Australia Supports the Listing of Chrysotile Asbestos in Rotterdam

Australia News VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 J U N E 2 0 1 1 Australian High Commission Ottawa

NDP meets Australia supports the listing of chrysotile Ottawa’s 3 asbestos in Rotterdam Convention diplomats Australia took a prominent role at the re- about whether to accept it and if so under cent fifth meeting of the Rotterdam Con- what conditions. Minister’s vention (on Prior Informed Consent Proce- dure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and The Convention operates on consensus statement on 4 Pesticides in International Trade) in argu- and, as in the past, Canada - accompanied trade ing for the listing of chrysotile asbestos on by a handful of developing countries - Annex III of the Convention. opposed the listing. Australia prepared a closing declaration on chrysotile asbestos, Canada hosts Such a listing does not ban or restrict inter- recommitting to its listing, which was agriculture 6 national trade in the product but requires a signed by more than sixty member coun- ministers prior informed consent procedure that re- tries. The US, which has not ratified the quires the exporting country to give notifi- Convention, made a strong statement sup- cation and relevant information on the risks porting listing. Education 9 associated with the product so that the im- linkages porter can make an informed judgement The issue will be revisited at the next Rotterdam Convention in 2013.

ANZAC Day in 13 High Commissioner presents Governor General’s Award Canada On 28 May the High Commissioner participated in the presentation of the Governor General's Award in Canadian Immigration Studies to Dr Gerry Turcotte (pictured). 14 news Dr Turcotte recently left the position of Executive Dean of the University of Out and about Notre Dame in Australia to become President of St Mary's University with the High 16 College in Calgary. Commissioner

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 1 -COMMONWEALTH NEWS- Perth prepares for CHOGM Prime Minister Gillard will chair the Common- Historically, CHOGM has given significant wealth Heads of Government Meeting impetus to initiatives of global significance, (CHOGM) that will take place in Perth, West- developing collective responses to such issues ern Australia on 28-30 October 2011. Com- as human rights abuses and climate change. A monwealth leaders from around the world, in- major focus of CHOGM 2011 will be on the cluding Prime Minister Harper will discuss report of the Eminent Persons Group into ways global issues and future directions for the to strengthen the Commonwealth. Commonwealth. chogm2011.org Commonwealth Business Forum The Commonwealth Busi- attended by a number of rep- Pacific Rim‗. It will highlight ness Forum (CBF) will be resentatives from the Cana- global economic partnerships held in Perth on 25-27 Octo- dian business community. for trade and investment, pro- ber, just prior to the Com- The launch was addressed by viding an opportunity to at- monwealth Heads of Govern- a senior member of the Com- tract a senior business audi- ment Meeting (CHOGM). monwealth Business Council. ence to Australia from a range of key Commonwealth On 16 June the High Com- The theme of the CBF will be countries. It is anticipated missioner and Consul- ‗Participating for Global that attendance will include General in Toronto launched Growth: The Common- 1000 delegates from 51 coun- the CBF at a special event wealth, Indian Ocean and the tries, 10 Heads of Govern- ment and 40 Ministers.

Interested Canadian business representatives are invited to participate in the Forum.

cbf2011.com

(L-R) The High Commissioner, Gregor Mackinnon (Commonwealth Business Council), Stefan Trofimovs (Consul General) and Feroz Ashraf (SNC Lavalin).

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 2 -NEWS- Official opposition meets diplomatic corps Several members of the official opposition, New Democ- ratic Party, were able to meet members of the Ottawa diplomatic corps at an event held at the High Commissioner‘s residence on 14 June.

Paul Dewar MP, Foreign Af- fairs Critic since 2007, spoke about the NDP‘s broad approach to foreign policy, while other leading NDP critics introduced themselves and explained their visions and pri- orities as newly appointed MPs.

