490 (SES Band 1 employees with a
part-year three per cent bonus) to $40 769 (SES Band 3 employees with a full-year,
12 per cent bonus).
TABLE 17. PERFORMANCE BONUS PAYMENTS BY LEVEL: 2007–08 PERFORMANCE CYCLE
Number
Aggregated
amount ($’000)
Average
amount ($)
Range of
payments($)*
Non-SES
APS Level 2
4
10
2 565
863–3 560
APS Level 3
73
179
2 445
631–6 305
APS Level 4
22
79
3 582
2 378–6 540
APS Level 5
146
447
3 064
900–7 638
APS Level 6
28
119
4 233
2 069–4 870
Exec. Level 1
290
1 240
4 275
718–10 944
Exec. Level 2**
130
720
5 541
1 226–13 391
Subtotal Non-SES
693
2 794
4 031
631–13 391
Subtotal SES (including
Heads of Mission)
235
1 613
6 864
1 490–40 769
Total
928
4 407
4 749
631–40 769
SECTION 4
*Low minimum payment figures are due to the payment of pro-rata bonuses to staff who worked only part of the performance management cycle.
** Exec. Level 2 includes Medical Officers.
26 0
Appendix 3. Agency resource statement and outcome resource summaries
Appendix 3
Agency resource statement and outcome
resource summaries
Table 18. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade agency resource statement 2008–09
Special accounts
Opening balance
Appropriation receipts6
Appropriation receipts
– other agencies7
Non-appropriation receipts to
Special accounts
Payments made
Closing balance
Total resourcing & payments
Payments made
Balance
remaining
2008–09
$’000
$’000
234,916
839,311
72,216
95,117
1,241,560
0
817,301
57,901
95,117
970,319
295,584
500
63,838
9,700
369,622
1,611,182
279,595
459
63,631
8,257
351,942
1,322,261
75,476
44,056
119,532
21,463
44,056
65,519
0
0
119,532
1,730,714
0
0
65,519
1,387,780
215,585
136,143
18,634
148,183
1,730,714
1,388,364
40,656
584
584
234,916
22,010
14,315
0
271,241
262,835
1
2
3
4
Balance carried from previous year for Annual Appropriations.
Appropriation Act (No.1) 2008–09 and Appropriation Act (No.3) 2008–09.
Appropriation Act (No.1) s 16 and FMA Act s 30.
Amounts under the item ‘Payments to CAC Act bodies’ disclose the gross cash payments reported by DFAT for transactions on the EFIC
National Interest Account. DFAT receives appropriation under Outcome 1 to make payments to EFIC for certain transactions on the NIA.
5 Appropriation Act (No.2) 2008–09 and Appropriation Act (No.4) 2008–09.
6 Appropriation receipts from DFAT’s annual and special appropriations for 2008–09.
7 Appropriation receipts from other agencies credited to DFAT’s special accounts.
Reader note: All figures are GST exclusive.
261
SECTION 4
Ordinary annual services
Departmental appropriation
Prior year departmental appropriation1
Departmental appropriation2
s.31 Relevant agency receipts
Other3
Total
Administered expenses
Outcome 1
Outcome 2
Outcome 3
Payments to CAC Act bodies4
Total
Total ordinary annual services
Other services5
Departmental non-operating
Equity injections
Previous years’ outputs
Total
Administered non-operating
Administered assets and liabilities
Total
Total other services
Total available annual appropriations
Special appropriations
Special appropriations limited by amount
Special appropriation FMA Act, 1997 s28
Total special appropriations
Actual
available
appropriation
for 2008–09
$’000
TABLE 19. TOTAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR OUTCOME 1
Outcome 1: Australia’s national interests protected and advanced
through contributions to international security, national economic
and trade performance and global cooperation
Departmental Outputs: Outcome 1
Output 1.1: Protection and advocacy of Australia’s international
interests through the provision of policy advice to ministers and
overseas diplomatic activity
Departmental Outputs
Revenues from Government
Revenues from other sources (s.31)
Subtotal for Output 1.1
Output 1.2: Secure government communications and security of
overseas missions
SECTION 4
Output 1.3: Services to other agencies in Australia and overseas
(including Parliament, state representatives, business and other
organisations)
Output 1.4: Services to diplomatic and consular representatives in
Australia
Total Departmental Resources—Outcome 1
Administered Items—Outcome 1
Payments to International Organisations
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation ^
Other**
Special Accounts
Australia–France Endowment Special Account—FMA Act 1997 s20
Appropriation receipts
Non-Appropriation receipts to Special Accounts
Total for Administered Items—Outcome 1
Total Resources—Outcome 1
Average staffing level (number)
Australia-based staff
Locally engaged employees overseas
Budget*
2008–09
$’000
366,986
21,171
388,157
97,197
10,951
108,148
70,677
15,725
86,402
3,290
180
3,470
586,177
292,600
9,300
3,336
53
0
305,289
891,466
Budget
2008–09
2,059
1,135
924
Actual
Expenses
2008–09
$’000
Variation
$’000
326,611
34,980
361,591
40,375
–13,809
26,566
111,588
11,951
123,539
–14,391
–1,000
–15,391
83,379
8,930
92,309
–12,702
6,795
–5,907
3,893
417
4,310
–603
–237
–840
581,749
4,428
290,130
13,611
11,545
2,470
–4,311
–8,209
49
0
315,335
4
0
–10,046
897,084
–5,618
Actual
2008–09
2,150
1,156
994
* Full-year budget, including any subsequent adjustment made to the 2008–09 Budget
^ Expenses recognised against the item Export Finance and Insurance Corporation include non-cash expense items such as unrealised foreign
exchange losses which are not included in the Budget forecasts.
** Expenses recognised against the item Administered Outcome 1 Other include expense items such as unrealised foreign exchange loss and
non-cash actuarial expenses arising from revaluation of foreign pension scheme liabilities which are not included in the Budget forecasts.
262
APPENDIX 3. AGENCY RESOURCE STATEMENT AND OUTCOME RESOURCE SUMMARIES
Outcome 2: Australians informed about and provided access to
consular and passport services in Australia and overseas
Administered Items—Outcome 2
Consular Services
Special Appropriations:
Special Appropriation FMA Act, 1997 s28 (A)
Total resources for Outcome 2
Budget*
2008–09
$’000
245,188
0
245,188
500
500
1,000
246,188
246,188
Budget
2008–09
954
611
343
Actual
Expenses
2008–09
$’000
Variation
$’000
173,639
0
173,639
71,549
0
71,549
501
–1
571
1,072
–71
–72
174,711
71,477
174,711
71,477
Actual
2008–09
994
626
368
* Full-year budget, including any subsequent adjustment made to the 2008–09 Budget.
SECTION 4
26 3
Outcome 3: Public understanding in Australia and overseas
of Australia’s foreign and trade policy and a positive image of
Australia internationally
2008–09
$’000
55,973
731
56,704
18,831
40,266
10,000
Actual
Expenses
2008–09
$’000
Variation
$’000
56,972
934
57,906
–999
–203
–1,202
18,823
8
42,841
0
–2,575
10,000
50,266
42,841
7,425
4,741
4,722
19
66,386
7,452
73,838
130,542
124,292
6,250
Budget
2008–09
466
266
200
Actual
2008–09
487
272
215
Administered Items: Outcome 3
Australia Network
Shanghai World Expo 2010—Australian participation
Expositions Special Accounts—FMA Act 1997 s20
Revenues from Government **
Revenues from other sources
Subtotal for Shanghai World Expo 2010—Australian
participation
Grants
SECTION 4
Budget*
** Expenses reported against the item Administered Outcome 3 Expositions special account include expenses accrued and which did not require
cash appropriation in 2008–09.
26 4
APPENDIX 3. AGENCY RESOURCE STATEMENT AND OUTCOME RESOURCE SUMMARIES
Outcome 4: Efficient management of the Commonwealth overseas
owned estate
Output 4.1: Property Management
Special Accounts
Special Account Overseas Property Account—Finance determination
2002-01 (D)
Revenues from other sources **
Output 4.2: Contract Management
Special Accounts
Special Account Overseas Property Account—Finance determination
2002-01 (D)
Revenues from other sources
Budget*
2008–09
$’000
65,704
65,704
0
0
0
65,704
Budget
2008–09
28
28
0
Actual
Expenses
2008–09
$’000
Variation
$’000
65,163
65,163
541
541
0
0
0
0
0
0
65,163
541
Actual
2008–09
24
24
0
265
SECTION 4
** Represents budgeted and actual expenses associated with the Overseas Property Special Account, for full details of the Overseas Property
Special Account see Note 27 of the Financial Statements.
Appendix 4
Occupational health and safety
Information in this appendix is provided in accordance with Section 74 of the Occupational
Health and Safety Act 1991 (the OHS Act).
Health and safety management arrangements
The department attaches a high priority to the wellbeing of its employees and is
committed to facilitating an organisational culture that actively seeks to improve work
practices and to foster attitudes which sustain healthy and safe work environments.
The department’s Health & Safety Management Arrangements (HSMA) provide the
structural framework within which OHS is managed in the department and include the
responsibilities of management, supervisors, employees and their representatives.
SECTION 4
OHS Committees
The department’s Workplace Relations Committee (WRC) OHS Sub-Committee meets
every three months. It represents the collective interests of the employer, employees,
contractors, clients and visitors. All sub-Committee business decisions are referred to the
Workplace Relations Committee for endorsement and/or acknowledgement. OHS forums
also operate in state and territory offices and at overseas posts. They help to facilitate
cooperation on OHS matters between management and employees and assist in the
dissemination of health and safety information.
Health and safety representatives
In Canberra, there are 32 designated work groups with, at present, 31 elected or
nominated health and safety representatives. Each overseas post and state and territory
office is also a designated work group.
Health and safety of employees and contractors
The OHS/rehabilitation case manager is located in the Remuneration and Post
Management Branch. A key purpose of the position is to provide policy and procedural
advice to senior management to ensure that the department’s OHS management systems
comply with its obligations under the Act. The case manager liaises with the department’s
Medical Unit, the Staff Counselling Office, personnel and property managers and IT staff
to promote a safe and healthy workplace. The case manager maintains regular contact
with staff responsible for occupational health and safety at overseas posts. The potential
Comcare client group includes all APS employees located in Australia and overseas and
thirty-nine percent of locally engaged staff at overseas posts. The case manager is also
available to assist staff not covered by Comcare, including locally engaged staff covered
under overseas insurance arrangements and contract employees.
26 6
A p p e n d ix 4. O ccupat i onal healt h and safety
Measures taken during the year to ensure the health, safety
and welfare at work of employees and contractors
The Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator provided briefings to new employees
about occupational health and safety arrangements. Before commencing overseas
postings, senior staff responsible for post administration were briefed on their
whole‑of‑government occupational health and safety responsibilities.
The OHS/rehabilitation case manager arranged for external ergonomic consultants to
undertake 141 workstation assessments for employees experiencing discomfort at
their work place. The department continued to provide first aid training and maintain a
register of first aid trained staff on the department’s intranet. This includes 121 staff
in Canberra and 170 staff in state and territory offices and overseas posts. Health and
safety awareness messages (throughout Australia and overseas) were conveyed through
the department’s SATIN Low network. Other measures included employer-subsidised
eyesight testing for screen-based work and training for fire wardens and Health and Safety
representatives. The department offered influenza vaccinations to employees covered by
the 2006–2009 Collective Agreement.
Seventy-three OHS incidents were reported to the OHS/rehabilitation case manager in
accordance with the department’s incident notification and reporting procedures. Relevant
remedial action was undertaken to eliminate or minimise recurrences.
Reporting requirements under the Act
SECTION 4
One incident was reported to Comcare under section 68 of the Act.
No directions were given to the department under section 45 of the Act.
No notices were issued under section 29, section 46 or section 47 of the Act.
There were no investigations conducted.
267
Table 23. Occupational health and safety statistics
Total departmental staff covered by Comcare
(includes employees located in Australia,
Australia‑based employees overseas and, where
applicable, locally engaged staff)
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
2 491
2 577
2 704
Number of claims accepted by Comcare:
−
falls, trips and slips
9
3
1
−
being hit by a moving object
1
1
2
−
body stressing
6
6
4
−
heat/chemical, biological or other substances
0
2
0
−
mental stress
0
1
1
−
other
3
0
0
Total
Average cost of compensation claims to date*
Departmental premium for Comcare coverage
(as a percentage of total departmental wages and
salaries) as at 30 June 2009**
19
13
8
$17 057
$14 393
$2 312
0.70
0.52
0.66
* Based on customer information data compiled by Comcare as at 30 June 2009; covers cost of sick leave taken and all hospital/medical/
pharmaceutical costs. These figures are represented in the year the injury or illness occurred and can change from year to year as additional
claims are lodged or costs incurred.
SECTION 4
** The Comcare coverage premium for current and previous years is reviewed annually by Comcare based on the changes during the year in the
number of claims and the average cost of all claims relating to injury or illness.
26 8
A p p e n d i x 5. F reedo m of i nfor m ati on
Appendix 5
Freedom of information
This statement is provided in accordance with section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act
1982 and is correct to 30 June 2009. It covers:
• the functions, organisation and powers of the department
• access to records under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
• access to records under the Archives Act 1983
• outside participation
• categories of documents
• registers of Australian births overseas
• documents for sale and free of charge.
Functions, organisation and powers
Access to records under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 extends the right to obtain access to documents in
the Government’s possession. Access is limited only by exemptions that protect essential
public interests and the private and business affairs of people about whom departments
and statutory authorities collect and hold information.
Members of the public seeking access to documents should lodge a formal Freedom of
Information request. This must be made in writing, be accompanied by the $30 application
fee, and include a telephone number, a fax number (if available) and an address within
Australia to which notifications are to be addressed. Requests should be sent to:
Director, Freedom of Information Section
R G Casey Building
John McEwen Crescent
Barton ACT 0221
Tel: (02) 6261 3775
Fax: (02) 6261 2144
269
SECTION 4
The broad functions of the department are described in the departmental overview in
section 1 of this report. A chart showing the department’s senior executive structure
as at 30 June 2009 appears on page 17. Further information on the organisation of
the department can be found in Section 3: Corporate Management and Accountability.
Legislation administered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for
Trade is published in the Administrative Arrangements Order, which is available at
http://www.pmc.gov.au/parliamentary/docs/aao_july_2008.rtf
The department’s state and territory offices can also be contacted for this purpose
(see inside back cover of this annual report for contact details).
Decisions on granting access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
are generally made by the departmental Senior Executive Service member responsible for
the work area to which the request relates.
The department levies the applicable fees and charges imposed under the Freedom of
Information Regulations (Fees and Charges). Such fees and charges may be remitted,
reduced or not imposed for any reason, including if grounds of financial hardship or
general public interest can be established. Further advice regarding fees and charges may
be obtained from the department’s FOI Section.
Access to records under the Archives Act 1983
Records more than 30 years old are available for public access under the Archives Act
1983, except for information that falls into an exempted category. Archival records are not
subject to the Privacy Act 1988 and most exemptions in departmental records relate to
intelligence, security, defence or international relations sensitivities. Records are mostly
held by the National Archives of Australia.
SECTION 4
Applications for access under the Archives Act 1983 should be addressed to:
Director, National Reference Service
National Archives of Australia
PO Box 7425
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610
Tel: (02) 6212 3900 or 1300 886 881 (within Australia)
The Archives Act 1983 also allows the department to grant approved individuals special
access to records not generally available to the public. Inquiries about eligibility for special
access or information on departmental history should be addressed to:
Director, Historical Publications and Information Section
R G Casey Building
John McEwen Crescent
Barton ACT 0221
Tel: (02) 6261 1422
Fax: (02) 6261 1445
The department publishes a comprehensive range of public information on our website at
http://www.dfat.gov.au/.
See Outcome 3 for further information on the department’s processing of FOI and archival
access examination requests.
270
Outside participation
Members of the public are able to write to portfolio ministers about the range of policy
and other matters dealt with by the department.
The department is open to the views of outside organisations and provides opportunities
for members of the community to contribute to developing aspects of Australia’s
international relations through:
Representation on
various bodies
• Australia–China Council
• Australia–France Foundation (whose director is located
in the Australian embassy in Paris)
• Australia–India Council
• Australia–Indonesia Institute
• Australia International Cultural Council
• Australia–Japan Foundation
• Australia–Korea Foundation
• Australia–Malaysia Institute
• Australian National Commission for UNESCO
• Australia–New Zealand Leadership Forum
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• Australia–Thailand Institute
• Council for Australian–Arab Relations
• Council on Australia Latin America Relations
• National Consultative Committee on International
Security Issues
Consultations regarding
Australia’s multilateral,
regional and bilateral
trade negotiations
• state and territory governments
• industry associations, peak bodies and organisations
• companies and business people
• non-government organisations and public interest and
community groups
• academic institutions
• individuals seeking consultation
• individuals or groups responding to calls for
public submissions
• statutory authorities
271
development and
prosecution of Australia’s
approach to dispute
settlement cases and
issues in the WTO through
the department’s WTO
disputes inquiry point
Formal arrangements
for consultations with
interested bodies on
trade-related matters
• ASEAN Free Trade Area–Australia–New Zealand Closer
Economic Relations (AFTA–CER) Business Council
• other groups and individuals seeking consultation
• statutory authorities
• Intellectual Property Consultative Group
• Horticultural Market Access Committee
Australian participation in
international expositions
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Consultation on Australia’s
policy approach to the
Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) forum
• APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC)
Consultation on security in
the Asia-Pacific region
• academic community
Consultation in preparation
of Economic Analytical
Unit reports
• academic community
• Australian Chapter of the Pacific Economic Cooperation
Committee (PECC)
• foreign and strategic policy institutions
(The Economic Analytical Unit’s final report was
published in 2008)
Business relations
programs operated by the
department’s state and
territory offices
272
• identified interest groups and stakeholders within each
state and territory
Consultation on Australia’s
position in the Indian
Ocean Rim
• Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group (IORAG)
• Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation
(IOR–ARC)
• Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum (IORBF)
Liaison regarding
agriculture, industrial
products and services
• Commonwealth agencies with relevant
technical competencies
• Industry associations, peak bodies and organisations
Consultations concerning
negotiations affecting
specific multilateral
environment treaties
• environmental organisations
Consultations on
biosecurity issues
• National Consultative Group on Biosecurity Issues
Regular exchanges
of views
• Amnesty International and other human
rights organisations
• United Nations Association of Australia
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Consultations
on international
humanitarian law
• Australian Red Cross
Consultations on
Antarctica
• tourism companies
UN sanctions
• industry and business associations, peak bodies and
organisations/other groups
the freezing of
terrorist assets
• Australia’s financial sector
• International Committee of the Red Cross
• non-government organisations
Consultation with bodies on • Australian Federation of Travel Agents and other peak
travel industry bodies
promoting awareness and
use of the department’s
• smartraveller Consultative Group
travel advisories
273
Categories of documents
Documents are captured, managed and maintained in accordance with the department’s
recordkeeping policy. Documents not needed for current business are transferred into
archival custody or destroyed in accordance with an authorised disposal schedule.
Australia’s overseas posts have documentary holdings of their own, which may parallel or
complement those the department holds in Canberra and in state and territory offices.
The department has extensive documentary holdings including:
Documents relating
to relations and
communications with
foreign governments,
the United Nations,
United Nations agencies
and other international
organisations
• briefs for Australian delegations and ministers
visiting overseas
• cables, minutes, memorandums, file notes and emails
• discretionary grants program annual review papers
• documents and database records relating to foreign
diplomatic and consular missions, international
organisations and personnel in Australia
• documents and database records relating to visa
applications referred for clearance under Public Interest
Criteria 4003 of the Migration Regulations
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• documents received from foreign governments, including
notes verbale and aides-mémoire
• documents received from the UN, UN agencies and
other international organisations, including notes verbale
• documents relating to human rights
• documents relating to international environment policy
and programs
• programs for ministers visiting overseas
• reports on meetings and conferences
• submissions to portfolio ministers and senior officers
• texts of speeches and press statements on foreign
affairs and trade
Documents relating
to the administration
of UN sanction
enforcement laws
• applications for permits under UN sanction enforcement
laws and associated documents
• documents and written information produced under
s30 of the Charter of the UN Act
• other correspondence and inquiries relating to the
implementation of UN sanctions in Australia
274
Documents relating
to treaties
• arrangements of less-than-treaty status
• Australian treaty collection
• database of all treaties to which Australia is a party
and related metadata including access to texts via the
electronic Australian Treaties Library maintained by the
Australasian Legal Information Institute
• documents and databases relating to multilateral and
bilateral treaties and arrangements
• national interest analyses on treaties submitted to
Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties
Documents relating to
multilateral, regional and
bilateral trade policy,
including negotiations for
trade agreements and the
World Trade Organization
• briefs for Australian delegations and ministers
visiting overseas
• draft agreements and negotiating texts
• official WTO documents, including reports, meeting
agendas, declarations, statements and technical
working papers
• texts of speeches and press statements on trade issues
• reports and papers analysing the impact of trade
liberalisation and other aspects of trade policy
• submissions from stakeholders
• documents received from foreign governments
• statistical trade data
275
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• reports on meetings and conferences
international security
issues, including
disarmament, arms
control and nuclear
non-proliferation
• Australian and foreign intelligence community documents
• documents and database records relating to
international counter-terrorism cooperation
implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
(Safeguards) Act 1987, the Chemical Weapons
(Prohibition) Act 1994 and the Comprehensive Nuclear
Test-Ban Treaty Act 1998
• texts of speeches and press statements on foreign
affairs and trade
• reports and strategic policy papers analysing crosscutting global, political and strategic issues
Documents relating
to public diplomacy,
including information and
cultural programs
• documents relating to cultural promotion activities and
visits programs
• documents relating to international expositions
SECTION 4
• documents relating to public diplomacy and advocacy
• public information materials projecting Australia and its
policies overseas on film, video cassette, radio tape,
CD, slide, DVD and written forms
Documents relating to the
history of the portfolio
276
• publications register
• research papers and drafts of manuscripts and related
material compiled to inform authors and editors
preparing material for publication in stand-alone
publications and/or series papers (note: publications are
available for purchase from the department’s website
at: www.dfat.gov.au/publications. Draft manuscripts may
also be held by the National Archives of Australia and
other research institutes.)
• documents on fraud investigations
passports and secure travel
• documents related to seizure of foreign passports under
identification
the Foreign Passports (Law Enforcement and Security)
Act 2005
• records of passport issue details, electronic record of
passport applications and relevant attachments
• working files, including passport case files and case
management databases, and correspondence related to
issuing passports and other travel documentation under
the Australian Passports Act 2005
provision of consular
services to Australian
citizens abroad
• emergency task force papers
Documents relating
to overseas property
management
• documents relating to overseas property management,
including maintenance records, leasing and security
personnel management
• information on employment histories and
biographical details
• working files, including consular case files and case
management databases and correspondence
• documents and databases relating to staff employed
overseas (locally engaged staff), their salaries,
conditions, classifications and numbers
• personal security files on security-cleared personnel
• records of travel, removals and storage
• training material in various forms
277
SECTION 4
• documents and databases relating to human resources
management including personnel records and
documents on personnel planning, conditions of service,
career development counselling, discipline, reviews
undertaken pursuant to section 33 of the Public Service
Act 1999 and termination matters
financial management
procurement and contract management including
resumes and contracts for contractors/consultants
• documents and databases relating to budget resources
management and property and accommodation matters
within Australia
• documents relating to funding, financial operations,
debtors and payment of claims in Australia and overseas
• financial and expenditure records
internal departmental
administration
• documents and databases relating to the design,
implementation and operation of the department’s
electronic business systems
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• documents on personnel security, physical and
protective security, funding of protective security
measures, post inspection reports, technical and
information technology security, and contingency plans
in relation to the department’s operations abroad and
in Australia
• internal procedures and instructions including sets of
administrative circulars and master sets of DFATNEWS,
an internal departmental bulletin
parliamentary services
• ad hoc reports on overseas official travel by federal and
state members of parliament
• briefings for ministers on possible parliamentary
questions, records of appearances by departmental
officers before the Joint Standing Committee on
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and other
parliamentary committees
• Cabinet submissions and decisions
• Federal Executive Council minutes and accompanying
documentation
• ministerial correspondence
• Portfolio Budget Statements and Portfolio Additional
Estimates Statements
legal matters
278
• documents and database records relating to litigation,
legal advice, international legal process, FOI,
Ombudsman and Privacy Act 1988 matters
the Export Finance and
Insurance Corporation
Act 1991
• documents and database records related to policy and
transactional issues under the Export Finance and
Insurance Corporation Act 1991 (note: EFIC’s activities
under parts 4 and 5 of the Act are exempt from the
Freedom of Information Act 1982)
Registers of Australian births overseas
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) records details of Australians born
overseas. People may seek extracts from the registers through that department. Consular
officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade performing functions under the
Australian Citizenship Act 2007 at Australian overseas posts also maintain registers of
Australians born overseas. Although data entered in our registers are regularly notified to
DIAC, the registers themselves are held at the posts concerned. People may request and
obtain extracts from the relevant posts.
Documents for sale and free of charge
A range of documents, including the department’s annual report, are available either
for purchase or free-of-charge from the department. Many documents are presented in
electronic form on the publicly accessible websites maintained by the department at
http://www.dfat.gov.au/ and at http://www.dfat.gov.au/publications/.
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279
Appendix 6
Inquiries by parliamentary committees
During the review period, the department provided submissions and/or gave evidence to
the following parliamentary committees.
Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
• Supplementary Estimates 2008–09, hearing held on 23 October 2008
• Additional Estimates 2008–09, hearing held on 26 February 2009
• Budget Estimates 2009–10, hearings held on 1 and 2 June 2009
• Inquiry into the economic and security challenges facing Papua New Guinea and
the island states of the southwest Pacific, hearings held on 25 September and
21 November 2008
Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
• Inquiry into Australia’s relations with ASEAN, hearings held on 12 and
22 September 2008 and 16 March 2009
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• Inquiry into Human Rights Mechanisms and the Asia Pacific, submission only
Standing Committee on Public Works
• Construction of the Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 China,
hearing held 6 August 2008
Standing Committee on Petitions
Departmental officers appeared before the Standing Committee on Petitions in respect of
the following petitions.
The department appeared on 1 September 2008 in respect of petitions concerning:
• Bangladesh Liberation War
• Cluster Munitions
• Child soldiers in Uganda, Sudan, Somalia and Algeria
• Middle East
• Australia’s involvement in Iraq
The department appeared on 27 May 2009 in respect of petitions concerning:
• Death of Mr Renerio Arrogante
• Human rights in Sri Lanka
28 0
A p p e n d ix 6 . Inqu i r i es by parl i a m entary co m m i ttees
• Whaling
• Social security agreement between Australia and the Philippines
• Iraqi Christians
• Millennium Development Goals
• Conflict in Gaza
• Death penalty in Iran
• Gaza strip
Joint Standing Committee on Treaties
Departmental officers appeared before the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties in
respect of proposed treaty actions.
The department appeared on 25 August 2008 in respect of:
• Australia–Chile Free Trade Agreement
• Headquarters Agreement between Australia and the Secretariat to the Agreement on
the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels
• Agreement with the United Arab Emirates on Defence Cooperation
The department appeared on 1 September 2008 in respect of:
• Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
• Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women
• Agreement with the European Union on Certain Aspects of Air Services
• Agreement with the French Republic Regarding Defence Cooperation and Status
of Forces
• Agreement with the European Union on the Processing and Transfer of European
Union–Sourced Passenger Name Record Data by Air Carriers to the Australian Customs
Service done at Brussels, 30 June 2008
The department appeared on 13 October 2008 in respect of:
• Australia–Chile Free Trade Agreement
• Partial Revision of the 2004 Radio Regulations, as incorporated in the International
Telecommunications Union Final Acts of the World Radio Communication Conference
(WRC-07), done at Geneva on 16 November 2007
281
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• Agreement with the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Use of Nuclear Energy
for Peaceful Purposes
• Agreement with WIPO in relation to the functioning of the Australian Patent office as
an International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority
under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, to be done at Geneva during December 2008
The department appeared on 10 November 2008 in respect of:
• Agreement with Finland on Social Security
• Kyoto Protocol
The department appeared on 24 November 2008 in respect of:
• Kyoto Protocol
The department appeared on 23 February 2009 in respect of:
• Agreement between the Government of Australia and the North Atlantic Treaty
Organisation on the Security of Information, New York, 26 September 2007
• Amendment, Adopted 17 November 2008, to Annex I of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) International Convention
Against Doping in Sport of 19 October 2005
• Amendment, Adopted 17 November 2008, to Annex II of UNESCO International
Convention Against Doping in Sport of 19 October 2005
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• Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
New York, 13 December 2006
• Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the
British Virgin Islands for the Exchange of Information Relating to Taxes (London,
27 October 2008)
• Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the British
Virgin Islands for the Allocation of Taxing Rights with Respect to Certain Income of
Individuals (London, 27 October 2008)
The department appeared on 16 March 2009 in respect of:
• Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions
(Paris, 20 October 2005)
• Agreement between Australia and the European Community on Trade in Wine
(Brussels, 1 December 2008)
The department appeared on 11 May 2009 in respect of:
• Agreement between the Australia and the Government of the Isle of Man on the
Exchange of Information with Respect to Taxes
• Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the
Isle of Man for the Allocation of Taxing Rights with Respect to Certain Income of
Individuals and to Establish a Mutual Agreement Procedure in Respect of Transfer
Pricing Adjustments
• Inquiry into Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament
282
A p p e n d ix 6 . Inqu i r i es by parl i a m entary co m m i ttees
The department appeared on 29 May 2009 in respect of:
• Treaty between Australia and ASEAN, New Zealand Free Trade Agreement
The department appeared on 15 June 2009 in respect of:
• Agreement on Employment of the Spouses and Dependants of Diplomatic and
Consular Personnel between Australia and the Portuguese Republic
• Convention on Cluster Munitions
The department appeared on 22 June 2009 in respect of:
• Agreement between Australia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam concerning the
Transfer of Sentenced Persons
• Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Briefings provided to parliamentary committees
The department provided private briefings to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign
Affairs Defence and Trade on:
• Sri Lanka on 28 August 2008
• Status of the Doha Round on 24 September 2008
• Human rights situation in the Western Sahara on 16 October 2008.
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283
Appendix 7
Matters before courts and administrative tribunals
During the year the department was involved in the following matters before courts and
administrative tribunals.
Courts
• The department is assisting an inquiry by the Coroner’s Court of Victoria into the
death of an Australian overseas.
• We are pursuing costs awarded in the department’s favour in two matters and have
recovered costs in relation to a further matter.
• The department is involved in a Federal Court action brought against the
Commonwealth alleging that the Commonwealth was complicit in the maltreatment of
an Australian overseas.
• Departmental officers have provided evidence in two separate criminal trials in the
Supreme Court of Victoria.
• The department is involved in a claim for costs relating to a decision made in respect
of an employee’s claim for unfair dismissal.
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• The department is defending an action challenging the cancellation of a visa.
• The department was involved in a Federal Court appeal of an Administrative Appeals
Tribunals (AAT) decision relating to a passport, which was upheld. An Application for
Special Leave to Appeal has been lodged with the High Court of Australia.
• The department instigated proceedings relating to a determination of the value of rent
for office space at departmental premises.
• The department is defending a claim for damages initiated by an Australian citizen
living overseas.
• We are involved in a Federal Court action brought against the Commonwealth alleging
that the Commonwealth refused to take action for a number of crimes allegedly
committed by Australians overseas.
• The department has been involved in three actions brought by Falun Gong practitioners
against Chinese officials.
• The department is involved in two employment actions in overseas courts brought by
two former locally engaged staff members.
• We are opposing appeals with respect to employment actions brought in a foreign
court by two former locally engaged staff members, and settled one such employment
action in another foreign court.
28 4
Appe n d ix 7. Matters before courts and adm i n i strat i ve tri bunal s
• The department is opposing an appeal in a medical compensation claim brought by a
former locally engaged staff member at an overseas post.
• The department successfully defended an application in an overseas court by
an unsuccessful visa applicant, with costs awarded against the applicant. The
department, through our overseas post, is assisting DIAC in recovery of those costs.
• A claim for unlawful dismissal in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission was
discontinued after the applicant withdrew his action.
• We are involved in a claim for reinstatement by a former household staff member of a
departmental officer at an overseas post.
• The department is involved (as a non-party) in an appeal brought by a former employee
at an overseas post against the decision of the local Labour Inspector. The outcome,
favourable for the department, has been appealed by the former employee.
• The department is defending claims for unfair dismissal brought by former employees
following redundancies at an overseas post.
• A claim for reinstatement made by a former employee at an overseas post following
termination of employment was settled (without reinstatement) following a hearing in
the local Labour Court.
• The department is opposing an appeal by a claimant against the decision of a foreign
court rejecting a claim against the department for alleged loss of a passport.
• The department is defending a claim involving the sale of a motor vehicle at an
overseas post.
• We are involved in proceedings for fraud against a former employee at an
overseas post.
• The department is defending an action in an overseas court regarding a car accident
involving an Australian Embassy vehicle.
• The department has been involved in a series of actions brought in another country
for damages relating to alleged child abduction in Australia. The actions have been
dismissed by the overseas courts but the applicant continues to seek a review of
his appeal.
• We are defending two personal injuries claims arising out of incidents at two overseas
posts, and have settled another such claim at another overseas post.
• We continue to comply with discovery, subpoena and other document production
obligations in a range of matters, including matters brought against the Commonwealth
and other Australian Government agencies.
• The department is regularly involved in the service of documents through the
diplomatic channel relating to private litigation brought overseas and in Australia,
and from time to time in the service of documents on foreign governments under the
Foreign States Immunities Act 1985.
285
SECTION 4
• The department is awaiting a decision in a breach of contract case brought against an
overseas post.
Tribunals
• The department continued to be involved in applications before the Administrative
Appeals Tribunals (AAT) concerning passports matters. During the year three
applications for review were dismissed and two were withdrawn. At the end of the
financial year there were four active applications before the AAT for review of passport
decisions. Nine applications were on hold or adjourned.
• A decision of the AAT upholding the Minister’s decision to issue a child’s passport was
appealed to the Federal Court. The Court dismissed the appeal.
• A decision of the AAT which upheld the Minister’s decision to cancel a passport was
appealed to the Federal Court. The Court decided in favour of the Minister.
• A person sought review in the Federal Court of an AAT decision affirming the Minister’s
decision to refuse to issue a passport. The matter was settled.
• A small claim in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal against the department as
Second Respondent was dismissed by consent.
• The department was involved in an AAT review (subsequently withdrawn) of a National
Archives of Australia decision not to release certain documents, including some
Departmental cables.
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• The department was involved in an AAT review of a departmental decision to refuse
access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
• The department is involved in an AAT review of a departmental decision to release
documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
• The department is the respondent in a number of applications to the AAT in relation to
decisions made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
• A complaint was made against the department to the Anti-Discrimination Board of
New South Wales for discrimination in relation to the handling of the claimant’s
application for an Australian passport. The complaint was settled.
• A claim was made against the department to the Australian Human Rights
Commission for discrimination and breach of the applicant’s human rights in relation
to the handling of the claimant’s application for an Australian passport. The complaint
is still in the conciliation phase.
• A complaint was made against the department to the then Human Rights and Equal
Opportunity Commission. The complaint alleged that a passports-related policy was a
breach of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
28 6
A PPENDIX 8. ecolog i cally S U STA I NA B LE D EV ELO PM ENT
Appendix 8
Ecologically sustainable development and
environmental performance
This appendix comprises the department’s report on its ecologically sustainable
development (ESD) and environmental performance as required by section 516A of the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
How the activities of the department, and the administration of legislation
by the department, accorded with the ESD principles
The department has sought to ensure that, where possible, its policy activities and
other operations have accorded with and enacted ESD principles. It has pursued these
principles through a variety of activities including its work on multilateral environment
agreements, international legal frameworks and trade policy. These principles were
also applied in the provision of development assistance (see Volume 2) and in the
department’s public diplomacy.
How the department’s outcomes contributed to ESD
Outcome 1 – Australia’s national interests protected and advanced through
The department contributed to ESD through participation in international negotiations
across a range of policy areas related to the environment and sustainable development.
Outcome 2 – Australians informed about and provided access to consular and passport
The N Series Passport, launched in May 2009, uses Australian Paper’s 100 percent
carbon neutral ENVI paper range, which is Greenhouse Friendly as certified by the
Department of Climate Change.
Outcome 3 – Public understanding in Australia and overseas of Australia’s foreign and
trade policy and a positive image of Australia internationally
The department’s Direct Aid Program supported modest, practical aid programs overseas,
some of which contributed to ESD. We supported Clean up the World and Earth Hour
campaigns in a number of overseas locations through the public diplomacy programs of
our posts.
Outcome 4 – Efficient management of the Commonwealth overseas owned estate
The department contributed to ESD in its management of the overseas estate.
287
SECTION 4
contributions to international security, national economic and trade performance and
global cooperation
Effect of the department’s activities on the environment
The department’s operations in Canberra, our overseas posts and state and territory
offices have a range of impacts on the environment. Measures to address these impacts
are outlined below.
Measures being taken by the department to minimise the impact of its
activities on the environment
The department retained certification for its Environmental Management System (EMS) for
its activities in the R G Casey Building. On 12–13 May 2009, the department’s accredited
external EMS auditor conducted a full re-certification audit against the international
standard, ISO14001:2004, and found that the department remained in compliance. The
auditors were satisfied that the department has continued to improve its environmental
performance. Certification is for a period of three years with one-day surveillance audits
conducted annually.
The department demonstrated its commitment to the environment and the reduction of
carbon emissions by participating in Earth Hour on 28 March 2009. While switching off
non-essential lighting and equipment is an integral part of daily EMS procedures, during
Earth Hour measures were taken to switch off additional lighting.
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In the R G Casey Building, the department has taken further steps to reduce its carbon
emissions, including replacing halogen and incandescent light bulbs as they wear out with
more energy efficient bulbs. The department has continued to explore further means of
reducing energy consumption, including through environmentally sustainable procurement.
The department’s recycling and waste management procedures, which aim to reduce
waste material going to landfill, were complemented by the introduction of a shredded
paper recycling procedure. Shredded paper is collected and used in soil as mulch and to
improve soil aeration while reducing the compacting of clay. From May to 30 June 2009,
3.2 tonnes was collected and consequently diverted from becoming landfill waste.
Café Brindabella, located in the R G Casey Building, continued to provide strong support
for the EMS. The café maintained its 20 cent levy on takeaway cups, aimed at reducing
waste. Since 2004, $94 275 has been raised and donated to Greening Australia for the
planting of Australian native trees in areas affected by the Canberra bushfires.
Mechanisms for reviewing and increasing the effectiveness of
these measures
The EMS measures the effectiveness of the department’s efforts to minimise the negative
impacts of its operations on the environment. The EMS Committee meets regularly to
review environmental performance and to consider future improvements. Internal and
external EMS audits are undertaken and there is regular monitoring of statistical data
on waste. Energy consumption is monitored monthly, and comparisons of annual energy
consumption are undertaken to assess the department’s energy reduction performance.
28 8
A p p e n d ix 9. Purc has er— provi der arrange m ents
Appendix 9
Purchaser—provider arrangements
The department provides management and administrative services to other Australian
Government agencies at our overseas missions. This ensures consistency and efficient
use of resources and avoids duplication of effort (in accordance with the 2007 Prime
Minister’s Directive). We manage these arrangements through a Service Level Agreement
(SLA). The current three-year SLA was negotiated with other agencies and came into force
in September 2007. The SLA recognises the need to extend our provision of management
services to additional categories of Australian Government employees, such as those on
secondment to other organisations overseas.
In 2008–09 we provided services under the SLA to:
Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Department of Defence, AusAID, Australian
Federal Police and Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations are the
main purchasers of services under the SLA.
289
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Airservices Australia
Attorney-General’s Department
AusAID (Australian Agency for International Development)
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
Australian Federal Police (including the Australian Federal Police Protective Service)
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
Australian Taxation Office
Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)
Bureau of Meteorology
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Department of Defence
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Department of Health and Ageing (Therapeutic Goods Administration)
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
National Library of Australia
New Zealand Government
Office of National Assessments
The Treasury.
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The department has purchaser–provider arrangements to provide information and
communications technology (ICT) services to Australian Government agencies with
staff at our overseas missions and at a number of agency locations within Australia. In
2008–09 we provided ICT services to the following agencies:
Airservices Australia
AusAID (Australian Agency for International Development)
Australian Antarctic Division
Australian Federal Police (including the Australian Federal Police Protective Service)
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre
Bureau of Meteorology
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Defence Intelligence Organisation
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Department of Climate Change
Department of Defence
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Department of Finance and Deregulation
Department of Health and Ageing (Therapeutic Goods Administration)
Department of Human Services
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation
Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General
Parliamentary Relations Office
The Treasury.
290
A p p e n d ix 9. Purc has er— provi der arrange m ents
The department has purchaser–provider arrangements with other Australian Government
and state government agencies under which we provide payroll services to staff of other
agencies overseas. In 2008–09 we provided payroll services to the following agencies:
Western Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
See output 1.2 for further information about the provision of ICT services and output 1.3
for further information about services to other agencies.
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29 1
Appendix 10
Advertising and market research
As required under Section 311A of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, following is a
list of agencies and organisations contracted by the department (including at overseas
posts) to provide advertising and market research services. The list includes payments
above $10 900.