Deputy High Commissioner corps to get to know some key relationships with partners Bruce Soar said of the event, members of the new official from around the world.‖ ―It was a great opportunity for opposition. They were clearly the members of the diplomatic very keen to start building Canadian lands prime post in state parliament of NSW Walt Secord, a Mohawk-Ojibway native, has 1988. He became an Australian citizen in 1992. been elected to the state parliament of New South Wales in the electorate of Tamworth. Mr Secord spent time as a journalist and an election campaign strategist for the Australian Labor Born in Canada, Mr Secord graduated with a Party before becoming Chief of Staff to former Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from York Univer- NSW Premier Kristina Keneally. He is now a sity in Toronto before migrating to Australia in part of the official NSW state opposition. OECD puts Australia at number one in Better Life Index The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development‘s (OECD) 2011 Better Life In- dex has ranked Australia and Canada as the top two countries for overall quality of life.

The Better Life Index examines areas including education, health, literacy, sense of community, employment, time devoted to leisure and personal care. Both Australia and Canada scored well in almost all categories, with Australia narrowly coming out on top. oecd.org

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 3 -TRADE UPDATES- Government’s Trade Policy Statement Australia‘s Minister for Trade, Dr Craig Emer- 1) unilateralism - the pursuit of ongoing, trade- son, has released the Australian Government's related economic reform without waiting for trade policy statement: Trading our way to other countries to reform their trade policies; more jobs and prosperity. 2) non-discrimination - not seeking exclusive or entrenched preferential access to other coun- The statement reinforces the Government's tries‘ markets; commitment to multilateral trade liberalisation. 3) separation – not letting foreign policy con- It also emphasises that Australia continues to siderations override trade policy; press ahead with negotiating high-quality bilat- 4) transparency – keeping the public informed eral and regional free trade agreements. of the nature and progress of negotiations, and subjecting final trade deals to parliamentary The statement sets out five principles that will scrutiny; and guide Australian trade policy: 5) the indivisibility of trade policy and wider economic reform.

trademinister.gov.au Trade Minister launches report on financial services in China

Dr Emerson has launched the Australian of Australia's financial services providers, and Chamber of Commerce's (AustCham's) first their contribution to the development of the Issues Paper on the Australian financial sector Chinese financial services sector. in China. In launching the paper, he noted that the focus of future bilateral trade between the The paper provides recommendations to en- two countries would increasingly be on ser- hance the ability of Australian financial institu- vices. tions to be more competitive in the Chinese market. The paper, produced by AustCham's Beijing and Shanghai members, highlights the strength trademinister.gov.au Running for a good cause

(L-R) The High Commissioner, Pat Farmer, Canadian Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal, National Director of Red Cross Canada Pam Aung Thin on Parliament Hill. (See story next page.)

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 4 -NEWS- Australian Think Tank Corner The Lowy Institute Australian Strategic Policy The Centre for Independent Institute Studies The Lowy Institute's most recent brief considers the rise of In its most recent policy analy- Following the imposition of China, the risk of conflict in sis, the ASPI outlines a series new electoral financing and the western Pacific, and impli- of recommendations on how expenditure restrictions in two cations for Australia. In a Australia can be better pre- Australian states, the CIS criti- separate China-related publi- pared for and recover from cally reviews these attempts at cation, Lowy interviews Chi- future natural disasters. In an- 'limiting undue influence'. It nese investors about attitudes other publication released to argues that campaign finance toward investing in Australia. mark Cyber Security Week, reforms make political activity ASPI examines public policy so complex and bureaucratic Dr Michael Wesley, Executive issues raised by the increased that they may pose risks for Director of the Institute, has dependence on computer net- ordinary citizens. released a book, There Goes works and the growing hostile the Neighbourhood, examining activity targeted at those net- cis.org.au the international challenges of works. critical importance to Australia in the decades ahead. aspi.org.au

lowyinstitute.org Australian Pat Farmer runs through Canada Pat Farmer, a former Austra- raise money for The Red Parliament Hill to raise aware- lian MP, world record ultra Cross‘ clean water program. ness for his campaign. There marathon runner and philan- he met Canadian Minister of thropist is running from the On 3 June, Pat ran through Ot- State (Sport) Bal Gosal, Na- North to the South Pole to tawa and found time to stop at tional Director of Red Cross Canada Pam Aung Thin and the High Commissioner.

Pat‘s run will continue through the Americas for much of the year before he finishes his journey in Antarctica.