TABLE 24. Advertising and market research
Agencies/Organisations
Service provided
Output
Amount ($)
smartraveller Phase II campaign
2.1
35 589
Cudex (trading as Newspoll)
Community attitudes to trade survey
1.1
12 023
Open Mind Research Group
smartraveller Phase II—Tracking
research following smartraveller
advertisements
2.1
86 128
Advertising agencies
KWP Advertising
Market research organisations
Polling and direct mail organisations
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no payments to report
Media advertising organisations
Sensis
Advertising in White pages
1.1
168 013
HMA Blaze
Advertising for general recruitment
1.1
39 178
McCann Worldgroup
(trading as Universal McCann)
Advertising for smartraveller Phase II
2.1
2 319 862
HMA Blaze
Advertising for Australia-Korea
Foundation Grants Program
3.1
19 020
HMA Blaze
Advertising for Council on Australia Latin
America Relations Grants Program
3.1
11 726
Island Business International
(Solomon Islands)
Public awareness advertising for the
Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon
Islands (RAMSI)
3.1
21 179
TOTAL
292
2 712 718
A p pe n d i x 1 1 . G rants and contr i but i on s
Appendix 11
Grants and contributions
The table below provides a list of the grants programs administered or managed by
the department in 2008–09. Information on grants awarded by the department since
1 January 2009 is available at www.dfat.gov.au/dept/grants/index.
In 2008–09, the department made payments totalling $289.9 million consisting
of $136.7 million to 29 international organisations and international treaty
secretariats, including the United Nations, and $153.4 million to 16 United Nations
peacekeeping operations.
TABLE 25. GRANTS PROGRAMS
Brief description of the Program
International Relations Grants
Grants to advance Australia’s objectives in the
areas of international security, trade and economic
performance, global cooperation and public diplomacy
4 557
Other Departmental
International Relations
Grants to advance Australia’s objectives in the
areas of international security, trade and economic
performance, global cooperation and public diplomacy
3 455
Australia–France Foundation
Grants aimed at fostering links between Australian
and French institutions and individuals in a broad
range of activities
Total
2008–09
Actual
($’000)
53
8 065
293
SECTION 4
Program
The table below provides a list of contributions to international organisations and
peacekeeping operations administered by the department during 2008–09.
TABLE 26. CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS1
Total
($’000)
International Organisations
Antarctic Treaty Secretariat
56
APEC Business Advisory Council
55
APEC Secretariat
APEC Policy Support Unit^
3 150
Biological Weapons Convention
18
Bureau of International Expositions
25
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
664
Commonwealth Secretariat
3 184
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
2 879
Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of AntiPersonnel Mines and on their Destruction (Ottawa Convention) (figure is rounded)
Conventional Weapons Convention
Energy Charter Secretariat
SECTION 4
504
International Atomic Energy Agency
International Bureau of the Permanent Court of Arbitration
International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural
Property
0
33
247
9 899
42
131
International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
5 033
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
4 282
International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission
9
International Seabed Authority
197
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
316
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty Organisation
21
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
11 127
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
Pacific Economic Cooperative Committee
United Nations—Assessed Contribution
2 284
35
72 676
United Nations Capital Master Plan
8 620
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
8 253
Wassenaar Arrangement
61
2 889
Subtotal International Organisations
294
136 690
A p pe n d i x 1 1 . G rants and contr i but i on s
Total
($’000)
International Peacekeeping Operations
United Nations Disengagement Observer Force
United Nations Hybrid Operation in Dafur
United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste
United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara
United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad
United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
1 055
31 525
3 456
3 859
16 746
935
10 839
863
United Nations Mission in Liberia
12 998
United Nations Mission in the Sudan
15 336
United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia
773
United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire
10 130
United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
28 393
United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti
United Nations Support for African Union Mission in Somalia
780
14 139
1 613
153 440
Total
289 884
1 Contributions to international organisations and United Nations peacekeeping operations are administered under Outcome 1. These figures
are provided on an accrual basis consistent with the Financial Statements Note 19. Reporting of payments under the Outcome structure
provides consistency with the reporting of these items in the Portfolio Budget Statements 2008–09 and the Portfolio Additional Estimates
Statements 2008–09.
^ The reported contributions for the APEC Policy Support Unit (PSU) include only contributions made directly to APEC in support of the Policy
Support Unit. The overall cost of the measure includes salary and on-costs for the head of the APEC PSU, a DFAT officer on secondment
to APEC as part of the measure. Salary costs for this officer are funded through the Administered measure and are reported as Employee
Expenses in the DFAT Administered accounts.
295
SECTION 4
Subtotal Peacekeeping Operations
Appendix 12
The department employs consultants for a range of purposes. The decision to use a
consultant is based on whether there is a need for specialised or professional skills,
independent research or assessment skills, or a set of skills that is currently unavailable
in the department. This approach is consistent with the Government’s policy to focus
available resources on core functions. It also recognises the valuable perspectives that
consultants can often bring to policy and operational issues. All decisions to engage
consultants are based on the principle of value for money and efficient, effective and
ethical use of public funds.
All contracts (including consultancies) valued over $10 000 entered into in Australia, or
entered into overseas with an Australian supplier, are published in the Government’s
electronic gazettal system, AusTender (www.tenders.gov.au).
Selection processes
SECTION 4
The process used for selecting consultants, both in Australia and at overseas posts, is
consistent with the department’s broader procurement policies and the Commonwealth
Procurement Guidelines (December 2008), and is based on the principle of value for
money. Selection methods are as follows:
Open tender
This procurement procedure invites all businesses that satisfy the conditions for
participation to submit tenders. Australian open tenders are advertised on AusTender,
the Government’s electronic publishing service and on the department’s website
(www.dfat.gov.au/tenders). Overseas, open tenders are advertised on the post’s website.
Where deemed appropriate, open tenders, both in Australia and overseas, will also be
advertised in the print media.
Select tender
A limited number of organisations or individuals are invited to submit tenders for
particular consultancies in accordance with mandatory procurement procedures of the
Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (December 2008).
Direct sourcing
A direct sourcing arrangement is where we invite a potential supplier or suppliers,
of our choice, to make a submission. This definition includes a competitive process
such as through the obtaining of quotes. For covered procurements, as defined in the
Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (December 2008), direct sourcing is permitted
only under certain conditions.
296
Ap p e n d i x 1 2. Con s ultancy s erv i ces
Panel
An arrangement under which a number of suppliers, initially selected through a single
procurement process, may each supply property or services to an agency as specified in
the panel arrangements. Quotes are sought from suppliers that have pre-qualified on our
panels to supply to the department.
Consultancy services let
The following table lists consultancy services contracts let during the year with a value
of $10 000 or more (inclusive of GST, where applicable), including the contract price for
the consultancy, the selection process used and the reason for the decision to engage
consultancy services.
TABLE 27. CONSULTANCY SERVICES CONTRACTS LET DURING 2008–09 OF $10 000 OR MORE
Contract
price ($A) Selection
process(1) Justification(2)
Description
Abdoun Real Estate
Property market review
25 712 Direct
sourcing
C
Alliance Consulting
Group
Review of CAIS
36 854 † Direct
sourcing
C
Analytical Services
Property suitability assessment
19 800 Panel
B
Answerz
Provision of threat risk
assessment
14 784 Direct
sourcing
B
ARUP
32 047 Panel
B
ARUP
13 866 Panel
B
BearingPoint Australia
(trading as KPMG)
Performance audit services
23 958 Direct
sourcing
B
CB Richard Ellis
(Vietnam) Co Ltd
Overseas real estate services
12 805 Direct
sourcing
B
Colin Buchanan and
Partners Hong Kong
Pedestrian simulation
modelling for the Australian
pavilion at Shanghai World
Expo 2010
31 562 Direct
sourcing
C
Energetics
Provision of life cycle
assessment services
16 500 Panel
C
First Peak
Provision of security
assessment services
10 960 Direct
sourcing
C
Geoscience Australia
Seismic monitoring services
637 846 Direct
sourcing
B
Glover, Rodney
Trade policy development
33 000 Direct
sourcing
C
HSBC Actuaries
Actuarial services
11 445 Direct
sourcing
C
297
SECTION 4
Consultant name
SECTION 4
Contract
Consultant name
Description
International Trade
Policy Consultants
Report on Australia /Canada/
NZ Mutual recognition—an
examination of the scope for
closer regulatory cooperation
33 670 Direct
sourcing
B
IPP Consulting
14 190 Panel
B
IPP Consulting
14 190 Panel
B
Jones Lang Lasalle (Vic)
Real estate services
14 500 Direct
sourcing
B
Jones Lang
Lasalle Meghraj
Property evaluation services
20 507 Direct
sourcing
B
Maklarfirman Vincent
Forssbeck KB
Real estate services
18 176 Direct
sourcing
B
Oakton AA Services
Development of a budgetary
framework
79 159 Direct
sourcing
C
Oakton Service
Provision of financial services
14 628 Direct
sourcing
C
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Audit services
18 480 Panel
C
Procedures review
20 640 Panel
C
Business advice on project
proposal
176 040 Panel
C
Richardson O’Rourke
Provision of benefits
realisation plan
42 768 Direct
sourcing
B
Richardson O’Rourke
Provision of risk assessment
services
21 296 Direct
sourcing
B
Sinclair Knight Merz
26 950 Panel
B
Sinclair Knight Merz
63 500 Panel
B
Smec International
Feasibility study for
construction project
80 000 Direct
sourcing
B
SMS Consulting Group
E-learning review
59 400 Panel
B
Taylor Thomson
Whitting (ACT)
and design services
31 840 Panel
B
Taylor Thompson
Whitting (International)
11 710 Panel
B
Tinney & Associates
30 930 Direct
sourcing
C
Unisys Australia
Facial recognition report
82 500 Direct
sourcing
B
University of
New South Wales
Acoustic research consultancy
12 800 Direct
sourcing
B
UXC Limited
Provision of FMIS upgrade
strategy
Panel
C
298
239 475 Ap p e n d i x 1 2. Con s ultancy s erv i ces
Contract
Consultant name
Description
UXC Limited
Port Moresby HRMIS proof
of concept
87 912 Panel
C
VSL Australia
13 944 Panel
B
Wizard People
Performance management
review
14 810 * Direct
sourcing
A
Woolcott, Richard Arthur
Asia Pacific community—
Consultancy Services
152 174 ~ Direct
sourcing
B
Worley Parsons Services
17 612 Panel
B
17 612 Panel
B
16 930 Panel
B
17 612 Panel
B
TOTAL
2 387 094 † Final value exceeded original contract price by $854 and reflects expenditure on reimbursable items.
* Final value exceeded original contract price by $690 and reflects additional time and expense required to complete the review.
~ Final value exceeded original contract price by $13 924 and reflects expenditure on reimbursable items.
(1) Explanation of selection process terms drawn from the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (December 2008):
Open Tender—A procurement procedure in which a request for tender is published inviting all businesses that satisfy the conditions for
participation to submit tenders.
Select Tender—A procurement procedure in which the procuring agency selects which potential suppliers are invited to submit tenders. This
procurement process may only be used under certain defined circumstances
Direct Sourcing—A procurement process in which the agency invites a potential supplier or suppliers of its choice to make submissions. Direct
Sourcing may include a competitive process, for example obtaining quotes.
(2) Justification for decision to use consultancy:
A—skills currently unavailable within agency
B—need for specialised or professional skills
C—need for independent research or assessment.
29 9
SECTION 4
Panel—An arrangement under which a number of suppliers, initially selected through an open tender process, may each supply property or
services to an agency as specified in the panel arrangements. Quotes are sought from suppliers that have pre-qualified on the agency panels to
supply to the government. This category includes standing offers and supplier panels where the supply of goods and services may be provided for
a pre-determined length of time, usually at a pre-arranged price.
Appendix 13
List of sponsors
The following table lists sponsors who supported projects or programs undertaken
by the department during the year with sponsorship equivalent to $1500 and above
(GST inclusive).
SECTION 4
TABLE 28. LIST OF SPONSORS
Sponsor
Project/Program
Output
Amount ($)
ANZ Banking Group
Arthur Boyd Lecture
1.3
10 286
SAE Institute
Australia Day 2009 (Amman)
3.1
12 497
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
Australia Day 2009 (Bangkok)
3.1
3 266
L-Tag Technologies
Company Limited
3.1
3 119
Akara Mining Limited
3.1
6 005
Blackmores Limited
3.1
6 582
Tourism Australia
3.1
6 558
MGSA
Australia Day 2009 (Bucharest)
3.1
3 386
University of NSW—International
and Global Networks
Australia Day 2009 (Hong Kong)
3.1
3 840
Amorim and Irmaos
Australia Day 2009 (Lisbon)
3.1
2 623
Brisa
3.1
2 952
Macquarie Group
3.1
2 460
Martinfer
3.1
2 434
Thales
3.1
2 459
Pernod Ricard UK
Australia Day 2009 (London)
3.1
5 333
Austal
Australia Day 2009 (Riyadh)
3.1
10 444
Modelcraft
3.1
4 087
RB Stiles
3.1
4 087
Fox Italia
Australia Day 2009 (Rome)
3.1
4 701
BHP Billiton Chile Inc
Australia Day 2009 (Santiago de Chile)
3.1
8 906
Orica Mining Services
Latin America
3.1
9 072
Securency International
3.1
4 851
Sinclair, Knight, Merz Consultores
Ltda Minmetal
3.1
8 811
University of Queensland
3.1
2 829
Xstrata Chile S.A.
3.1
4 631
300
Ap p e n d i x 1 3. Li st of s pon sor s
Sponsor
Project/Program
Amount ($)
Anca Incorporated
Australia Day Ball 2009 (Chicago)
3.1
7 019
Baker & McKenzie
3.1
4 535
Caterpillar Incorporated
3.1
14 932
Creata Incorporated
3.1
7 149
Import Logistics
3.1
4 219
John Hancock Observatory
3.1
15 191
Macquarie Capital (USA)
3.1
12 274
The Boeing Company
3.1
4 603
Victorian Government
3.1
7 747
Allied Pickfords Japan
Australia Day in Spring 2009 (Tokyo)
3.1
6 798
ANZ Banking Group
3.1
16 580
BHP Billiton Japan Limited
3.1
8 290
Government of Victoria—
Investment Victoria Japan
3.1
4 160
Government of Western
Australia—Tokyo
3.1
4 013
Inpex Corporation
3.1
7 685
K.K. Aristocrat Technologies
3.1
15 370
Kob Limited
3.1
1 960
Macquarie Capital Securities
Japan Limited
3.1
15 720
Mars Japan Limited
3.1
16 480
Meat and Livestock Australia
3.1
14 781
National Australia Bank
Limited Tokyo
3.1
15 680
North West Shelf Liaison Company
3.1
16 320
Rio Tinto Japan Limited
3.1
3 843
Qantas Airways Limited
3.1
22 437
Queensland Trade and
Investment Office
3.1
4 158
Seatonfire
3.1
1 910
Sekol Japan Limited
3.1
7 375
Servcorp Japan
3.1
3 918
Suntory Flowers Company Limited
3.1
3 688
Tourism Australia
3.1
14 070
Vacel Incorporated
3.1
7 589
Centar Kaptol
Australia Week Promotion (Zagreb)
3.1
4 848
Movieplex Cinema
Australia Week Promotion (Zagreb)
3.1
41 281
30 1
SECTION 4
Output
SECTION 4
Sponsor
Project/Program
Output
Amount ($)
Allen Arthur Robinson
Australia-Indonesia Bilateral
Relations Conference
1.1
2 000
ANZ Banking Group
1.1
14 720
McRae Investments
1.1
5 000
HKSAR-Leisure and Cultural
Services Department
Australian Film Festival (Hong Kong)
3.1
2 028
IPAC Financial Planning HK Limited
Australian Film Festival (Hong Kong)
3.1
3 623
Allen Arthur Robinson
Australian Film Festival (Phnom Penh)
3.1
1 519
ANZ Royal Bank
3.1
2 145
OZ Minerals
3.1
1 543
South Pacific Commercial
Finance-Australia
3.1
1 538
BHP Billiton Eurasia
Australian Film Festival 2009 (Moscow)
3.1
43 092
Macquarie Capital (Singapore)
Pte Ltd
Australian Film Focus 2009 (Singapore)
3.1
7 123
Jeewanjee Currimjee
Australian Food and Wine Festival—
Mauritius and The Seychelles
3.1
7 319
Dymocks
Australian Writers Week—(Beijing)
3.1
4 750
Australia Council
3.1
10 000
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd
3.1
5 000
Warner Bros Philippines
Celebrate Australia 2009 (Manila)
3.1
6 540
Chateau 1771
Celebrate Australia 2009 (Manila)
3.1
5 268
ANZ Banking Group Korea
Colours of Australia- Australia Day 2009
reception (Seoul)
3.1
10 967
Austrade
reception (Seoul)
3.1
8 221
Australian Education International
reception (Seoul)
3.1
5 424
Australian Wool Innovation
Limited Korea
reception (Seoul)
3.1
21 935
BHP Billiton Korea Limited
reception (Seoul)
3.1
10 967
Chevron Oil Corporation Korea
reception (Seoul)
3.1
3 338
GM Daewoo Auto and
Technology Company
reception (Seoul)
3.1
3 290
Le Meilleur Company Limited
reception (Seoul)
3.1
10 967
302
Ap p e n d i x 1 3. Li st of s pon sor s
Sponsor
Project/Program
Amount ($)
Macquarie Group Korea
reception (Seoul)
3.1
5 527
POSCO Limited
reception (Seoul)
3.1
10 967
Queensland Trade and
Investment Office
reception (Seoul)
3.1
3 290
RioTinto Korea Limited
reception (Seoul)
3.1
10 967
Tourism Australia
reception (Seoul)
3.1
10 967
Tourism Queensland Korea
reception (Seoul)
3.1
5 484
Western Australia Trade and
Investment Office
reception (Seoul)
3.1
3 290
Wilson Parking
reception (Seoul)
3.1
3 290
Woodside Energy Liaison
Company Korea
reception (Seoul)
3.1
5 484
Taipei City Government
Embassy Roadshow (Taipei)
3.1
2 273
Partner Center
Enjoy Australia Celebration (Warsaw)
1.1
2 203
Penelope Seidler
Harry Seidler Conference Room Opening
(Vienna)
3.1
1 765
International Physical Security Forum
1.2
10 000
Department of the Prime Minister
and Cabinet
International Physical Security Forum
1.2
20 000
Australian Public Service
Commission
NAIDOC 2009 celebrations
3.1
10 000
Akd—Agencija Za Komercijalnu
Djelatsnost
Promotion of Australia (Calendars)
(Zagreb)
3.1
2 181
Akar International
Piano Recital (Kuwait)
3.1
2 207
SMEC
Piano Recital (Kuwait)
3.1
2 276
ANZ Banking Group
Shanghai Library Australian
Friendship Collection
3.1
5 000
ACT Chief Minister’s Department
3.1
110 000
ANZ Banking Group
3.1
495 000
Northern Territory Department of
the Chief Minister
3.1
110 000
NSW Department of State and
Regional Development
3.1
550 000
QLD Department of Employment,
Economic Development
and Innovation
3.1
165 000
Rio Tinto
3.1
495 000
303
SECTION 4
Output
Sponsor
Project/Program
Output
Amount ($)
South Australia Department of
Premier and Cabinet
3.1
110 000
Telstra Corporation Limited
3.1
550 000
Western Australia Department of
State Development
3.1
110 000
Australian Chamber of Commerce
The Sign Project by Trent Jansen
(Singapore)
3.1
5 399
Pexim
Travel to Australia of a student to attend
a short English Language course at
Macquarie University (Belgrade)
3.1
7 682
SECTION 4
Total
304
3 496 411
A p p e n d ix 1 4. Sum m ary of t he overs eas network
Appendix 14
Summary of the overseas network
Following is a summary of the overseas network as at 30 June 2009.
A comprehensive listing of the overseas network, including arrangements for the
accreditation and responsibilities of overseas posts is available at the department’s
website at www.dfat.gov.au/dept. This information is updated regularly.