Donations to the Red Cross through Pat‘s website are tax deductible in Canada, USA and Australia.

poletopolerun.com

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 5 -TRADE NEWS- Canada to host Cairns Group Canada will host the annual Cairns Group ministerial meeting in Saskatoon this Septem- ber.

The Cairns Group is a unique coalition of 19 agricultural exporting countries with a commitment to agricultural trade liberalisation and reform. A diverse coalition bringing together developed and developing countries from Latin America, Africa and the Asia- Pacific region, the Group has been an influential voice in the agricultural reform debate and has continued to play a key Emerson and Canadian Minis- June. At the reception, Mr role in pressing the WTO ter of Agriculture and Agri- Brown presented Mr Ritz membership to meet in full the Food Gerry Ritz will co-host (pictured above) with a photo far-reaching mandate of the the meeting in Saskatoon. from the initial gathering at the current Doha negotiations. formation of the Cairns Group In advance of this year‘s (in Cairns, in northern Queen- Australia is the permanent event, the High Commissioner sland) in 1986. chair of the Cairns Group. co-hosted a reception with Australian Trade Minister Dr Minister Ritz in Ottawa on 7 cairnsgroup.org Australian Rules Football featured on Canadian television The Ottawa Swans, Ottawa‘s Australian Rules wire, with the Rebels defeating the Swans in a football team, made Canadian sporting history thrilling finale. recently when their Ontario Australian Foot- ball League match versus the Toronto Rebels The Swans are mid-way through the regular was broadcast on Rogers television. season. They play most Saturday afternoons at the Rideau Carleton Raceway. The match was covered by five cameras and called by former Team Canada representative ottawaswans.com James Maitland. The match went down to the

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 6 -TERRITORY IN PROFILE- Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Area: 2,358 km2 Population: 359,700 Capital: Canberra Emblems: Gang-gang Cockatoo; Royal Bluebell. Chief Minister (Premier): Katy Gallagher Political system: Unicameral Legislature Federal Representation: 2 House seats (of 150), 2 Senate seats (of 76) Famous Canberrans: Gough Whitlam (former Prime Minis- ter), Michael Gwyl Bevan (cricketer), Patrick Mills (basketballer), Jeff Williams (baseball player), Miles Franklin Map courtesy of virtualoceania.net (author), Manning Clark (historian), Gordon Briscoe (activist and academic)

Exports: $1.1 billion – The ACT is principally a services exporter. Less than .5 per cent of exports originate from goods trades. Government services (39.4 per cent) are the leading export category, followed by education-related travel (29.3 per cent).

Trade with Canada: Merchandise trade with Canada is valued at approximately $15,000 per year, making Canada the ACT‘s sixteenth largest trading partner. The Australian Capital Territory is the seat of from a local Aboriginal word for ‗meeting the federal government in Australia. The terri- place‘. The Federal Parliament held its first tory is dominated by the capital city of Can- session in the city in 1927. The ACT was berra, which accounts for roughly 95 per cent originally managed by the Federal Minister of its population (347,000 people). responsible for Territories, but the Federal Par- liament passed four Bills setting up self- After Federation in 1901, a site for the national government for the ACT in 1988. Due to its capital was sought and the region that is now small size, the government is responsible for the ACT was selected in 1911. Some were less the delivery of both territorial and municipal than impressed with the choice, describing the services. decision to build the capital as ―good sheep farming country ruined‖ and an international Today Canberra has become a major tourist competition was held to design the new capital destination for Australians and international city. In 1912, the government selected the de- visitors. In addition to its draw as the seat of sign of American Walter Burley Griffin (from federal government, Canberra also boasts 130 international submissions), who had previ- many major Australian cultural organisations ously worked under Frank Lloyd Wright. and important landmarks like the Australian Institute of Sport, the Australian War Memo- The city was officially named Canberra in rial, the National Gallery of Australia, and the 1913, a name that is believed to have derived National Library of Australia.

act.gov.au

visitcanberra.com.au

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 7 -INTERNATIONAL AID Annual WaterCan Embassy Dinner

On Friday, 6 May the High Commission participated in the 17th Annual WaterCan Em- bassy Dinner. The event raises money for an important cause - clean water programs - with Ottawa's diplomatic missions providing food and wine for the assembled crowd. The High Commission table, which served a range of Australian wines as well as lamingtons (an Australian sponge cake), proved popular throughout the night.

High Commission staff, Second Secretary Mi- chael Googan and Carrie McKay (pictured right) attended the event. Eliminating violence Australian Volunteers for against women International Development

As part of the 2011-2012 budget Australia will On 10 May June Foreign Minister Kevin invest $96.4 million over four years to elimi- Rudd officially launched Australian Volun- nate violence against women and to support teers for International Development (AVID), women affected by violence in developing a body that will bring together under a single countries. program, the four separate overseas volunteer programs of the Australian Government. This will allow AusAID to further expand its international network to end violence against ―Australian volunteers bring unique expertise women and continue to deliver on the Austra- and perspectives to their host countries - from lian Government‘s election commitment to be setting up clinics for women to give birth a ―good international citizen‖. safely or building stronger homes to with- stand cyclones, Australian volunteers contrib- ausaid.gov.au ute to improving people's lives in developing countries,‖ Mr Rudd said at the launch.

foreignminister.gov.au

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 8 -EDUCATION- Indigenous education policy exchange Australian Education International hosted a Springs, where parental support and the col- group of Canadian indigenous education policy laborative nature of tribal council are important representatives in May. The program, held considerations in the educative process. Draw- across three Australian states and territories, ing on her own experiences in the Inuit com- was a policy exchange focused on sharing best munities of Canada's North, she encouraged practices. those she met to conduct more teaching in Aboriginal languages in schools as a way of Canadian participants represented four prov- encouraging attendance and participation. inces and territories in the weeklong program. Deputy Minister of the Department of Educa- The program proved to demonstrate the bene- tion in Nunavut, Ms Kathy Okpik, was one of fits of Canadians and Australians using their the participants. She explained that indigenous combined expertise and common experiences. communities in Canada and Australia face many similar challenges, such as higher rates aei.gov.au of suicide and low attendance at school.

Ms Okpik cited the highlights of the trip as vis- its to Alice Springs and Gunbalanya. She had a particular interest in the ―wraparound‖ educational policy being used in some Indigenous schools in the Northern Territory such as those in Gunbalanya on account of their effective- ness in engaging young Indigenous people in their education. The policy involves schools delivering a range of services such as health care as a part of the school experience.

Ms Okpik was also impressed by the holistic approach to education pioneered in Alice

Pictured above: Canadian Delegation with Australian hosts at the Canadian High Commission reception: [L to R] Mark DeWeerd, DEEWR Education; Gab- rielle Christopherson, Manager Education Alberta; Kathy Okpik, Deputy Minister Education, Nunavut; Claudette Russell, Senior Director, INAC; Leo La France, ADM, Education, Quebec; Kyle Lambier, Senior Policy Analyst, INAC; Pam- ela Hine, DM Education, Yukon; Tom MacDonald, Consul General, Canada; Darryl Gervais, Director Instruction, Manitoba; Cristina Brancella, Assistant Director, Australian Education International (AEI) Kyle Lambier (INAC) in Alice Springs

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 9 -EDUCATION- Canadian-Australian education links Canadian software promotes literacy in Australian indigenous communities A collaboration between researchers from study in indigenous classrooms in the Northern Concordia University in Montreal and Charles Territory. ABRACADABRA! is based on the Darwin University (CDU) in Darwin, Northern best knowledge available on the science of Territory, is helping teachers of early child- learning acquisition, brain development and hood students reinforce essential literacy skills. foundations of literacy in early childhood.

Using the multimedia software program AB- The education outcomes have so far been very RACADABRA!, developed at Concordia, re- encouraging and Charles Darwin university is searchers Janet Helmer and Helen Harper of looking to continue the project. the CDU‘s School for Social and Policy Re- search have conducted a quasi-experimental cdu.edu.au/sspr/abracadabra.html CIPS seminar on growth of China On 1 April, the Centre for International Policy Studies at the University of Ottawa hosted a seminar conducted by Professor Andrew O'Neil, of Australia's Griffith University, and Dr James Manicom, of the Balsillie School of International Affairs (pictured left). They spoke on Middle Powers and the rise of China: Canada and Australia compared.