TABLE 29. EMBASSIES, HIGH COMMISSIONS, CONSULATES AND MULTILATERAL MISSIONS MANAGED BY
THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE (89 POSTS)
City
Post type
Afghanistan
Kabul
Embassy
Argentina
Buenos Aires
Embassy
Austria
Vienna
Embassy and Permanent Mission to the
United Nations
Bangladesh
Dhaka
High Commission
Belgium
Brussels
Embassy and Mission to the European Union
Brazil
Brasilia
Embassy
Brunei Darussalam
Bandar Seri Begawan
High Commission
Burma
Rangoon
Embassy
Cambodia
Phnom Penh
Embassy
Canada
Ottawa
High Commission
Chile
Santiago
Embassy
China
Beijing
Guangzhou
Hong Kong
Shanghai
Embassy
Consulate-General
Consulate-General
Consulate-General
Croatia
Zagreb
Embassy
Cyprus
Nicosia
High Commission
Denmark
Copenhagen
Embassy
East Timor
Dili
Embassy
Egypt
Cairo
Embassy
Federated States of
Micronesia
Pohnpei
Embassy
Fiji
Suva
High Commission
France
Paris
Paris
Embassy*
Delegation to the OECD
Germany
Berlin
Embassy
Ghana
Accra
High Commission
SECTION 4
Country of location
30 5
SECTION 4
Country of location
City
Post type
Greece
Athens
Embassy
Hungary
Budapest
Embassy
India
New Delhi
High Commission
Indonesia
Jakarta
Bali (Denpasar)
Embassy
Consulate-General
Iran
Tehran
Embassy
Iraq
Baghdad
Embassy
Ireland
Dublin
Embassy
Israel
Tel Aviv
Embassy
Italy
Rome
Embassy and Permanent Mission to the FAO
Japan
Tokyo
Embassy
Jordan
Amman
Embassy
Kenya
Nairobi
High Commission
Kiribati
Tarawa
High Commission
Korea, Republic of
Seoul
Embassy
Kuwait
Kuwait
Embassy
Laos
Vientiane
Embassy
Lebanon
Beirut
Embassy
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
High Commission
Malta
Malta
High Commission
Mauritius
Port Louis
High Commission
Mexico
Mexico City
Embassy
Nauru
Nauru
Consulate-General
Nepal
Kathmandu
Embassy
Netherlands
The Hague
Embassy
New Caledonia (France)
Noumea
Consulate-General
New Zealand
Wellington
High Commission
Nigeria
Abuja
High Commission
Pakistan
Islamabad
High Commission
Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby
High Commission
Philippines
Manila
Embassy
Poland
Warsaw
Embassy
Portugal
Lisbon
Embassy
Russia
Moscow
Embassy
Samoa
Apia
High Commission
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
Embassy
Serbia
Belgrade
Embassy
306
City
Post type
Singapore
Singapore
High Commission
Solomon Islands
Honiara
High Commission
South Africa
Pretoria
High Commission
Spain
Madrid
Embassy
Sri Lanka
Colombo
High Commission
Sweden
Stockholm
Embassy
Switzerland
Geneva
Geneva
Permanent Mission to the United Nations
Permanent Mission to the WTO and
Consulate‑General
Thailand
Bangkok
Embassy and Permanent Mission to ESCAP
Tonga
Nuku’alofa
High Commission
Trinidad and Tobago
Port of Spain
High Commission
Turkey
Ankara
Canakkale
Embassy
Consulate
Abu Dhabi
Embassy
United Kingdom
London
High Commission
United States of America
Washington DC
Chicago
Honolulu
Los Angeles
New York
New York
Embassy
Consulate-General
Consulate-General
Consulate-General
Consulate-General
Permanent Mission to the United Nations
Vanuatu
Port Vila
High Commission
Vatican City
Vatican City
Embassy to the Holy See
Vietnam
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
Embassy
Consulate-General
Zimbabwe
Harare
Embassy
* The Australian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO is located within the embassy in Paris.
In Ramallah, the Australian Government maintains the Australian Representative Office.
In Taipei, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry maintains the Australian Commerce and Industry Office, which includes staff
seconded from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Austrade, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
307
SECTION 4
Country of location
TABLE 30. CONSULATES MANAGED BY AUSTRADE (17 POSTS)
Country of location
City
Post type
Brazil
Sao Paulo
Consulate-General
Canada
Toronto
Consulate-General
Germany
Frankfurt
Consulate-General
India
Chennai
Mumbai
Consulate-General
Consulate-General
Italy
Milan
Consulate-General
Japan
Fukuoka
Nagoya
Osaka
Sapporo
Consulate-General
Consulate
Consulate-General
Consulate
Libya
Tripoli
Consulate-General
New Zealand
Auckland
Consulate-General
Peru
Lima
Consulate-General
Turkey
Istanbul
Consulate-General
Dubai
Consulate-General
Atlanta
San Francisco
Consulate-General
Consulate-General
SECTION 4
TABLE 31. CONSULATES HEADED BY HONORARY CONSULS (49 POSTS)
Region
Country of location
City
Responsible post
Africa
Angola
Luanda**
Pretoria
Mozambique
Maputo**
Pretoria
Nigeria
Lagos
Abuja
Asia
Indonesia
Medan
Jakarta
Kazakhstan
Almaty**
Moscow
Korea, Republic of
Busan
Seoul
Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Kuching
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Penang
Kuala Lumpur
Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar
Seoul
Pakistan
Karachi**
Islamabad
Pakistan
Lahore**
Islamabad
Russia
Vladivostok*
Moscow
Thailand
Chiang Mai
Bangkok
Thailand
Koh Samui
Bangkok
Thailand
Phuket
Bangkok
308
Country of location
City
Responsible post
Pacific
French Polynesia (France)
Papeete
Noumea
Papua New Guinea
Lae
Port Moresby
Europe
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Sarajevo
Vienna
Bulgaria
Sofia
Athens
Czech Republic
Prague*
Warsaw
Estonia
Tallinn
Stockholm
Finland
Helsinki
Stockholm
Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia
Skopje
Belgrade
Germany
Munich
Berlin
Greece
Thessaloniki
Athens
Italy
Venice
Rome
Latvia
Riga
Stockholm
Lithuania
Vilnius
Stockholm
Norway
Oslo
Copenhagen
Romania
Bucharest*
Belgrade
Russia
St Petersburg
Moscow
Slovenia
Ljubljana
Vienna
Spain
Barcelona
Madrid
Spain
Seville**
Madrid
Ukraine
Kiev**
Vienna
United Kingdom
Edinburgh
London
North America
Canada
Vancouver*
Ottawa
United States
Boston**
New York CG
United States
Denver
Los Angeles
United States
Houston
Washington DC
United States
Miami**
Atlanta
United States
Seattle**
San Francisco
Central & South
America
Bolivia
La Paz
Santiago
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
Brasilia
Colombia
Bogota
Brasilia
Ecuador
Guayaquil
Santiago
Mexico
Monterrey
Mexico City
Uruguay
Montevideo
Buenos Aires
SECTION 4
Region
* Austrade-managed consulate
** Temporarily closed as at 30 June 2009
30 9
SECTION 4
TABLE 32. PLACES WHERE CANADA PROVIDES CONSULAR SERVICES TO AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS
Country/consular area
Canadian post responsible
Australian supervising post
Algeria
Algiers
Paris Embassy
Burkina Faso
Ouagadougou
Accra
Cameroon
Yaoundé
Abuja
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Kinshasa
Harare
Costa Rica
San Jose
Mexico City
Côte d’Ivoire
Abidjan
Accra
Cuba
Havana
Mexico City
Ecuador
Quito
Santiago
Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Nairobi
Gabon
Yaoundé
Abuja
Gambia, The
Dakar
Abuja
Guatemala
Guatemala City
Mexico City
Guinea
Dakar
Accra
Mali
Bamako
Accra
Morocco
Rabat
Paris Embassy
Niger
Niamey
Abuja
Panama
Panama City
Mexico City
El Salvador
San Salvador
Mexico City
Senegal
Dakar
Accra
Syria
Damascus
Cairo
Tanzania
Dar es Salaam
Nairobi
Tunisia
Tunis
Cairo
Venezuela
Caracas
Brasilia
31 0
TABLE 33. PLACES WHERE AUSTRALIA PROVIDES CONSULAR SERVICES TO CANADIAN CITIZENS
Country/consular area
Australian post responsible
Canadian supervising post
Bali
Bali (Denpasar)
Jakarta
Burma
Rangoon
Bangkok
Cambodia
Phnom Penh
Bangkok
East Timor
Dili
Jakarta
Federated States of Micronesia
Guam
Marshall Islands
Northern Mariana Islands
Palau
Pohnpei
Canberra
French Polynesia (France)
Noumea
Wellington
Hawaii
Honolulu
San Francisco
Kiribati
Tarawa
Wellington
Laos
Vientiane
Bangkok
Nauru
Nauru
Canberra
New Caledonia (France)
Noumea
Canberra
Bali (Denpasar)
Jakarta
Port Moresby
Canberra
Samoa
Apia
Wellington
Solomon Islands
Honiara
Canberra
Tonga
Nuku’alofa
Wellington
Vanuatu
Port Vila
Canberra
SECTION 4
Nusa Tenggara Barat
Papua New Guinea
31 1
31 2
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
Section 5
Financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2009
Independent auditor’s report
Statement by the Secretary and Chief Finance Officer
Income statement
Balance sheet
Statement of changes in equity
Cash flow statement
Schedules of commitments, contingencies and
administered items
Notes to and forming part of the financial statements
• summary of significant accounting policies
SECTION 5
• other explanatory notes
31 4
F i nanc i al state m ents
SECTION 5
31 5
SECTION 5
31 6
SECTION 5
31 7
SECTION 5
31 8
SECTION 5
31 9
SECTION 5
320
SECTION 5
321
SECTION 5
322
SECTION 5
323
SECTION 5
324
SECTION 5
325
SECTION 5
326
SECTION 5
327
SECTION 5
328
SECTION 5
329
SECTION 5
330
SECTION 5
331
SECTION 5
332
SECTION 5
333
SECTION 5
33 4
SECTION 5
335
SECTION 5
336
SECTION 5
337
SECTION 5
338
SECTION 5
339
SECTION 5
340
SECTION 5
341
SECTION 5
3 42
SECTION 5
343
SECTION 5
344
SECTION 5
345
SECTION 5
346
SECTION 5
347
SECTION 5
3 48
SECTION 5
349
SECTION 5
35 0
SECTION 5
351
SECTION 5
352
SECTION 5
353
SECTION 5
35 4
SECTION 5
355
SECTION 5
35 6
SECTION 5
357
SECTION 5
358
SECTION 5
359
SECTION 5
360
SECTION 5
361
SECTION 5
362
SECTION 5
363
SECTION 5
364
SECTION 5
365
SECTION 5
366
SECTION 5
367
SECTION 5
368
SECTION 5
369
SECTION 5
370
SECTION 5
37 1
SECTION 5
372
SECTION 5
373
SECTION 5
374
SECTION 5
375
SECTION 5
376
SECTION 5
377
SECTION 5
378
SECTION 5
379
SECTION 5
38 0
SECTION 5
381
SECTION 5
382
SECTION 5
383
SECTION 5
38 4
SECTION 5
385
SECTION 5
38 6
SECTION 5
387
SECTION 5
38 8
SECTION 5
389
SECTION 5
390
SECTION 5
39 1
SECTION 5
392
SECTION 5
393
SECTION 5
394
SECTION 5
395
SECTION 5
396
SECTION 5
397
SECTION 5
398
SECTION 5
39 9
SECTION 5
400
SECTION 5
401
SECTION 5
4 02
SECTION 5
4 03
SECTION 5
404
SECTION 5
405
SECTION 5
406
SECTION 5
407
SECTION 5
408
SECTION 5
409
SECTION 5
410
SECTION 5
41 1
412
GLOSSARIES
AND INDEXES
Section 6
Glossaries and indexes
Glossary of terms
Glossary of acronyms and abbreviations
Compliance index
SECTION 6
Index
414
G lossar ies a n d i n d e x es | G LOSSA RY O F T ER MS
Glossary of terms
System of accounting where items are brought to account and
included in the financial statements as they are earned or incurred,
rather than as they are received or paid.
Additional
Estimates
Where amounts appropriated at Budget time are insufficient,
Parliament may appropriate more funds to portfolios through the
Additional Estimates Acts.
Administered items
Revenues, expenses, assets or liabilities managed by agencies on
behalf of the Commonwealth. Agencies do not control administered
items. Administered expenses include grants, subsidies and
benefits. In many cases, administered expenses fund the delivery
of third party outputs.
Agency
Agencies are departments of state, departments of the Parliament
and ‘prescribed agencies’ for the purposes of the Financial
Management and Accountability Act 1997.
Appropriation
An authorisation by Parliament to spend moneys from the
Consolidated Revenue Fund for a particular purpose.
APS employee
A person engaged under section 22, or a person who is engaged
as an APS employee under section 74, of the Public Service
Act 1999.
Average staffing
level
The average number of employees receiving salary over the
financial year, with adjustments for part-time and casual employees
to show the full-time equivalent.
Corporate
governance
The process by which agencies are directed and controlled. It
is generally understood to encompass authority, accountability,
stewardship, leadership, direction and control.
Effectiveness
indicators
Measure the joint or independent contribution of programs to the
achievement of their specified outcome. Effectiveness should be
distinguished from efficiency, which concerns the adequacy of a
contribution’s administration.
Memorandum of
understanding
A document outlining the terms and details of a non-binding
agreement between parties including each parties requirements
and responsibilities.
Non-ongoing APS
employee
A person engaged as an APS employee under subsection 22(2)(b)
or 22(2)(c) of the Public Service Act 1999.
41 5
SECTION 6
Accrual accounting
A person engaged as an ongoing APS employee under
subsection 22(2)(a) of the Public Service Act 1999.
Outcomes
The desired results, impacts or consequences for the Australian
community as influenced by the actions of the Australian
Government. Actual outcomes are assessments of the end results
or impacts actually achieved.
Outputs
The goods and services produced by agencies on behalf of
government for external organisations or individuals. Outputs also
include goods and services produced for other areas of government
external to the agency.
Performance pay
Also known as performance-linked bonuses and usually take the
form of a one-off payment in recognition of performance.
Purchaser–provider
arrangements
Arrangements under which the outputs of one agency are
purchased by another agency to contribute to outcomes.
Risk management
The culture, frameworks and structures that are directed
towards the effective management of potential opportunities and
adverse effects.
Service charters
It is Government policy that departments which provide services
directly to the public have service charters in place. A service
charter is a public statement about the service that a department
will provide and what customers can expect from the department.
SECTION 6
Ongoing APS
employee
416
Glossar ies a n d in d e x es | G lossary of acrony m s and abbrevi ati on s
Glossary of acronyms and
abbreviations
ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand FTA
ACAP
Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels
ACBC
Australia–China Business Council
ACC
Australia–China Council
ACIAR
ACI–FTA
Australia–Chile Free Trade Agreement
ACTA
Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement
ADF
Australian Defence Force
AFP
Australian Federal Police
AIC
Australia–India Council
AICC
Australia International Cultural Council
AII
Australia–Indonesia Institute
AIMF
Australia–Indonesia Ministerial Forum
AIP
Australia–Indonesia Partnership
AJF
Australia–Japan Foundation
AKF
Australia–Korea Foundation
ALABC
Australia–Latin America Business Council
AMI
Australia–Malaysia Institute
ANAO
Australian National Audit Office
ANZCERTA
Australia New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement
APc
Asia Pacific community
APEC
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (forum)
APIS
Australian Passport Information Service
APO
Australian Passport Office
APS
Australian Public Service
SECTION 6
AANZFTA
41 7
SECTION 6
AQIS
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
ARF
ASEAN Regional Forum
ASEAN
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
ASEM
Asia–Europe Meeting
ASNO
Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office
ATI
Australia–Thailand Institute
ATWS
Australian Tsunami Warning System
AUKMIN
Australia–United Kingdom Ministerial Dialogue
AusAID
Australian Agency for International Development
AUSFTA
Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement
AUSMIN
Australia–United States Ministerial Consultations
Austrade
Australian Trade Commission
CAAR
Council for Australian–Arab Relations
CAIS
Consular Assistance and Information System
CAP
Common Agricultural Policy (European Union)
CCAMLR
Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
CESCR
(UN) Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
CHOGM
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
COALAR
Council on Australia Latin America Relations
CTBT
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
DAFF
DAP
Direct Aid Program
DEWHA
DFAT
DIAC
DPRK
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (also known as North Korea)
EABC
European Australian Business Council
418
East Asia Summit
EC
European Commission
EFIC
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation
ERT
Emergency Response Team
EU
European Union
FMCT
Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty
FMIS
Financial Management Information System
FOI
freedom of information
FRSC
(Pacific Islands) Forum Regional Security Committee
FTA
free trade agreement
FTAAP
Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific
GCC
Gulf Cooperation Council
GCCSI
Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute
G8
Group of Eight (member countries Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States)
IAEA
International Atomic Energy Agency
ICNND
International Commission for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament
ICT
information and communications technology
IMV
International Media Visits
IOR–ARC
Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation
IP
Intellectual Property
IRENA
International Renewable Energy Agency
ISAF
International Security Assistance Force
IWC
International Whaling Commission
JAUSMIN
Australia–Japan ‘2+2’ Joint Foreign and Defence Ministerial
Consultations
JCLEC
Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation
JCPAA
(Parliamentary) Joint Committee on Public Accounts and Audit
SECTION 6
EAS
41 9
SECTION 6
JSCFADT
(Parliamentary) Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence
and Trade
JSCOT
(Parliamentary) Joint Standing Committee on Treaties
LES
locally engaged staff
LNG
liquefied natural gas
MAFTA
Malaysia–Australia Free Trade Agreement
MOU
memorandum of understanding
MTCR
Missile Technology Control Regime
NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
NGO
non-government organisation
NPT
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
ODIN
Official Diplomatic Information Network
OECD
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
OHS
occupational health and safety
OPO
Overseas Property Office
OSCE
Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe
PACER
Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations
PBS
Portfolio Budget Statements
PIF
Pacific Islands Forum
PNG
Papua New Guinea
PPD
Pacific Partnerships for Development
PSI
Proliferation Security Initiative
PSWPS
Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme
RAMSI
Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands
ROK
Republic of Korea (also known as South Korea)
R2P
Responsibility to Protect principle
SAARC
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
SAFTA
Singapore–Australia Free Trade Agreement
420
SATIN
Secure Australian Telecommunications and Information Network
SES
Senior Executive Service
SGP
Strongim Gavman Program (PNG)
SLA
Service Level Agreement
STARS
Statistical Trade Analysis and Retrieval System
SVP
Special Visits Program
TAFTA
Thailand–Australia Free Trade Agreement
TPP
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
TSD
Trilateral Strategic Dialogue
UAE
UN
United Nations
UNCTAD
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
UNESCO
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNFCCC
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNGA
United Nations General Assembly
UNHCR
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNSC
United Nations Security Council
US
WIPO
World Intellectual Property Organization
WMD
Weapons of Mass Destruction
WTO
SECTION 6
421
Compliance Index
This index is prepared from the checklist of annual report requirements contained in
attachment F to the Requirements for Annual Reports approved by the Joint Committee of
Public Accounts and Audit on 17 June 2009.
Description
Page
Requirement
Letter of transmittal
iii
mandatory
Table of contents
iv–vii
mandatory
Index
425–457
mandatory
Glossary
415–421
mandatory
Contact officer
ii
mandatory
Internet home page address and internet address for report
ii
mandatory
3–13
mandatory
Summary of significant issues and developments
4–12
suggested
Overview of department’s performance and financial results
241–242
suggested
Outlook for the following year
12–13
suggested
Overview description of the department
14–19
mandatory
Role and functions
14
mandatory
Organisational structure
15–19
mandatory
Outcome and output structure
19
mandatory
Where outcome and output structures differ from the PBS format,
details of variation and reasons for change
n.a.
mandatory
Portfolio structure
18
mandatory
Review of performance during the year in relation to outputs and
contribution to outcomes
21–219
mandatory
Actual performance in relation to performance targets set out in the
PBS and PAES
23–219
mandatory
Performance of purchaser—provider arrangements
289–291
mandatory
Where performance targets differ from the PBS/PAES, details of both
the former and new targets, and reasons for the change
n.a.
mandatory
Discussion and analysis of performance
23–219
mandatory
Trend information
23–219
suggested
Factors, events or trends influencing departmental performance
23–219
suggested
Significant changes in the nature of principal functions or services
n.a.
suggested
Performance against service charter customer service standards,
complaints data, and the department’s response to complaints
163–175,
177–182
mandatory
Review by the Secretary
SECTION 6
Report on performance
422
G lossar ies a n d i n d e x es | Co m pl i ance Inde x
Description
Page
Requirement
Social justice and equity impacts
164–166,
233–236
suggested
Discussion and analysis of the department’s financial performance
241–242
mandatory
Discussion of any significant changes from the prior year or
from budget
241–242
suggested
Agency resource statement and summary resource tables by outcomes
261–265
mandatory
Developments since the end of the financial year that have affected
or may significantly affect the department’s operations or financial
results in future
243
mandatory
Statement of the main corporate governance practices in place
223–229
mandatory
Names of the senior executive and their responsibilities
17
suggested
Senior management committees and their roles
223–225
suggested
Corporate and operational planning and associated performance
reporting and review
225–227
suggested
Approach adopted to identifying areas of significant financial or
operational risk and arrangements in place to manage risks
228
suggested
Certification of compliance with the Commonwealth Fraud Control
Guidelines
227–228
mandatory
Policy and practices on the establishment and maintenance of
appropriate ethical standards
227
suggested
How the nature and amount of remuneration for senior executive
service officers is determined
240
suggested
Significant developments in external scrutiny
229–231
mandatory
Judicial decisions and decisions of administrative tribunals
284–286
mandatory
Reports by the Auditor-General, a Parliamentary Committee or the
Commonwealth Ombudsman
229–231
mandatory
Assessment of effectiveness in managing and developing human
resources to achieve departmental objectives
231–233
mandatory
Workforce planning, staff turnover and retention
232
suggested
Impact and features of collective agreements, determinations,
common law contracts and AWAs
238–240
suggested
Training and development undertaken and its impact
236–238
suggested
Occupational health and safety performance
240–241,
266–268
suggested
Productivity gains
231–232
suggested
Statistics on staffing
254–258
mandatory
Management accountability
External scrutiny
SECTION 6
423
Description
Page
Requirement
Collective agreements, determinations, common law contracts
and AWAs
239–240,
258–260
mandatory
Performance pay
259–260
mandatory
243
mandatory
243–245
mandatory
245,
mandatory
Assets management
Assessment of effectiveness of assets management
Purchasing
Assessment of purchasing against core policies and principles
Consultants
Number of new consultancy services contracts let; total actual
expenditure on all new consultancy contracts let during the year
(inclusive of GST); number of ongoing consultancy contracts active in
the reporting year; and the total actual expenditure in the reporting
year on ongoing consultancy contracts. A statement must be included
noting that information on contracts and consultancies is available
through the AusTender website. Information as per attachment D
to the Requirements, presented in accordance with the proforma
provided, must be available on the internet or published as an
appendix to the report.