The seminar, facilitated by the Australian High Commission, was well attended by government and academia. Calling on Canadian alumni of Australian universities

The High Commission wants to hear from If you would like to register, please visit the Canadian graduates of Australian universities. High Commission website.

We are compiling a register of Australian Please feel free to circulate this invitation to alumni who would be interested in hearing fellow Canadian alumni of Australian univer- regular news of Australia and in being invited sities. to special events arranged by the High Commission in Canada. canada.embassy.gov.au

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 1 0 -EDUCATION- Ottawa gathering of Canadian alumni On 8 June the High Commissioner hosted a field introduced to me by the University, on a dinner at his residence for Canadians in Ottawa subject of particular interest to Australia. I was who undertook some of their tertiary education deeply excited to learn that the High Commis- in Australia. sion was establishing an alumni network, and enthusiastically joined. The event attracted people in a range of fields who spoke enthusiastically of their time spent ―The dinner was delightful and certainly in Australia. brought me back to the Australian lifestyle I once enjoyed too much!‖ Tiffany MacLellan, an alumnus of the Univer- sity of New South Wales, said, ―Any graduate The High Commission is hoping to host simi- student with ambitions to seat themselves pro- lar events in a number of cities across Canada. fessionally in academia deeply appreciates the Universities which prepared them for the reali- canada.embassy.gov.au zation of this goal. UNSW specifically, and Australia generally, impacted my research in- terests such that I am now pursuing a PhD in a

Above: the High Commissioner wel- comes attendees of the inaugural gathering of Canadian alumni to his residence in Ottawa.

Left: Canadian alumni at the dinner.

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 1 1 -DEFENCE- Canadian Winter Warfare Training Defence Adviser, Lieutenant- Colonel Jamie Patten-Richens participated in the Canadian Forces winter warfare training Exercise Wolfpack Endeavour. Coordinated by Canadian Forces 33 Brigade the exercise took place near the Northern Ontario town of Gogama from 8-16 March.

Involving over 400 personnel, the exercise acquainted participants with the skills required to carry out duties in Canada‘s austere northern environments. Having served as Command- commented, ―it is the quality ing Officer of the Pilbara of personnel that enable mis- Members of the 3rd Canadian Regiment in Australia‘s north, sion success. Having joined 2 Ranger Patrol Group taught where temperatures are often Section of the Cameron High- participants how to survive over 40 degrees, LTCOL landers of Ottawa for the exer- and operate in the North. In- Patten-Richens was used to cise, I was particularly im- struction covered areas such extreme weather conditions; pressed by the Canadian snaring and preparing wild however, the minus double Forces Junior Non- game, ice water rescue, treat- digit temperatures in Gogama Commissioned Officers and ing cold weather injuries, im- were a completely new experi- the remarkable skills and ex- provised shelters and conduct- ence to him. periences of the Canadian ing outdoor tactical manoeu- Forces Rangers in the North‖. vres on foot and snowmobile. ―Regardless of conditions,‖ he Kingston WritersFest 2011 Did you know?

J.M. Coetzee won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2003, a year Wine is Australia‘s number after becoming an Australian citizen. The celebrated author of one export to Canada. Austra- Disgrace kicks off Kingston WritersFest on 22 September, in lian wine, renowned for qual- an evening of readings and conversation with American novel- ity and consistency, is drunk ist Paul Auster. Coetzee and Auster will join more than 50 au- all around the world, and was thors for four days of readings, discussions and master classes. recently the focus of a special Tickets are available from August 18 at the Grand Theatre Box promotion in LCBO stores in Office . For author profiles, event listings, contests, and special Ontario, highlighting well- promotions, visit kingstonwritersfest.ca. known brands as well as a range of new wine makers. lcbo.com/australia