296–299
Australian National Audit Office access
Absence of provisions in contracts allowing access by the
Auditor‑General
244
mandatory
245
mandatory
235
mandatory
313–411
mandatory
Occupational health and safety (section 74 of the Occupational Health
and Safety Act 1991)
266–268
mandatory
Freedom of information (subsection 8(1) of the Freedom of Information
Act 1982)
269–279
mandatory
Advertising and market research (section 311A of the Commonwealth
Electoral Act 1918)
292
mandatory
Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance
(section 516A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999)
287–288
mandatory
Grant programs
293
mandatory
Correction of material errors in the previous annual report
n.a.
mandatory
Exempt contracts
Contracts exempt from the AusTender process
Commonwealth Disability Strategy
Report on performance in implementing the Commonwealth
Disability Strategy
SECTION 6
Other information
n.a.
not applicable
424
G lossari es a n d i n d e x es | Inde x
Index
A
425
SECTION 6
AANZFTA, 37,46, 87, 96–8, 100, 104, 113,
118
ABAC, 109
ABC, see Australia Network
abductions/kidnappings, 164
Aboriginal Australians, see Indigenous
Australians
About Australia: Fast Facts, 192
ABS, 188
Abu Dhabi, 133, 191, 245
ACAP Headquarters Agreement, 121–2
ACBC, 31
ACC, 199–200
ACCC, 111
accidents and incidents reported, 267, 268
accommodation, see overseas estate; R G
Casey Building
accountability and management, 223–47,
277–8
accounting services, 102
accreditation of missions, 157, 159
ACI–FTA, 53, 113, 188
ACIAR, 18, 228
ACTA, 91
action plans, 122
APEC, 109
Brazil, 52
Commonwealth, 133
India, 69
Japan, 27
Pacific, 86
Republic of Korea, 33
Spain, 62
Acts, see legislation
Addis Ababa, 73, 148
Additional Estimates Budget, 242
administered items, 185, 261, 262, 263,
264
administration defects, compensation for
detriment caused by, 231
Administrative Appeals Tribunal, 206, 207,
286
Administrative Development Program, 236,
244
Advance Global Australian Professional
network, 197
advances to travellers, 166, 176
advertising, 292
smartraveller campaign, 172, 173
advocacy and outreach, 187–9
see also media and media services;
seminars and workshops; website
services
AEI, 191
Afghanistan, 70, 241
bilateral discussions and cooperation,
27, 41, 49, 52; Europe, 59, 60, 61,
64
consular service cases, 165
The Hague Conference, 70; bilateral talks
held during, 60
Kabul, 242
media visitors from, 194
Afghanistan/Pakistan Support Group, 70
AFP, 83, 122, 218
Africa, 73–4, 92, 95, 116, 125
bilateral discussions and cooperation
about, 61
diamond smuggling allegations, 114
journalists visiting from, 194
kidnappings, 164
parliamentary delegations to, 148, 153
piracy off, 121, 122, 174
Regional Consular Officer, 164
Sierra Leone, 123
see also Kenya
African Mining Indaba, 74
African Union, 73
after-hours media liaison, 186
aggression, crime of, 123
agricultural subsidies, 50, 58, 87, 89, 92
agriculture and agricultural markets
AANZFTA provisions, 96
China, 31, 89, 99
Doha Round negotiations, 87, 89
European Union, 58, 89, 92, 93–4
Iraq, 71, 72
Italy, 62
Japan, 28, 89, 100
New Zealand, 92
SECTION 6
Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme,
78–9, 232, 242
Russia, 65
Taiwan, 32
trade disputes, 92–3
United States, 50, 89
see also food; meat and animal product
markets
AIC, 200
AICC, 195–6, 198
aid, see international aid
‘Aid for Trade’ trust funds, 92
AIDS/HIV, 122
AII, 200
AIMF, 37
air services, 93, 158
to Argentina, 53
crisis management procedures, 170
to and from Europe, 124
staff medical evacuations using
commercial flights, 240
aircraft, 188
AJF, 200–1
AKF, 201
albatrosses, 121–2
alcohol, see wine
Alola Foundation, 192
alternative fuels, 94
alumina, 49
Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism, 132–3
American Samoa, 198
Americas, 48–55, 257
see also Canada; Latin America; United
States
AMI, 202
Amman, 138, 216
An Giang, 198
ANAO, see Australian National Audit Office
animal exports, 114
see also wildlife conservation
Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, 121
Antarctica, 53, 121, 122
exhibition, 192
Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, 91
anti-dumping and countervailing duties, US,
92
ANZ, 43, 204
Anzac Day commemorations, 63, 170, 171,
232
426
ANZCERTA, 79, 103
APEC, 50, 52, 65, 95, 108–11, 201
workshops and symposiums, 94, 109,
111, 133
APEC Budget Management Committee, 111
APEC Business Advisory Council, 109
APEC Policy Support Unit, 109, 111
APEC Regional Movement Alert System, 182
APEC Task Force on Emergency
Preparedness, 111
Apology to Stolen Generations, 126, 198
apple imports, 92, 93
appropriations, see finance
APS Commission, 233
APS Values and Code of Conduct, 227, 228
aquaculture, 58
Arabic language publications, 173, 191
Arabic language training, 238
archival examination, 208–9
addresses for applications, 270
Arden, Dave, 233
Argentina, 53, 54, 147
Armistice Day celebrations, 60, 85
armoured vehicles, civilian, 138
arms, see weapons
arrests overseas, 164, 176
arrivals and departures of representatives in
Australia processed, 159
Artbank, 197
arts, see cultural programs
Asao, Keiichiro, 192
ASEAN, 45–6
trade statistics, 38, 46, 89
see also South-East Asia
ASEAN–Australia Comprehensive Partnership,
45
ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand FTA, 96–8,
100, 113, 188
ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, 148
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), 135
conference on terrorism, 133
disaster relief response, 135
Asia, 26–47, 68–72, 74–6
see also Middle East; North Asia; South
Asia; South-East Asia; West Asia
Asia Education Foundation, 200
Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM), 41, 46, 58–9
Asia-Pacific Democracy Partnership, 118
Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, 148
Asia-Pacific region, see APEC; Pacific
Italy, 62
Latin America, 52
management meetings with, 224, 228
Australasian Legal Information Institute, 125
Australia (brochures), 192
Australia–Belgium Tax Treaty, 61
Australia–Chile Free Trade Agreement, 53,
113, 188
Australia–China Business Council, 31
Australia–China Council, 199–200
Australia–China Free Trade Agreement,
99–100
Australia–China Human Rights Dialogue, 126
Australia–China Strategic Dialogue, 30
Australia–East Timor–Indonesia trilateral
meeting, 44
Australia–European Commission Trade Policy
Dialogue, 58
Australia–European Community Wine
Agreement, 57
Australia–European Union Partnership
Framework, 57
Australia–France Foundation, 293
Australia Group, 131
Australia in brief, 191, 192
Australia–India Council, 200
Australia India Science and Technology
Research Award, 200
Australia–India Strategic Lecture, 200
Australia–Indonesia: Partners in a new era
conference, 39–40, 193, 200
Australia–Indonesia Agreement on the
Framework for Security Cooperation,
38
Australia–Indonesia Institute, 200
Australia–Indonesia Ministerial Forum, 37
Australia–Indonesia Trade Ministers Meeting,
39
Australia–Indonesia Working Group on Marine
Affairs and Fisheries, 121
Australia International Cultural Council (AICC),
195–6, 198
Australia–Japan Conference, 29
Australia–Japan Foundation, 200–1
Australia–Japan Joint Declaration on Security
Cooperation, 27
Australia and Japan publication, 188
Australia–Japan Talkback Classroom Forum,
200
Australia–Korea Foundation, 201
427
SECTION 6
Asialink Foundation, 197
ASIS, 18
ASNO, 130
ASOP, 198–9
asset management, 214–15, 243
information and communications
technology, 141
Association of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Employees, 224
Association of South East Asian Nations, see
ASEAN
ATI, 202
ATSE, 200
attached agencies, see services to attached
agencies
Attorney-General’s Department, 93, 120,
122, 134, 170
National Identity Security Strategy, 182
secure network user migration, 142
Trade Law Symposium, 94
ATWS, 120
Auckland, 79
Audit and Risk Committee, 224, 226
audits, 226–7, 229
Environment Management System (EMS),
288
financial statement, 241
implementation of ANAO suggestions,
187, 226, 239
AUKMIN, 60
Aung San Suu Kyi, 44
AusAID, 18, 120, 135
ICT services framework, 144
management meetings with, 224, 228
AusAID programs, 92, 202
Indonesia, 200
Iraq, 72
Pacific Partnerships for Development, 78
Pakistan, 69–70
Sri Lanka, 74
Zimbabwe, 74
AUSFTA, 50, 102
AUSMIN, 49
AUSMINTT, 50
Austrade, 18, 112, 151, 188, 218
African Mining Indaba, 73–4
consulates managed by, 163, 308
history of Trade Commissioner Service,
207
SECTION 6
Australia–Korea Ministerial Joint Trade and
Economic Commission, 33
Australia–Laos Human Rights Dialogue, 126
Australia–Malaysia Institute, 202
Australia–Mexico Joint Experts Group Report,
52
‘Australia Month,’ 41
Australia–NATO Agreement on the Security of
Information, 59
Australia Network, 185, 191, 203
AANZFTA statement broadcasts, 98
John Doherty Asia-Pacific Journalism
Award, 194
Australia New Zealand Closer Economic
Relations Trade Agreement, 79, 103
Australia–New Zealand Leadership Forum, 79
Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum,
81
Australia–Papua New Guinea Ministerial
Forum, 81
Australia Post, 177–8
Australia–Russia Joint Commission on Trade
and Economic Cooperation, 65
Australia–Spain Air Services Agreement, 62
Australia–Thailand Institute, 202
Australia–Thailand Joint Commission on
Bilateral Cooperation, 40
Australia–Turkey Joint Economic Committee
on Trade, Economic and Technical
Cooperation, 63
Australia–United Kingdom Ministerial
Dialogue, 60
Australia–United States Free Trade
Agreement, 50, 102
Australia–United States Ministerial
consultations, 49
Australia–United States Ministerial trade
talks, 50
Australia–Vietnam Consular Consultations,
165
Australia–Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue,
126
Australia Week promotions, 52
Australian Academy of Science, 133
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences
and Engineering, 200
Australian Agency for International
Development, see AusAID
Australian–American Fulbright Commission,
50
Australian–American Leadership Dialogue, 49
428
Australian Art Orchestra, 195
Australian Ballet, 201
Australian births overseas registers, 279
Australian Broadcasting Corporation, see
Australia Network
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 188
Australian Capital Territory, 204
Australian Centre for International Agricultural
Research, 18, 228
Australian Competition and Consumer
Commission, 111
Australian Customs Service, 113
Australian Defence Force, 70, 170
Australian Education International, 191
Australian Federal Police, 83, 122, 218
Australian Federation of Travel Agents, 174
Australian Film Focus program, 198
Australian Financial Review, 193
Australian Fine Music Touring Program, 197
Australian image (Output 3.1.2), 190–205
Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union,
224
Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), 229,
241
implementation of suggestions, 187,
226, 239
Australian National Commission for UNESCO,
118
Australian Olympic Committee, 170
Australian Paralympic Committee, 170
Australian Passport Office, see passport
services
Australian Passports Act 2005, 178, 182
Australian Political Exchange Council, 50
Australian Public Service Commission, 233
Australian Public Service Values and Code of
Conduct, 227, 228
Australian R2P Fund, 116
Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation
Office (ASNO), 130
Australian Secret Intelligence Service, 18
Australian Sports Commission, 198
Australian Sports Outreach Program, 198–9
Australian studies, 200
Australian Tax Office, 83
Australian Trade Commission, see Austrade
Australian Treaties Database, 125, 189
Australian Tsunami Warning System, 120
Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs),
240, 258
Australians informed about and provided
access to consular to passport
(Outcome 2), 161–83, 261, 263, 287
Australia’s international interests (Output
1.1), 23–136, 262
Australia’s national interests (Outcome 1),
22–159, 261, 262, 287
Australia’s trade by state and territory, 188
Austria, 61, 148
authors and writers, 200
see also media and media services
automotive industry, see motor vehicles
average staffing levels, 262, 263, 264, 265
aviation, see air services
awards, educational, see scholarships and
fellowships
awards, foreign, 159
B
429
SECTION 6
Baghdad, 71, 72, 138, 216
Bahrain, 68, 72, 102, 114
Balgo exhibition, 196, 197
Bali, 171
Bali Bombers, 173
Bali Democracy Forum, 118, 242
Bali Regional Ministerial Conference on
People Smuggling, Trafficking in
Persons and Related Transnational
Crime, 126
ballet, 201
ballistic missiles, 34, 131
Bangalore, 195, 203
Bangkok, 197, 203
Bangladesh, 75, 118, 193
Dhaka mission, 138, 226
banking, see financial services markets
Beale Review, 93
beef markets, 28, 33, 89
Beijing, 232
Australia Network, 203
Coming Home exhibition, 195
ICNND outreach meeting, 128
Olympic Games, 30, 170, 171, 232
Beirut, 174
Belgium, 60–1
see also Brussels
Belgrade, 138, 245
Benefits of trade and trade liberalisation,
188
Bhutan, 75
bilateral, regional and multilateral trade
negotiations, 87–105
see also Doha Round; free trade
agreements
biological weapons, see weapons of mass
destruction
biometrics (facial recognition), 140, 183
bioterrorism, 133
Bligh Voller Nield, 218
BlueScope Steel, 204
border protection and control, 135
Iraq MOU, 71
see also passport services
borders, maritime, 81
Bosnia and Herzegovina, 65
Botswana, 73
Bougainville, 81
Bovis Lend Lease Projects (Shanghai) Co Ltd,
204
Brand Australia, 112
Brasilia, 226
Brazil, 52, 89, 92, 95, 157
trade statistics, 53, 188
bribery, 111
BRIDGE project, 200
briefings, see submissions and briefings
Brisbane, 157
meetings held in, 81, 126
Britain, see United Kingdom
British Virgin Islands, 124
broadcasting, 93, 196
journalist internship, 194
see also Australia Network
Brook Andrew exhibition, 197
Brunei, 44
Brussels, 61
EC Trade Policy Dialogue, 58
European Policy Centre, 193
Buddhist teachers, 202
budget, see finance
Budget Allocation Review, 225
Buenos Aires, 54
Qantas flights to, 53
building, see construction
Bulgaria, 65
Bunbongkarn, Professor Suchit, 202
Bureau of Meteorology, 120
Burkina Faso, 73
Burma, 44, 125, 135
bushfires, Victoria, 62
business, services to, 151, 155
business continuity planning, 228
business delegations, 65
to Australia, 58
‘Buy America’ provisions, 50
SECTION 6
C
CAAR, 199
Cabinet submissions and briefings, 149
cables, 136, 142, 145
cadets, 236, 254
Café Brindabella, 288
Cairns Forum Leaders’ Meeting, 86
Cairns Group, 88, 89
Cambodia, 44, 133, 148, 198
Phnom Penh chancery, 218
Canada, 51–2, 209
mutual consular assistance, 163, 171,
310–11
parliamentary delegation to, 148
Cannakkale, 63
Cape Town, 74
Cape Verde, 94
Capital Management Plan, 225
carbon capture and storage, 49, 113, 158
‘Fighting Climate Change with Carbon
Capture and Storage’ conference, 64
Global Institute, 52, 60, 119
Indonesian Forest Carbon Partnership, 38
Papua New Guinea Forest Carbon
Partnership, 81
Caribbean, 54
cars, see motor vehicles
Cashman, Professor Richard, 208
Catholic Church, 62
Centre for Democratic Institutions, 147
Centre for International Economics, 188
CER Agreement, 79, 103
certified (collective) agreement, 224, 235,
238, 240, 258–9
Cervantes Institute, 62
CESCR, 125
Chan, Tanya, 193
4 30
Chandrakirana, Kamala, 40
Charter for Safe Travel, 175
Charter of the United Nations Act 1945
section 30, 122
chemical weapons, see weapons of mass
destruction
chemicals, 58, 131, 133
Chennai, 68, 195
Chief Finance Officer, 224
Child Wise Australia, 173
childcare centre, on-site, 232
children, 165, 171, 173
overseas births registers, 279
sport, 199
Chile, 53, 95, 113, 188, 201
ICNND meeting, 128
trade statistics, 53
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, 102
China, 29–31, 95
Beijing Olympics, 30, 170, 171, 232
cultural and people-to-people programs,
193, 194, 195, 197, 199–200;
Australia Network, 203
free trade agreement negotiations,
99–100, 101
Human Rights Dialogue, 126
Shanghai World Expo, 185, 195, 204–5,
241, 242, 264
trade disputes, 92
trade statistics, 27, 29, 31, 89
visits to and from, 29–31, 153, 194
see also Hong Kong; Taiwan
Chinese language training, 238
CHOGM, 54, 127
cigarettes, 92
civil aviation, see air services
civil society, see democratic governance
civilian armoured vehicles, 138
Clark, Helen, 118
classification of staff, 254–6, 258–60
see also Senior Executive Service (SES)
staff
classified information, see information
security
clean technologies, 31, 58, 119
see also carbon capture and storage
client satisfaction, see satisfaction
client service charters, 173, 175, 182
Conference Board of Canada, 52
Conference on Disarmament, 130
conflict diamonds, 113–14
Congo, 73, 74, 125
construction, 97
Australian 2010 World Expo Pavilion, 204
Brunei memorial, 44
overseas property projects, 138, 216–17
consular and passport services (Output 2.1),
161–83, 263
see also passport services
Consular Assistance Information System,
173
Consular Emergency Centre (CEC), 163
Consular Enhancement Program, 170
consular services (Output 2.1.1), 15, 162–
76, 232, 308–11
documents relating to, 277
Estonia, 64
Macau, 32
media coverage, 164, 186
see also diplomatic and consular
representatives in Australia
Consular Services Charter, 173
Consular Sharing Agreement, 163
consultancy services, 245, 296–9
provided by department, 189
consultative arrangements, 136, 271–3
counter-terrorism agenda, 133
free trade agreements, 100, 103
genetic resources position, 121
human rights, 126
passports, 179
with staff, 224, 225, 266
trade policy, 112; WTO negotiations on
environmental goods and services,
94
travel industry, 173
consumer product safety, 111
Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of
Somalia, 121
contingency planning, 140, 170
contract management (Output 4.2), 216–19
contracts, see purchasing
contributions, see grants and contributions
Convention Against Torture and other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment, 123
Convention Against Transnational Organized
Crime, 122
431
SECTION 6
climate change, 93, 118, 200
29, 51–2, 53, 54, 64; Indonesia, 38
conferences, 64
Pacific Islands initiatives, 86, 118
trade and, 94
see also carbon capture and storage
Closer Economic Relations Agreement, 79,
103
Cluster Munitions Convention, 123
COAG, 112
coal markets, 28, 34, 52, 69
COALAR, 201
codes of conduct, 227, 228
Collective Agreement 2006–2009, 224, 235,
238, 240, 258–9
Colombia, 54
Colombo, 74, 138, 198, 226
Comcare, 266–8
Comcover, 228
Coming Home exhibition, 195
commercial and statistical services, 189
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic
Living Resources, 122
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights, 125
Commonwealth (of Nations), 127
Commonwealth Committee on Terrorism, 133
Commonwealth Disability Strategy, 235
Commonwealth Games, 69, 170
Commonwealth Heads of Government
Meeting, 54, 127
Commonwealth Ombudsman, 230
Commonwealth overseas owned estate, see
overseas estate
Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference,
147
Community and Public Sector Union, 224
Community Liaison Officer network, 241
compassionate travel, 241
compensation for detriment caused by
defective administration, 231
competitions, 205
competitive tendering and contracting, 243–4
complaints, 230, 231
consular services, 173
passport services, 179
Composition of Trade Australia, 188
Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, 130
conduct and ethics, 224, 227–8
SECTION 6
Convention on Biological Diversity, 120–1
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women, 123
Convention on the Protection of Promotion of
the Diversity of Cultural Expressions,
124
Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities, 116, 123
Cook Islands, 85
Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs,
Fisheries and Food Security, 120
corporate and financial management
trainees, 233, 236
corporate governance, 223–9
corporate management and accountability,
223–47, 277–8
Corporate Management Division, 223–4
correspondence
on consular issues, 173
ministerial, 149, 174
passports reported lost in mail, 178
see also email
corruption, 43, 82
OECD anti-bribery recommendations, 111
Côte d’Ivoire, 114
cotton, 87
Council for Australian–Arab Relations, 199
Council of Australian Governments, 112
Council of Australian Tour Operators, 173
Council on Australia Latin America Relations,
201
counselling services for staff, 240–1
counter-proliferation, see weapons
counter-terrorism, see terrorism
counterfeiting, 91
court cases, 284–6
Crawford-Nishi lecture, 200
credentials, presentation of, 157, 159
cricket, 170, 199
Cricket Australia, 170
Crisis Centre, 170
crisis management, 140, 167–71, 232
see also disaster relief and response
Croatia, 65, 164, 198
crude petroleum markets, 49
CTBT, 130
Cuba, 52
cultural expressions convention, 124
cultural heritage conservation, 196
cultural programs, 32, 51–2, 193–202
4 32
Currawong Childcare Centre, 232
customs duties, 92
cyclones, 135
Cyprus, 62, 217
Czech Republic, 64
D
dairy product markets, 28, 50, 58, 89
Dangerous Substances Directives system,
EU, 58
DAP, 202–3
Darfur, 74
data switching equipment, 141
Davos, 28
death penalty, 125, 126, 173
Australians facing, 164–5
deaths overseas, 176
debt recovery from travellers’ emergency
loans, 166
debt relief, 111–12
decisions by courts and administrative
tribunals, 284–6
defective administration, compensation for
detriment caused by, 231
defence adviser/attache approvals, 159
defence and security, 128–35
Afghanistan, 241
Africa, 73
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,
34–5, 130
documents relating to, 275, 276
East Timor, 44, 62
Europe, 59
Fiji, 83
Iraq, 71, 72, 138
maritime, 85
Sri Lanka, 74
see also Afghanistan; law enforcement
cooperation; peacekeeping; protective
security; terrorism
defence and security, bilateral discussions
and cooperation, 123
African Union, 73
Canada, 52
China, 30
East Timor, 44
Indonesia, 38
Iraq, 71
Japan, 27
desktop equipment, 141, 142
detriment caused by defective administration,
compensation for, 231
developing countries, 89, 91–2
see also international aid and
development assistance
Development Cooperation Treaty, PNG, 81
Development Effectiveness Steering
Committee, 228
Dhaka, 138, 226
diamonds, 113–14
Dili, 192
diplomatic and consular representatives in
Australia, 156–9, 262
Cuba, 52
Estonia, 64
Mongolia, 35
Tonga, 84
diplomatic relations
Africa, 73
Cuba, 52
Malaysia, 41–2
Mongolia, 35
Peru, 54
Vatican, 62, 242
Vietnam, 43, 198
Diplomatic Security, Information Management
and Services Division, 224, 236
Direct Aid Program, 202
disability, people with, 235
Nepalese children with Down Syndrome,
199
UN Convention, 116, 123
disarmament, see nuclear non-proliferation
and disarmament
disaster relief and response, 135, 202
APEC Task Force, 111
ASEAN Regional Forum, 135
38, 85
tsunami warning systems, 120
DISCEX, 133
displaced persons
Burma, 44
Pakistan, 70, 202
Sri Lanka, 74
dividend paid from OPO’s Special Account,
242
division heads, 14, 17, 223–4, 225
433
SECTION 6
NATO, 59
Philippines, 42
Portugal, 62
Republic of Korea, 33, 123
United Kingdom, 60
Defence White Paper, 134, 158
defensive driver training, 140
democratic governance, 118
Burma, 44
Fiji, 83
South Asia, 75
Tonga, 84
Zimbabwe, 74
see also elections
34–5, 125, 130
Democratic Republic of Congo, 73, 74, 125
Denton Corker Marshall, 216
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry (DAFF), 33, 50, 52–3, 57,
114
Department of Climate Change (DCC), 38,
118, 119
Department of Defence, 70, 131–2, 134,
218
ARF exercise, 135
Department of Education, Employment and
Workplace Relations, 79, 201
Department of Families, Housing, Community
Services and Indigenous Affairs, 61
Department of Finance and Deregulation,
243
Department of Immigration and Citizenship,
79, 83
APEC Regional Movement Alert List
program, 182
overseas posts, 141, 142, 144, 218
Department of Resources, Energy and
Tourism, 113, 119
Department of the Environment, Water,
Heritage and the Arts, 120, 195
Department of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet, 119, 134
Department of the Treasury, 61
Department of Veterans’ Affairs, 44, 63, 170
departmental overview, 14–19
deputy secretaries, 14, 17, 223, 224, 226,
228
designated work groups, 266
divisional evaluation reviews, 225
documents, 208–11, 274–9
addresses for applications, 269–70
FOI requests for, 206–7
tabled in Parliament, 97, 225
see also publications
Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund,
92
Doha Round, 87–92, 94–5
28, 29, 50, 52, 53
Douglas Gabb Australia–Pacific Radio
Journalist Internship, 194
Down Syndrome, 199
DPRK, 34–5, 125, 130
Dreaming Stories exhibition, 196
driver training, 140
drought management, 53
drugs, 122
cases involving young Australians
overseas, 164–5, 186
Dublin, 233
Dubrovnik, 164
Durban Review Conference Against Racism,
125
SECTION 6
E
Earth Hour, 288
earthquakes, 202
East Asia, see North Asia; South-East Asia
East Asia Summit, 41, 45
East Timor, 44, 62, 132
192
Timor Sea resources, 121
Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial, 201
ecologically sustainable development and
environment performance, 287–8
ECONET, 227
economic analysis, 188
economic relationships, see investment;
markets and market access; trade
EDRMS, 209
education and education markets, 191
Afghanistan, 41
434
Brunei, 44
China, 200
India, 69
Indonesia, 200
Iraq, 71
Japan, 100, 200
Latin America, 52, 53, 201
Malaysia, 41, 202
Thailand, 202
see also scholarships and fellowships;
training
education exchange programs, 173
education resource kits, 199
Edwards, Dr John, 112
efficient management of the Commonwealth
overseas owned estate, see overseas
estate
EFIC, 112, 262, 279
Egypt, 114, 148, 157
elections, 87, 171
Afghanistan, 70
Bangladesh, 75, 118
Fiji, 83
India, 68
to international organisations, 91, 116–
18; to UNSC, 116, 187, 190, 192,
231, 242
Iran, 72
Lebanon, 174
Maldives, 75
Mongolia, 118
Tonga, 84
United States, 49
Vanuatu, 83
electricity consumption, 288
Electronic Document and Records
Management System, 209
electronic passports (ePassports), 179–80,
183
electronics, 32
Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award, 193
email, 142
smartraveller travel advice subscription
service, 172
embassies, see diplomatic and consular
representatives in Australia; overseas
network
Embassy Film Roadshow, 198
emergency issue passports, 177
terrorism discussions, 133
see also France; United Kingdom
European Australia Business Council, 58
European Policy Centre, 193
European Union, 57–9, 75, 93–4, 94, 121
Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM), 41, 45
Doha Round negotiations, 89
trade disputes, 92
see also Brussels
evacuations from overseas countries, 170
medical, 165, 176; staff and families,
240
evaluation and planning, 225–6
business continuity, 228
contingencies, 140, 170
departmental resources, 243
locally engaged staff Better Practice
Guide, 239
records management, 209
workforce, 232
Evans, Hon Gareth, 128
Every assistance and protection, 181
execution, see death penalty
Executive, Planning and Evaluation Branch,
224
exempt contracts, 245
exequateurs issued, 159
exhibitions and shows, 191–2, 195–8
R G Casey Building, 207, 208
see also Shanghai World Expo
expatriate professionals, 197
expenses, see finance
export controls, 130–2
export credits, 111
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation,
112, 262, 279
Export Market Development Grants Act 1997,
231
export subsidies, 89, 92
exports, see trade
external scrutiny, 229–31
F
facial recognition (biometrics), 140, 183
fact sheets, 188, 189
Family Liaison Officer, 241
435
SECTION 6
emergency loans/advances to travellers,
166, 176
emergency management, 140, 157–71, 232
see also disaster relief and response
Emissaries of trade, 207
employees, see staff
employment of diplomatic staff dependants,
157, 159
energy, 113
alternative fuels, 94
31, 51–2, 60, 69
departmental consumption, 288
renewable, 60, 69, 111, 119
energy markets, 90
China, 31
India, 69
Iraq, 71
Italy, 62
Japan, 28
Mexico, 52
Mongolia, 35
Taiwan, 32
United States, 49
engineering, 50
Enhanced Cooperation Program, 81
environment, 85, 118–22
departmental performance, 287–8
OECD Recommendations, 111
trade and, 94
see also climate change; wildlife
conservation
environmental goods and services, 90, 93,
94
Environmental Management System (EMS),
288
ePassports, 179–80, 183
Eritrea, 157
Escudero, Senator Francis, 42
Estimates hearings, 149
Estonia, 64, 95
ethics and conduct, 227–8
Ethics Committee, 224
Ethiopia, 73, 148
Europe, 56–66, 257
air services to, 124
consular service cases, 164
SECTION 6
family members of overseas diplomatic staff,
241
employment, 157, 159
language training, 238
FAO, 62
FEALAC, 54
Federated States of Micronesia, 120, 199
females, see women
Fertuzinhos, Sonia, 62
‘Fighting Climate Change with Carbon Capture
and Storage’ conference, 64
Fiji, 83, 127, 242
child protection workshop, 173
192, 194
films and film screenings, 196, 198
finance, 241–7, 261–5, 289–304, 315–411
Café Brindabella levy on takeaway cups,
288
Comcare premium, 268
debt recovery from travellers emergency
loans, 166
evaluation and planning, 225
language training expenditure, 238
overseas estate property management,
215
see also grants and contributions;
purchasing; remuneration and
salaries
Financial Action Task Force, 122
financial management information system,
243
financial sanctions, 34, 44, 74, 122
financial services markets, 90
Japan, 100
Vietnam, 43
financial statements, 229, 241, 315–411
financing of terrorism, 111
asset freezing regime, 122, 133
Finland, 63
fires, Victoria, 62
first aid training, 267
Fischer, Hon. Tim, 62
fish and fisheries, 53, 100, 120, 122
Australian-farmed, 58
northern waters, 39, 121
Pacific region, 84, 86
436
Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty, 130
Flannery, Professor Tim, 200
flu, see influenza
food, 41, 62, 74
geographical indications, 90–1
WTO Standards and Trade Development
Facility, 92
see also agriculture
Food and Agriculture Organisation, 62
Football Federation Australia, 170
foreign affairs and trade portfolio, 16, 18
foreign aid, see international aid
foreign awards to Australian citizens, 159
Foreign Correspondents’ Association, 194
foreign investment, see investment
foreign-language materials, 172–3, 191, 192
film sub-titles, 198
foreign language training, 237–8
foreign media, see media and media services
foreign public diplomacy (Output 3.1.2),
190–205
foreign representatives in Australia,
see diplomatic and consular
foreign students, see education and
education markets
foreign trade, see trade
foreign travel, see overseas travel
forests and forestry, 90, 94
Indonesia, 38
Papua New Guinea, 81
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 157
Forum for East Asia–Latin America
Cooperation, 54
Fox, Mem, 192
fragile states, 49
France, 60, 133, 157
Anzac Day commemorations, 170
192, 293
Pacific Collectivities, 85
fraud control, 227–8
passports, 182, 183
free trade agreements, 91, 95–103
AANZFTA, 96–8, 100, 113, 188
Chile, 53, 113, 188
China, 99–100, 101
Gulf Cooperation Council, 72, 102
India, 69, 193
Indonesia, 39
Japan, 27, 100, 101
Malaysia, 100
New Zealand, 79, 103
PACER Plus, 79, 232
Republic of Korea, 99, 101, 113, 193
Singapore, 103
Thailand, 103, 202
WTO transparency mechanism, 91
Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP),
109
freedom of information, 206–7, 269–79
freedom of information and archival research
and clearance, 206–11
French Polynesia, 85
Friends of Fish, 91
Fromelles, 60
fruit imports, 92
Fulbright Professional Award in Australia–
United States Alliance Studies, 50–1
full-time staff, 255
functions and role, 14
G
4 37
SECTION 6
G7, 89
G8, 27, 62, 70
G20, 52, 106–7
bilateral discussions at, 60
bilateral discussions on process, 27, 29,
38, 49, 53, 63
Gallipoli Anzac Day commemorations, 63,
232
Gambia, 164
gas, 28, 33, 69, 121
Gaza Strip, 72
GCC, see Gulf Cooperation Council
Gelam Nguzu Kazi exhibition, 198
gender of staff, 254–7
genetic resources, 120–1
Geneva, 89, 93, 148
Georgia, 65
Geoscience Australia, 120
Germany, 60, 124, 133
Gershon Review, 142
Ghana, 194
Gharekhan, C.R., 200
Gladwell, Shaun, 196
Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute,
52, 60
global economic crisis, 31, 89, 106–8, 112
bilateral discussions, 29, 38, 50, 51, 52,
53, 54, 61
trade finance, 111
Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism,
133
global security, see defence and security
gold, 69
governance, 242
APEC, 111
DFAT, 223–9
International Whaling Commission, 120
Iraq, 72
Nauru, 84
Solomon Islands, 82
UN Human Rights Council, 125
UN system, 116
see also democratic governance
Government Advertising Guidelines
certification, 173
government procurement, see purchasing
Governor-General, 29, 41, 44, 60, 63, 72
Govey, Ian, 116–17
graduate recruitment program, 233, 234,
236, 254
grain, 100
grants and contributions, 185, 198–202,
293–5
Australia International Cultural Council,
195–6
Great white fleet to Coral Sea, 207
Greater Sunrise gas fields, 121
Greece, 62
greenhouse gas emissions, see carbon
capture and storage
Greening Australia, 288
guard training, 141
Guest of Government visitors, 27, 54, 80, 85
Guest of Parliament visitor, 65
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), 68
free trade agreement negotiations, 72,
102
Gurry, Dr Francis, 91
SECTION 6
H
H1N1 influenza, 158, 170, 172, 232, 240
H V Evatt Library, 211
Hadi Ahmadi, 127
The Hague Conference on Afghanistan, 70
bilateral talks held during, 60
Hanoi, 198
heads of mission, 54, 151, 226, 227, 255–6
representatives in Australia, 157
health and safety, 122
H1N1 outbreak, 158, 170, 172, 232,
240
hospitalisations overseas, 176
Iraq agreement, 71
Malaysia, 202
medical evacuations and reparations,
165, 176; staff and families, 240
Slovenia agreement, 65
Zimbabwe, 74
see also occupational health and safety;
protective security
Health and Safety Management
Arrangements, 266
high commissions, see overseas network
high school student exchange programs, 174
higher education, see universities
historical publications and information, 181,
207–8
HIV/AIDS, 122
Ho Chi Minh City, 198
Hobart, 122
Holloway, Sandy, 120
Holocaust Era Assets Conference, 64
Holy See, 62, 242
Honduras, 202
Hong Kong, 27, 32, 89
Australia Network audience, 203
193, 194, 197, 198
Hong Kong Arts Festival, 194
honorary consuls, 15, 163, 308–9
in Australia, 157–8
honours and awards, foreign, 159
horticultural products, 92, 93, 96, 100
see also wine
hospitalised Australians overseas, 176
human resource management information
system, 232
human resources, see staff
438
human rights, 116, 123, 125–6, 192
Burma, 44, 125
Iran, 72, 125
North Korea, 34, 125
Philippines, 42
human security, 111
see also disaster relief and response;
health and safety; terrorism
human swine flu H1N1, 158, 170, 172, 232,
240
human trafficking and smuggling, 39, 74,
126–7
humanitarian assistance, 135
Afghanistan, 52
Africa, 74
Fiji, 192
Georgia, 65
North Korea, 34
Pakistan, 69
Sri Lanka, 74
Hunter, Ruby, 233
Hyderabad, 68, 195
I
IAEA, 130
ICNND, 128–9, 187, 231, 242
identity cards issued, 159
Identity Security Strategy, 182
illegal drugs, see drugs
illegal fishing, 39, 121
illegal logging, 94
image of Australia (Output 3.1.2), 190–205
immigration, 93
offshore processing centres, 84
Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme,
78–9, 232, 242
people smuggling and trafficking, 39, 74,
126–7
see also visas
imports, see trade
IN2OZ, 196
incidents and accidents reported, 267, 268
India, 68–70, 89, 95, 123, 240
193, 195, 200; Australia Network
audience, 203
free trade agreement feasibility study,
69, 193
Mumbai terror attacks, 171
Electronic Document and Records
Management System, 209
management information systems, 232,
243
passport services, 179–80, 183
services to attached agencies, 142–4,
151, 290
trade disputes, 92
see also website services
information requests, 208–9
about Australians overseas, 176
under FOI, 206–7
from media, 186
statistical consultancy service, 189
website page-views and downloads, 172,
187, 189
information security, 57, 59, 123
DFAT, 140, 226
Information Technology Strategy Committee,
142
infrastructure, 31, 43
injecting drug users, 122
injuries and incidents reported, 267, 268
inspections of overseas posts, 138, 145,
226
insurance companies, 170
see also financial services markets
intellectual property, 90–1, 93
China, 92
Singapore, 103
Taiwan, 32
intelligence agencies, 18, 135, 209
intelligence cooperation, 49
information security, 57, 59, 123
inter-agency mobility, SES, 256
Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, 148
interfaith activities, 116
see also religion
internal audit, 226–7
internal reviews of FOI access decisions,
206, 207
international agreements, see treaties and
bilateral agreements
international aid and development
assistance, 91–2, 116, 118, 202
Afghanistan, 41
bilateral discussions on collaboration, 27,
41, 64, 79
Indonesia, 200
Iraq, 72
439
SECTION 6
visits to and from, 68, 69, 153, 193
see also New Delhi
Indigenous Australians, 125, 126, 194
NAIDOC Week, 233
National Apology to Stolen Generations,
126, 198
performing arts and artists, 201, 233
staff, 235, 236, 254
in Torres Strait, 81
visual arts and artists, 180, 191, 194,
196, 197–8
Indigenous Cadetship Program, 236, 254
Indigenous Employees Network, 235
Indigenous Recruitment and Career
Development Strategy, 235
Indigenous Task Force, 235
Indonesia, 37–40, 95
APEC activities with, 94, 111
Australia–East Timor–Indonesia trilateral
meeting, 44
Australians detained in Merauke, 164
Australians sentenced to death, 165
Bali Bomber execution, 173
Bali Democracy Forum, 118, 242
193, 194, 196, 198, 200; Australia
Network, 203
fishing in Australian waters, 39, 121
people smuggling, 39, 126, 127
terrorism discussions and activities, 38,
133
travel bulletin on, 171
visits to and from, 37, 39–40, 147, 173,
193, 194
World Ocean Conference, 120
Indonesia–Australia Forest Carbon
Partnership, 38
Indonesian fishing boats, 39
Indonesian language training, 238
Indonesian Science and Technology Centre,
194
Indonesian-subtitled films, 198
industrial products, see manufactures
industrial property, 32
influenza, 158, 170, 172, 232, 240
vaccinations, 267
information and communications technology,
139, 140, 141–4
SECTION 6
Lebanon, 199
Pacific, 78–9, 232, 242
Pakistan, 69–70
Palestinian Territories, 72
Papua New Guinea, 78, 81
Philippines, 42
Zimbabwe, 74
see also disaster relief and response;
humanitarian assistance; technical
training and assistance
International Atomic Energy Commission
(IAEA), 130
International Commission on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament,
128–9, 187, 231, 242
International Conference on Afghanistan, 70
bilateral talks held during, 60
International Counter-Terrorism Coordination
Group, 132
International Criminal Court, 123
International Cultural Visits program, 194
International Institute for the Unification of
Private Law, 116–17
international interests (Output 1.1), 23–136,
262
international investment, see investment
international law, 123–5
legal proceedings against Japanese
whaling, 120
see also treaties and bilateral
agreements
International Media Visits program, 193–4
international meetings or negotiations
attended, 136
international organisations, 115–27
missions in Australia, 157
OECD, 95, 111, 124
see also APEC; United Nations
international organisations, grants and
contributions to, 262, 294–5
APEC, 111
WTO ‘Aid for Trade’ trust funds, 92
International Physical Security Forum, 138
international public diplomacy (Output 3.1.2),
190–205
International Relations Grants Program, 199,
293
International Renewable Energy Agency, 60,
119
international security, see defence and
security
440
International Security Assistance Force, 59,
70
international trade, see trade
international transfer of prisoners, 123
international travel, see overseas travel
International Whaling Commission, 53, 120
International Women’s Day, 233
internet, see website services
investment, 112
APEC action plan, 109
China, 31, 99
European Union, 58
Japan, 28, 100
New Zealand, 79
Philippines, 42
Singapore, 103
Switzerland, 62
Turkey, 63
United States, 49
Vietnam, 43
investment, OPO return on, 215
IP, see intellectual property
Iran, 72, 125, 130
Tehran mission fit-out works, 138
Iraq, 70–2, 123, 157
Baghdad, 71, 72, 138, 216
debt owed to Australia, 111–12
Ireland, 61
Dublin, 233
IRENA, 60, 119
iron ore, 31, 34
Islam, 193, 202
Islamabad, 242
Isle of Man, 124
Israel, 72, 148
Tel Aviv mission fit-out works, 138
Italy, 62, 65, 70
J
Jakarta, 198
Centre for Democratic Institutions Forum,
147
chancery, 216
National Gallery of Indonesia, 196
Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement
Cooperation, 133
Japan, 27–9, 124
191, 192, 200–1
100, 101
International Commission on Nuclear
Non-proliferation and Disarmament,
128
publication about, 188
relations with North Korea, 34
Tokyo staff apartments, 216
trade disputes, 92
trade statistics, 27, 28–9, 89
Trilateral Strategic Dialogue, 133, 134–5
visits to and from, 27, 153, 192
whaling, 27, 120
Japanese language training, 238
jazz, 197
Jogja Gallery, 196
John Doherty Asia-Pacific Journalism Award,
194
Johnson, George P, 205
Joint Committee on the Australian Crime
Commission, 148
Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Defence and Trade, 97, 147, 280,
283
Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, 125,
130, 281–3
Jordan, 165
Amman mission, 138, 216
journalists, see media and media services
K
L
labelling of wine, 57
Lamy, Pascal, 192
landmines, 132
Lang, Grace, 194
language training, 237–8
Laos, 44, 164
Latin America, 52–4, 89, 95, 198
COALAR, 201
Direct Aid Program, 202
free trade agreements, 53, 113
trade disputes, 92
law enforcement cooperation
East Timor, 44
Indonesia, 38
Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement
Cooperation, 133
New Caledonia, 85
Solomon Islands, 82
leased estate, 214, 245–6
Lebanon, 94, 174, 199
lectures and lecture series, 158, 197, 200,
202, 208
legal services markets, 100, 102
legislation, 231
EU REACH, 58
Fiji, 83
passports, 178, 182
US Farm Bill, 50
Legoh, Dr Finarya, 194
Leighton Contractors Asia, 218
Lesmana, Mira, 193
441
SECTION 6
Kabul, 165, 242
Kaing Guek Eav, 44
Kathmandu, 198, 199
Kawaguchi, Yoriko, 128
Kazakhstan, 94
Kelola Foundation, 194
Kenya, 73, 74, 121, 157, 194
Nairobi, 232
Key Messages Brief, 190
key performance indicators, see performance
indicators
Khmer Rouge, 44
kidnappings, 164
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme,
113–14
Kiribati, 78, 85
Kngwarreye exhibition, 191
Kokoda Track, 81
Korea, 33–5, 125, 130
see also Republic of Korea
Kuala Lumpur, 41, 100
Australian Network, 203
security, 138
Kusumo, Amna, 194
Kuwait, 68, 72, 102
letters, see correspondence
Liberia, 73
library services, departmental, 211
Libya, 157
lighting, 288
Lima, 54
liquefied natural gas (LNG), 28, 33
live animal exports, 114
Liyarn Ngarn, 233
loans to travellers, 166, 176
locally engaged staff, 15, 229, 239, 255,
257, 266
average levels, 262, 263, 264
location of offices, 15
location of staff, 15, 254, 255, 257
Lombok Treaty, 38
London, 177–8
lost or stolen passports, 178
Lowy Institute, 133, 200, 201
SECTION 6
M
Ma Shulin, 194
Macau, 32
McCallum, Professor Ron, 116
Macedonia, 157
Madang, 81
Madrid, 138, 245
MAFTA, 100
mail, see correspondence
Malaysia, 41–2, 123
193, 202
free trade agreement negotiations, 100
mission fit-out works, 138
Maldives, 75
male staff, 254–7
Malta, 63
Management Advisory Committee
recommendations implementation,
209
management and accountability, 223–47,
277–8
management expense ratio of overseas
owned estate operations, 215
management information systems, 232, 243
management of overseas estate, see
overseas estate
442
Mandarin language training, 238
Manila, 198, 209
manufactures (industrial products), 87, 90
China, 99
EU mutual recognition of conformity
assessments, 57
maritime borders, 81
maritime environment, 120–2
see also fish and fisheries
maritime transport, 85
DPRK-flagged ships, 34
market information and analysis, 188
market research organisations, 292
markets and market access, 87–105
Africa, 73–4
APEC, 109–10
Argentina, 53
Caribbean, 54
China, 29–30, 31, 99–100
European Union, 57–8
Hong Kong, 32
India, 69
Iraq, 71–2
Italy, 62
Japan, 28–9, 100
Malaysia, 41
Mexico, 52–3
Mongolia, 35
Philippines, 42
Republic of Korea, 33–4, 99
Russia, 65
Switzerland, 62
Taiwan, 32
Turkey, 63
United States, 49–50, 102
Vietnam, 43
see also free trade agreements;
investment; trade statistics
Mauboy, Jessica, 196
Mauritius, 73, 198
meat and animal product markets, 89
Japan, 28
Mexico, 52–3
Middle East, 114
Russia, 65
Meat and Livestock Australia, 33
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, 224
Mine Ban Convention, 132
minerals and resources (mining sector)
market, 90
Africa, 73–4
China, 31
conflict diamonds, 113–14
India, 69
Iraq, 71
Japan, 28
Mexico, 52
Mongolia, 35
Philippines, 42
Taiwan, 32
United States, 49
see also energy markets
ministerial correspondence, 149, 174
Ministerial Council on International Trade,
112
ministerial submissions and briefings, 149
ministers and parliamentary secretaries,
195, 251–3
AANZFTA statement, 98
engagement with diplomatic and consular
corps, 158
ICT services, 142
launches, 180, 188, 205, 207
lectures, 200
travel documents cancelled by, 182
Mironov, Sergey, 65
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR),
131
missile tests, North Korea, 34
missing persons, 165, 176
missions, see overseas network
Missiroli, Dr Antonio, 193
money-laundering, 83
Mongolia, 35, 118, 157
‘Montreux Document,’ 123
Morris, Sophie, 193
Morrison, James, 197
Mortimer Review, 112–13
Moscow, 128, 198
motor vehicles and vehicle parts, 102
departmental, 138
imports, 28
443
SECTION 6
media advertising, see advertising
media and media services, 186–7
Chinese coverage, 204, 205
consular assistance cases of interest,
164, 186
Fiji, 83
international visits and exchanges,
193–4, 201, 202
Malaysian coverage of Australia, 41
overseas coverage, 190; India, 69
media releases, 187
media talking points, 164
medical conditions, see health and safety
Medical Unit, 240
meeting briefs, 149
Melbourne, 157
Australian Tourism Exchange, 201
meetings in, 27, 33, 79, 99, 110, 112
Melbourne International Arts Festival, 194
memorandums of understanding (MOUs)
Bangladesh, 75
Hong Kong, 32
Iraq, 70, 71, 76
Mexico, 52
Micronesia, 120
Middle East, 114
Nauru, 84
Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme, 78
Russia, 65
services to attached agencies, 144, 151
Taiwan, 32
Merauke, 164
merchandise trade, see trade
Mexico, 52–3, 148
Mexico City, 138, 167, 226, 232
Regional Consular Officer, 163, 167
Micronesia, 120, 199
Middle East, 72, 133, 153, 191
Council for Australian–Arab Relations,
199
live animal exports, 114
see also Iraq
migration, see immigration
Millennium Development Goals, 64, 79, 116,
118
Millroy, David, 201
Mindanao, 42
purchase, registration and disposal for
privileged personnel, 159
US industry, 50
Mozambique, 73
mulloway, 58
multilateral trade negotiations, see Doha
Round
Mumbai, 171
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern
Territory, 196
music, 195, 197, 233
Musica Viva Australia, 197
Muslims, 193, 202
mutual recognition arrangements, 57
New Zealand, 79
Myer Foundation, 200
Mysore, 195
SECTION 6
N
N series passport, 179–80, 287
NAIDOC Week, 233
Nairobi, 232
Namibia, 73, 114
Nanyan Academy of Fine Arts, 197
narcotics, see drugs
National Apology to Stolen Generations, 126,
198
National Archives of Australia, 208
National Art Museum of China, 194
National Coordinating Committee for
International Secondary Student
Exchanges, 174
National Gallery of Indonesia, 196
National Identity Security Strategy, 182
national interests (Outcome 1), 22–159,
261, 262, 287
National Roundtable on People Trafficking,
127
national security, see defence and security
National Security Committee of Cabinet, 135
National Security Statement, 134, 158
National Threat Assessment Centre, 171
National Trade Consultations, 112
NATO, 59
natural disasters, see disaster relief and
response
natural gas, 23, 33, 69, 121
444
Nauru, 84
Nautilus Institute for Security and
Sustainability, 201
Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation, 91
Nepal, 75, 157, 198, 199
Netherlands, 61, 70, 148
New Caledonia, 85
New Delhi, 69, 75, 114
New South Wales, 153, 170, 204
see also Sydney
New York, 125
meetings held in, 49, 130
see also United Nations
New Zealand, 63, 79–80, 133, 163, 193,
209
ASEAN FTA, 96–8, 100, 113, 188
Closer Economic Relations Agreement,
79, 103
PSI exercise, 132
trade dispute, 92, 93
Newslink cable, 190
next of kin of overseas travellers, 176
Nicosia, 217
Niger, 73
Nigeria, 194
Niue, 85
Forum Leaders’ Meeting, 86
non-English speaking backgrounds, materials
prepared for people from, 172–3,
191, 192
film subtitles, 198
non-government organisations (NGOs), 74,
126
non-ongoing staff, 255
non-proliferation, see weapons of mass
destruction
non-salary benefits, 240
North America, see Canada; Latin America;
United States
North Asia, 26–36, 257
see also China; Hong Kong; Japan;
Republic of Korea; Taiwan
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, 58
North Korea, 34–5, 125, 130
Northern Territory, 153, 194, 204
Northern Territory Museum and Art Gallery,
196
Norway, 64
see also Oslo Cluster Munitions Signing
Conference
notarial services, 163, 164, 176
Note Printing Australia, 180
notes to the media issued, 187
nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament,
128–32, 187, 201, 231, 242
27, 29, 60
34, 130
Iran, 72, 130
Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), 128,
129–30
Nuclear Suppliers Group, 131
nuclear terrorism, 133
Nusa Tenggara Timur, 196
O
445
SECTION 6
occupational health and safety, 226, 240–1,
266–8
staff at high risk posts, 83
Oceania Academy of Sports, 199
OECD, 95, 111, 124
office accommodation, see overseas estate;
R G Casey Building
Office of the Privacy Commissioner, 230–1
official information, protection of, see
information security
official programs prepared, 136, 155
see also overseas travel
offshore processing of asylum seekers, 84
Ogilvy Public Relations Shanghai, 205
Olympic Games, 30, 170, 171, 232
Oman, 68, 72, 102, 114, 157
Ombudsman, 230
ongoing staff, 255
separations, 232
online services, see website services
Operation Sunlight, 242
orchestras, 195
organisation and structure, 14–19, 223–9,
231–2
Australian National Commission for
UNESCO, 118
trade policy consultative arrangements,
112
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD), 95, 111, 124
Organisation for Security and Cooperation in
Europe, 59
organised crime, see transnational crime
origin rules, see rules of origin
Oruzgan Province, 64
OSCE, 59
O’Shaughnessy, James, 60
Oslo Cluster Munitions Signing Conference
bilateral talks held during, 60, 61, 64
outcomes and outputs, 22–219, 261, 262–5
portfolio agencies, 18
outside participation, see consultative
arrangements
outsourcing of passport non-core functions,
178
overseas aid, see international aid
overseas births registers, 279
overseas estate (Outcome 4), 213–19, 242,
245, 265, 288
security-related construction works, 138
overseas network, 15, 163, 226, 305–11
accommodation services, see overseas
estate
attached agencies, see services to
attached agencies
cables, 136, 142, 145
court cases, 284–5
family members of staff, employment of,
157
honorary consuls, 15, 163, 308–9
technology, 141–4, 290
internal audits, 226
NAIDOC Week events, 233
passports issue, processing and
production, 177–8
public diplomacy, 190–2
record management projects in, 209,
210
security, 71, 72, 83, 138–45, 242
senior management meetings and
mechanisms, 225
staff, 15, 254, 255–6, 257; Regional
Technical Officers, 142
staff management and welfare, 229,
239, 240–1, 266–7
SECTION 6
staff training, 140–1
see also consular services; locally
engaged staff
Overseas Property Office, see overseas
estate
overseas public diplomacy (Output 3.1.2),
190–205
overseas students, see education and
education markets
overseas trade, see trade
overseas travel (tourism), 161–83, 201, 263,
287
to Antarctica, 121
see also air services; visas
overseas travel arranged, 64
business delegations, 65
electoral observers, 75
Governor-General, 29, 41, 44, 60, 63, 72
public diplomacy programs, 32
Special Envoy for Afghanistan and
Pakistan, 70
trade delegations, 44
overseas travel by Deputy Prime Minister
Middle East, 71, 72
Singapore, 41
United Kingdom, 60
United States, 49
overseas travel by Ministers and
Parliamentary Secretaries
Africa, 73, 119
Brunei, 44
Canada, 52
China, 99
France, 60
Hong Kong, 32
India, 69
Indonesia, 37
Italy, 62
Latin America, 52
Norway, 64
Solomon Islands, 81
United Kingdom, 60
United States, 49
overseas travel by parliamentarians, 147–8
Bangladesh, 75
President of the Senate, 52
state and territory, 153, 155
to Switzerland, 62
446
overseas travel by portfolio Ministers and
Parliamentary Secretaries
Africa, 73
China, 29–30, 204
Europe, 58–65
India, 68
Indonesia, 37, 38
Japan, 27
Latin America, 52
Middle East, 72
Pacific, 79, 81–5
Pakistan, 69
Singapore, 41
Thailand, 40
United Kingdom, 60
United States, 49, 50; New York, 116,
130
Vietnam, 43
overseas travel by Prime Minister
Afghanistan, 70
China, 29
Indonesia, 38
Japan: G8 meeting, Hokkaido, 27
Malaysia, 41
Peru, 54
Singapore, 41
United Arab Emirates, 72
United Kingdom, 60
overseas travel sanctions, 44, 74, 83
overseas visitors to Australia, 149, 193–4
Africa, 73, 194
Cambodia, 44
China, 30–1, 194
Cyprus, 62
East Timor, 44
Estonia, 64
European Union, 58, 59
French Pacific Collectivities, 85
Guest of Government, 27, 54, 80, 85
India, 69, 193, 200
Indonesia, 37, 39–40, 193, 194, 200
Iraq, 71
Ireland, 61
Italy, 62
Japan, 27
Laos, 44
Latin America, 52, 53, 54, 201
Malaysia, 202
Malta, 63
NATO, 59
New Zealand, 79
Papua New Guinea, 80–1
Pope Benedict, 62
Portugal, 62
Republic of Korea, 33, 34, 193
Russia, 65
Samoa, 85, 194
Slovak Republic, 64
Spain, 62
Switzerland, 62
Thailand, 40, 202
Turkey, 63
Tuvalu, 85
United Kingdom, 60
United States, 50
Vanuatu, 83
Vietnam, 43, 194
see also Special Visits Program
Owen Stanley Ranges, 81
P
447
SECTION 6
P4, 102
PACER Plus, 79, 232
Pacific, 77–86, 232, 242
bilateral discussions and consultations
about, 50, 79; with Japan, 27, 28
climate change initiatives, 86, 118
192, 193, 194, 197, 198
sports development, 198–9
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, 50,
102, 113
UN Programme of Action on small arms
and light weapons regional meeting,
132
WTO accessions, 94
see also APEC; New Zealand
Pacific Engagement Strategy, 78–9, 232, 242
Pacific Islands Forum, 86
Fiji, 83
PACER Plus agreement, 79, 232
RAMSI, 82
Pacific Partnerships for Development, 78,
81, 83
Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme, 78–9,
232, 242
Paez, Luis Guillermo Plata, 54
Page, Geoff, 200
Pakistan, 69–70, 133, 202, 240
Contingency Planning Assessment Team
visit, 170
Islamabad, 242
Palau, 85
Palestinian Territories, 72
pandemic prevention and control, 158, 170,
172, 232, 240
Pantai Muara, 44
papal visit, 62
Papua New Guinea, 78, 80–1, 197
Paraguay, 53, 157
Paris, 192
meetings held in, 57, 61, 88, 95
Paris Club, 111–12
Park Hee-tae, 34
Parker & Partners, 205
Parkin, Russell, 51
Parliament
documents tabled in, 97, 225
Prime Minister’s National Security
Statement, 134
Parliament in Australia, 147–9, 155, 280–3
see also overseas travel by
parliamentarians
parliamentary committees, 155, 216, 280–3
implementation of recommendations,
195
Joint Standing Committee on Treaties,
125, 130, 281–3
overseas delegations, 147, 148
Solomon Islands, 82
parliamentary questions, 149
parliamentary secretaries, see ministers and
parliamentary secretaries
part-time staff, 255
passenger motor vehicles, see motor
vehicles
passport offices, 15, 163, 178
passport services, 177–83, 236, 242, 287
payroll services, 232, 291
peace building
Africa, 73, 123
Middle East, 72
Philippines, 42
Sri Lanka, 74
SECTION 6
peacekeeping, 116, 295
Cyprus, 62
East Timor, 44
see also Afghanistan
people smuggling and trafficking, 39, 74,
126–7
people-to-people programs, see cultural
programs; overseas travel; overseas
visitors to Australia
People’s Republic of China, see China
PeopleSoft, 232
performance indicators
communications and security (Output
1.2), 137
consular and passport services (Output
2.1), 161–2
contract management (Output 4.2), 216
international interests (Output 1.1),
23–5, 136
property management (Output 4.1), 213
public information services and public
diplomacy (Output 3.1), 185
services to diplomatic and consular
representatives (Output 1.4), 156
services to other agencies (Output 1.3),
146
performance management, 226, 238–40,
259–60
performance pay, 259–60
performance reporting, 22–219
performing arts, 195, 197, 198, 201, 202,
233
Perth, 40, 64
Peru, 52, 54, 109, 201
petrels, 121–2
petroleum markets, 49, 69
Philippines, 42
198; Australia Network audience, 203
trade disputes, 92
Phnom Penh, 198, 218
photographic exhibitions, 208
physical education, 199
piracy, 121, 122, 174
planes, see aircraft
planning, see evaluation and planning
Poland, 64
4 48
police services, see law enforcement
cooperation
policy advice (Output 1.1), 23–136, 262
policy development by other agencies,
contributions to, 113, 136
political prisoners, Burma, 44
Pope Benedict, 62
Port Louis, 198
Port Moresby, 81, 197, 209
portfolio, 16, 18
Portfolio Budget Statements, 225
portfolio coordination, 228
Portugal, 62, 157
post evaluation reports, 226
press, see media and media services
press releases, 187
Pretoria, 164
price of outputs, 262–5
Prime Minister, overseas travel by, see
overseas travel by Prime Minister
priority passport service, 179
Prisoner Loan Scheme, 166
prisoners, 164–5, 176
international transfer treaties, 123
political, 44
privacy, 230–1
procurement, see purchasing
product safety, 111
professional services markets, 90
Japan, 100
see also financial services markets
Project Wickenby, 83
Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), 131–2
property management (Output 4.1), 213–15,
265
protection and advocacy of Australia’s
international interests (Output 1.1),
23–136, 262
protective security, 137–45, 247, 262
Commonwealth Games, New Delhi, 69
diplomatic and consular missions in
Australia, 158
Fiji, 83, 242
Iraq, 71, 72, 138
passports, 179–82
protocol, see diplomatic and consular
public affairs material, 192
public diplomacy (Output 3.1.2), 190–205
public information and media services
(Output 3.1.1), 186–9
public information services and public
diplomacy (Output 3.1), 185–211,
264
public inquiries, see information requests
Public Service Act staff, 255
section 24(1) Determinations, 239–40
public understanding (Outcome 3), 185–211,
261, 264, 287
publications, 187–9, 192
consular information, 172–3
historical, 181, 207–8
press releases, 187
see also website services
purchaser–provider arrangements, 289–91
purchasing, 229
‘Montreux Document,’ 123
purchasing, DFAT, 226, 243–7
advertising and market research, 292
consultancy services, 245, 296–9
technology, 141
outsourcing of passport non-core
functions, 178
property services, 216–19, 242;
divestment proceeds, 215
World Expo pavilion and programs, 204
Q
Qantas, 53
Qatar, 68, 72, 102
quarantine, 92, 93
Queensland, 153, 171, 204
questions on notice, 149
R
4 49
SECTION 6
R G Casey Building, 246–7, 288
exhibitions, 207, 208
library relocation, 211
on-site childcare, 232
R G Neale Lecture, 208
R2P principle, 116
Radio Australia, 194
radio broadcasting, 194
radioactive materials seminar and discussion
exercise, 133
Rakutendan Theatre Company, 201
Rakyat Merdeka, 193
RAMSI, 82
REACH legislation, EU, 58
Reconciliation Action Plan, 235
recordkeeping, 209–10, 226
recruitment of staff, 232–3, 235
induction programs, 140, 241
security clearances, 140
Senior Executive Service, 256
recycling, 288
Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon
Islands (RAMSI), 82
Regional Consular Officers, 163, 164, 167
Regional Movement Alert System, 182
regional security, see defence and security
Regional Technical Officers, 142
regional trade agreements, 79, 109, 232
see also free trade agreements
Registration Evaluation Authorisation and
Restriction of Chemicals legislation,
EU, 58
regulation, 79, 90
APEC guide, 110
EU approach, 58
religion, 116, 126, 193, 202
World Youth Day 2008, 62, 158
Remuneration and Post Management Branch,
266
remuneration and salaries, 142, 240,
258–60
payroll services to agencies overseas,
291
renewable energy, 60, 69, 111, 119
see also clean technologies
Renouf, Alan, 208
reporting cables, 136
representations made, 136
Republic of Korea (ROK), 33–4, 132
chancery, 245
193, 195
101, 113, 193
relations with North Korea, 34
trade statistics, 27, 33–4, 89
treaties with, 123, 124
visits to and from, 33, 34, 193
research awards and fellowships, see
scholarships and fellowships
resources, 261–5
see also finance; staff
resources sector, see minerals and
resources
‘Responsibility to Protect’ principle, 116
return on investment on overseas owned
estate, 215
revenue, see finance
Rio Tinto, 204
risk management, 228
Roach, Archie, 233
role and functions, 14
Rome, 62
rough diamonds, 113–14
RTOs, 142
rules of origin, 97, 103, 109
Russia, 65, 94, 95, 198
ICNND meeting, 128
SECTION 6
S
SAARC, 75–6
Sabah, 202
safety, see health and safety
SAFTA, 103
salaries, see remuneration and salaries
Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in
Commonwealth Laws—General Law
Reform) Act 2008, 231
Samoa, 78, 79, 94, 194, 199
sanctions, 122, 123, 132
Burma, 44
Fiji, 83
Iran, 72
North Korea, 34
Zimbabwe, 74
Sao Paulo, 52
SAP, 243
Sari, Kartika, 193
SATIN, 139, 142
service requests, 143
satisfaction
with consular services, 172–5
ministers and parliamentary secretaries,
149
OPO tenants, 219
security of overseas missions, 138
Saudi Arabia, 68, 72, 102
45 0
Saunders, Amy, 233
Schedvin, Emeritus Professor Boris, 207
scholarships and fellowships, 50–1, 199,
200, 201
staff, 237
science and technology (innovation), 53
exchange programs, 200
genetic resources, 120–1
public diplomacy programs, 194; Taiwan,
32
see also information and communications
technology
Screen Australia, 198
sea borders, 81
sea environment, see maritime environment
sea transport, see maritime transport
seafood, see fish and fisheries
seasonal workers, 78–9, 232, 242
second school student exchange programs,
174
Secretary, 135, 223–5
engagement with diplomatic and consular
corps, 158
Renouf photographic exhibition, 208
review by, 3–13
secure government communications and
security of overseas missions (Output
1.2), 137–45, 262
security, see defence and security; protective
security
security clearances, 140, 145
security of energy, see energy
security of information, see information
security
seminars and workshops, 197, 201
APEC, 94, 109, 111, 133
Canadian ‘Australia Week’ program, 52
Fiji hotel and resort employees, 173
terrorism, 133
Senate committees, 280
Estimates hearings, 149
implementation of recommendations,
195
Senate President, 52
senior executive, 223–5
Senior Executive Service (SES) staff, 239–
40, 255–6
performance pay, 259–60
structure, 17
Singapore–Australia Free Trade Agreement,
103
Sir Alan Westerman lecture, 158
Six-Party Talks, 35
Slovak Republic, 64
Slovenia, 65, 95
small arms, 132
Somalia embargo, 122
smartraveller campaign, 172–3, 174, 187
Smartraveller Consultative Group, 173
Smith, Ric, 70
smuggling/trafficking of people, 39, 74,
126–7
soccer, 170
social security agreements, 61, 62, 63, 64,
124
software, 173
Solomon Islands, 79, 81–2
Partnership for Development agreement,
78
Solomon Islands Government–RAMSI
Partnership Framework, 82
Somalia, 74, 121, 122
South Africa, 73–4, 95, 194
South America, see Latin America
South and West Asia, Middle East and Africa,
67–76
South Asia, 74–5, 125
Embassy Film Roadshow festivals, 198
see also India; Pakistan; Sri Lanka
South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation, 75
South Australia, 153
South-East Asia, 37–47, 89
parliamentary delegations to, 75, 147,
148, 153
terrorism discussions, 38, 133
see also East Timor; Indonesia; Malaysia;
Philippines; Singapore; Thailand
South Korea, see Republic of Korea
Spain, 62, 171
Madrid mission, 138, 245
Special Account, 215, 242
Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan,
70
451
SECTION 6
senior management committees and
meetings, 223–5
sensitive products, 89, 99
Seoul, 34, 245
separations of staff, 232
Senior Executive Service, 256
Serbia, 65
Belgrade mission, 138, 245
service charters, 173, 175, 182
Service Level Agreements (SLA), 150, 155,
289
services and services markets, 90–1, 93
APEC Action Plan, 109
China, 99
Japan, 100
United States, 50
see also education and education
markets; financial services markets
services to attached agencies, 142–4,
150–1, 155, 289–91
locally engaged staff, 239
security awareness training, 138, 140
services to business, 151, 155
services to diplomatic and consular
representatives (Output 1.4), 156–9,
262
see also diplomatic and consular
services to other agencies (Output 1.3),
146–55, 262, 280–3
services to state governments and other
agencies overseas and in Australia,
153, 155
sex discrimination, 123
Seychelles, 73, 198
Shanghai, 197
Shanghai World Expo, 185, 195, 204–5,
241, 242, 264
Shangri-la Cricket Academy, 199
shipping, see maritime transport
Shoalwater Bay Training Area Agreement, 123
Sierra Leone, 123
Singapore, 41, 109, 123
197, 198; Australia Network
audience, 203
mission security-related construction
works, 138
SECTION 6
Special Envoy for Whale Conservation, 120,
242
Special Envoy on the Asia Pacific community,
45, 231
Special Representative for Cyprus, 62
Special Visits Program, 192–3
Canada, 52
Indonesia, 39–40
Kiribati, 85
Peru, 54
Philippines, 42
Portugal, 62
United Kingdom, 60
speeches, 136
lectures, 158, 197, 200, 202, 208
sponsors, 300–4
Shanghai World Expo, 204
sport, 170, 174, 208
Australian Sports Outreach Program,
198–9
Commonwealth Games, 69, 170, 171,
232
Olympic Games, 30, 170, 171
Sri Lanka, 74, 125, 240
Colombo, 74, 138, 198, 226
Sruthi Laya Ensemble, 195
staff, 223–5, 231–41, 254–60, 266–8
average levels, 262, 263, 264, 265
conduct and ethics, 224, 227–8
covered/not covered by Comcare, 266
with disability, 235
ICT contract positions, 142
security clearances, 140
at training/study, 140–1, 236, 237–8,
241
Staff Counselling Office, 240–1
staff training and development, 236–8
conduct and ethics, 227
contingency planning and crisis
management, 170
health and welfare, 241, 267
media liaison, 187
passport officers, 178, 182
public diplomacy, 191
security awareness, 140–1
technical officers, 142
Standards Australia, 111
Standing Committee on Petitions, 280–1
452
Standing Committee on Public Works, 216,
280
state and territory governments, services to,
153, 155
state and territory offices, 15, 151–3, 246
notarial services, 163
passport offices, 15, 163, 178
performance reviews, 226
recordkeeping pilot, 209
staff, 15, 254, 255, 257
statistical consultancy service, 189
statistics, see trade statistics
Statute Law Revision Act 2008, 231
Stockholm, 245
Stolen Generations, National Apology to,
126, 198
stolen or lost passports, 178
Strategic Plan for DFAT Records Management
2008–11, 209
Streetworks exhibition, 196
Strongim Gavman Program, 81
structural reform, APEC, 110
structure, see organisation and structure
studies assistance, 237
study tours, 148
submissions and briefings, 149
to diplomatic and consular corps in
Australia, 158
to media, 164, 186, 187
to Office of Privacy Commissioner, 231
to overseas posts, 190
to parliamentary committee, 130, 280–3
to policy reviews, 113
to Solomon Islands Parliament’s Foreign
Relations Committee, 82
subsidies, 50, 58, 87, 89, 92
fisheries, 91
Sudan, 74
sugar, 89, 92, 96, 100
Suhardi, Dr Idwan, 194
Sultan, Dan, 233
Sunrise Commission, 121
superannuation delegations, 226
Supply-chain Connectivity Symposium, 109
Suva, 83, 192, 242
Swat Valley, 70
Sweden, 245
Switzerland, 62, 124, 148
Davos, 28
Sydney, 157, 209
Australia and Indonesia: Partners in a
new era conference, 39, 193, 200
ICNND meeting, 128
Lord Mayor, 153
World Youth Day, 62, 158
Sydney Olympic Park Authority, 195
Sydney Passport Office, 178
Syria, 130
T
453
SECTION 6
TAFTA, 40–1, 202
Taiwan (Taipei), 27, 32, 89, 163
198; Australia Network audience, 34
trade disputes, 92
Talkback Classroom Forum, 200
Tanzania, 73, 194
tariffs, 87, 90, 91
AANZFTA provisions, 96, 97
China free trade agreement negotiations,
99
European Commission, 92
Tarin Kowt, 70
Tasmania, 122, 171, 194, 202
taxation, 83
diplomatic and consular corps in
Australia, 157
treaties, 61, 79, 124
teachers, 200, 202
resource kits, 199
technical training and assistance (capacity
building), 92
counter-terrorism, 133
Iraq, 72
sanctions and extraterritorial offences,
123
Solomon Islands, 82
Tehran, 138
Tel Aviv, 138
telecommunications markets, 90, 100
telephones, 141, 142
Consular Emergency Centre calls, 163
smartraveller calls, 172
television, 93
Indonesia, 196, 203
Ten days on the island festival, 194
terrorism, 132–4
Bali Bomber execution, 173
38, 49, 75, 133
financing, 111; asset freezing regime,
122, 133
Mumbai attack, 171
Tetum, 192
Teullet, Patricia, 54
Texas, 50
Thai language training, 238
Thailand, 40–1
Contingency Planning Assessment Team
visit, 170
193, 197, 202
parliamentary delegations to, 147
trade disputes, 92
Thailand–Australia Free Trade Agreement
(TAFTA), 40–1, 202
theatre, 233
Think!OTS, 204
Tibet, 126
timeliness
ICT service requests, 143
ministerial correspondence, 149
passport issuance, 178–9
Timor-Leste, see East Timor
Timor Sea, 121
Tjangala, Uta Uta, 180
to Solomon Islands Parliament Foreign
Relations Committee, 82
tobacco, 92
Tokyo, 191
staff apartments, 216
World Festival of Ballet, 201
Tonga, 78, 79, 84, 157, 193
Toronto, 52
Torres Strait Islanders, see Indigenous
Australians
Torres Strait Treaty, 81
torture, 123
touring exhibitions, see exhibitions and
shows
tourism, see overseas travel
SECTION 6
TPP, 102
trade, 87–114
see also markets and market access
trade advocacy and outreach, 187–9
see also media and media services;
seminars and workshops; website
services
trade development and policy coordination,
106–14
trade disputes, 92–4
trade facilitation, 91
see also markets and market access
trade finance, 111–12, 231, 262
trade law, 92–4
Trade Law Symposium, 94
trade negotiations, 87–105
see also Doha Round; free trade
agreements
trade policy coordination and business
liaison, 112–14
Trade Policy Course, 92
Trade Representatives Act 1933, 231
trade statistics, 89, 108, 188–9
Americas, 49, 50, 53, 89, 188
China, 27, 29, 31, 89
Europe, 59, 65, 89, 188
Japan, 27, 28–9, 89
Middle East, 68
New Zealand, 80, 89
North Asia, 27, 89
Republic of Korea, 27, 33–4, 89
South Asia, 68, 69, 89
South-East Asia, 38, 46, 89
Taiwan, 27, 32, 89
trafficking/smuggling of people, 39, 74,
126–7
trainees, 233, 234, 236–7, 254
training, 138, 140–1, 191
ADF staff, 170
exercises, 132, 133, 135
see also education and education
markets; seminars and workshops;
staff training and development;
technical training and assistance
102, 113
Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition
Arrangement, 79
transcripts distributed, 187
45 4
transfer of prisoners, international, 123
translated material, 172–3, 191, 192
film sub-titles, 198
transnational crime, 122
people trafficking and smuggling, 39, 74,
126–7
see also terrorism
transport, 31
APEC Supply-chain Connectivity
Symposium, 109
see also air services; motor vehicles
travel advisory system, 171–3
travel documents, see passport services;
visas
travel industry, 172, 173–5
travel sanctions, 44, 74, 83
travellers’ emergency loans, 166, 176
travelling exhibitions, see exhibitions and
shows
Treasury, 61
treaties and bilateral agreements, 57,
120–5, 128–32, 158
anti-counterfeiting, 91
Australian Treaties Database, 125, 189
Austria, 61
Belgium, 61
Canada, 163
climate change, 118
Estonia, 64
European Union, 57
Finland, 63
Greece, 62
Indonesia, 38
Iraq, 123
New Zealand, 79
Pacific Partnerships for Development, 78,
81, 83
Papua New Guinea, 78, 81
persons with disabilities’ rights, 116
Slovenia, 65
Spain, 62
Turkey, 63
Vietnam, 43
see also free trade agreements;
memorandums of understanding;
mutual recognition arrangements
Treaties Joint Standing Committee, 125,
130, 281–3
tree planting, 288
tribunal decisions, 286
Trinidad and Tobago, 54
Tu’ifua, Mishka, 193
Turkey, 63
Anzac Day commemorations, 63, 170,
171
Tuvalu, 78
‘2+2’ Meeting, 27
U
455
SECTION 6
Under my skin exhibition, 197
UNESCO, 118
Convention on the Protection of
Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural
Expressions, 124
United Arab Emirates (UAE), 68, 72, 102,
133
chancery, 245
consular services, 163, 165
191
United Group Services Pty Ltd, 214, 219
United Kingdom, 60, 124, 133, 163, 209
post passport processing and production,
177–8
United Nations, 116–18, 198
bilateral discussions about, 53
contributions to, 294, 295
peacekeeping forces, 62, 116, 295
Programme of Action on small arms and
light weapons, 132
see also sanctions
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, 116
United Nations Commission on Narcotic
Drugs, 122
United Nations Committee on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities, 116
United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD), 92
United Nations Convention Against
Transnational Organized Crime, 122
United Nations Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities, 116, 123
United Nations Convention Travel Documents,
179
United Nations Development Program
(UNDP), 118
United Nations Durban Review Conference
Against Racism, 125
United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization, see UNESCO
United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organisation, 62
United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change, 38, 118
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA),
116, 122, 148
Resolution 63/281, 118
Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs
Committee, 125
United Nations Human Rights Committee,
125
United Nations Human Rights Council, 125
United Nations Ministerial Meeting on
Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation
for Peace, 116
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,
121
United Nations Secretary General, 70
Special Envoy to Burma, 44
United Nations Security Council (UNSC), 116,
187, 190, 192, 231, 242
Resolutions, 34, 121, 122, 132
United States, 49–51, 94, 121, 123, 163,
209
50–1, 191, 195, 198
Doha Round negotiations, 50, 89, 91
free trade agreement, 50, 102
Great White Fleet anniversary, 207
post passport processing and production,
177–8
review of Afghanistan and Pakistan
strategy, 70
terrorism discussions, 49, 133
trade disputes, 92
trade statistics, 49, 50, 53, 89, 188
102
see also New York
United States Farm Bill, 50
United States Global Synchronisation
Conference, 133
United States Policy Group, 51
United States study organisations, 51
universities, 94, 133
alumni in Asia, 197
Australian studies, 200
University of Queensland, 200
University of Sydney, 196
Uruguay, 53
V
SECTION 6
value of overseas estate, 214
values, 227, 228
Vanuatu, 78, 79, 83–4, 94
Vatican, 62, 242
vehicles, see motor vehicles
Venezuela, 114
Victoria, 41, 153, 170
bushfire victims, 62
see also Melbourne
Victorian Department of Education and Early
Childhood Development, 202
video-conferencing, 142
Vientiane, 126, 164
Vietnam, 43, 153, 157
consular services, 164–5
194, 198
visas, 171
European Union, 57
issued to diplomatic and consular
missions in Australia, 159
US Waiver Program, 51
visitors, see overseas visitors to Australia
visual arts, 194, 195, 196, 197, 201
Indigenous, 180, 191, 194, 196, 197–8
voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP) telephone
system, 141
45 6
W
Wallis and Futuna, 85
Walsh, Craig, 196
war memorials, 44, 60
Washington, 177–8, 191
meetings held in, 49, 106, 128, 133
waste management, 288
water sector, 111
weapons, 64, 128–32
Somalia arms embargo, 122
see also Oslo Cluster Munitions Signing
Conference
weapons of mass destruction (nonproliferation), 128–32
49, 64
terrorist acquisition and use, 133
see also nuclear non-proliferation and
disarmament
website services, 187, 229
e-visa systems, 51, 57
market information publication
downloads, 188
passport services, 178
Shanghai World Expo, 205
smartraveller website, 172–3, 187
treaty text access, 125
voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP)
telephone system, 141
welfare of staff, see occupational health and
safety
West Asia, 69–72
see also Afghanistan; Iraq; Middle East;
Pakistan
West Coast Leadership Dialogue, 49
West Java, 196
Western Australia, 153, 171, 202, 204
Estonian Consulate, 64
whale conservation, 27, 53, 120, 242
wheat, 100
White Papers, 113, 134, 158
Whoever you are, 192
whole of government, 228–9
Africa, 73
Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement
negotiations, 91
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
sanctions, 34
East Timor, 44
Y
Yap Sports Council, 199
yellowtail kingfish, 58
Yemen, 94
Yogyakarta, 196
Yomiuri Shimbun, 191
Young Diplomats’ Roundtable, 41–2
Yumari 1981, 180
Yunupingu, Geoffrey Gurrumul, 233
Z
Zagreb, 164, 198
Zambia, 73
Zhu Feng, Professor, 30
Zimbabwe, 74
SECTION 6
human trafficking, 127
NZ trade dispute, 92
South Asia, 69–72
Torres Strait border issues, 81
UNSC seat, 116
US Policy Group, 51
wildlife conservation, 120–1
whales, 27, 53, 120, 242
see also fish and fisheries
Willoughby, Bart, 233
Windhoek, 114
wine
EU agreement, 57
Hong Kong market, 32
WIPO, 91
women, 233
discrimination against, 123
staff, 254–7
Wood Marsh Architecture, 204
wool, 31
Woolcott, Richard, 45, 231
work experience programs, 236
workforce planning, 232
workplace agreements, 224, 235, 238,
239–40, 258–9
workplace diversity, 233–46
Workplace Diversity Unit, 235
workplace health and safety, see
occupational health and safety
Workplace Relations Committee, 224, 238
OHS Sub-Committee, 266
workshops, see seminars and workshops
workstation assessments, 267
World Economic Forum, Davos, 28
World Expo 2010, Shanghai, 185, 195,
204–5, 241, 242, 264
World Food Programme, 62
World Intellectual Property Organisation, 91
World Ocean Conference, 120
World Trade Organization (WTO), 87–94, 192
see also Doha Round
World War I battlefields, 60
World War II memorial, Brunei, 44
World Youth Day, 62, 158
writers and authors, 200
see also media and media services
457
SECTION 6
458

Complete report - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Transcription

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