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 1 2 -ANZAC DAY- ANZAC Day commemorated in Canada On 25 April the High Commissioner joined Band and Catafalque Party from the Governor with his New Zealand colleague Andrew General‘s Foot Guard and Flag Orderlies and Needs in hosting the annual ANZAC Day re- Piper from the Cameron Highlanders of Ot- membrance ceremony at the Canadian War tawa. Museum in Ottawa. ANZAC Day honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Considered by many to be Australia‘s most Army Corps (ANZAC) who have served in important national occasion, ANZAC Day is military operations over the past century, most commemorated with dawn services and veter- famously at the calamitous Gallipoli engage- ans‘ marches throughout the world. This year, ment (in Turkey), the first major military ac- Australians and New Zealanders also gathered tion fought by Australian and New Zealand at ceremonies in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmon- forces in World War I. ton, Winnipeg, Toronto, London and Halifax.

Despite it being Easter Monday, a large crowd of some 300 Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians attended the event which included the traditional ‗gunfire breakfast‘. The service was well supported by Canadian government officials. The Hon John Baird made remarks on the importance of commemorating the sac- rifices of our three countries in wartime. The Canadian Forces was represented by CDS Natynczyk and through the support from the

Mates helping mates by Jenny Gates, Down Under Club of Winnipeg One thing you can rely on when life goes awry the word, and supported each others‘ efforts. is your mates stepping up to help. And the proof of that is the response here in Canada to Regardless of the nationality of their member- the recent disasters down under. When word ship, Australian and New Zealand expat reached our ears about the floods in Queen- groups across the country exist to promote and sland and Victoria (December 2010 to Febru- celebrate our heritage, culture and traditions; ary 2011) and the earthquake in Christchurch keep members and their families informed (February 2011), Aussies and Kiwis across about news back home; ward off the homesick Canada joined with fellow Canadians to help. blues; explore and appreciate Canada‘s society and culture; welcome visitors from down un- Here in Manitoba, members of the Down Un- der, and have fun! der Club banded together with Winnipeggers to raise over $13,300 for quake victims — af- And, as recent events have proved, to band to- ter raising over $5,500 for flood victims (and gether in times of need and tragedy to help in $3,000+ for the 2009 Victoria bushfires). And any way we can. Mates helping mates. And we were not the only ones. Expat groups, ven- while we are happy to do it, hopefully there are ues, businesses and High Commissions, to no more disasters on the horizon. name just a few, organised fundraisers, spread downunderclub.mb.ca

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 1 3 -IMMIGRATION NEWS- New skilled migration High demand for blog launched trade workers

The Department of Immigration and Citizen- A strong increase in demand for trade workers ship (DIAC) has launched a blog to promote in Australia - in industries including mining Australia's skilled migration policy and con- and oil – has resulted in the Australian 457 tribute to an informed public policy-making visa program being on track to record its environment. The blog will highlight existing strongest year since the global financial crisis. skilled migration policy, flag potential program changes and be a vehicle for engagement with As at April 2011, there had been 42,872 appli- the community to increase awareness about cations for 457 visas this year. The 457 visa skilled migration in Australia. Visitors to the program is uncapped, demand-driven and skilled migration blog will be able to explore highly responsive to the economic cycle. different aspects to skilled migration. immi.gov.au immi.gov.au Opportunities Australia Expo held in Alberta

Australia‘s Honorary Consul ered some remarks at the dustries. Their ultimate aim is in Calgary, Paul Nelson, at- event. to interview, hire and sponsor tended a reception in May for those candidates in the target the delegates from Australia Sponsored by BHP Billiton, market of Canadian citizens involved in the Opportunities the event is designed to con- and foreign professionals who Australia – Mining, Engineer- nect Australian employers are currently working in the ing and Oil & Gas Recruit- with highly skilled profes- Western provinces. ment Expo. Mr Nelson deliv- sional from the oil and gas in- Coming events: International Garden Festival

The International Garden Festival in Metis, Quebec will feature two gardens by Sydney-based designers Vladimir Sitta of Terragram and David Vago of Habitation.

Terragram‘s garden, Noli Tangere is a suspended living mat of plants that envelops a secret garden below the surface. Habitation is presenting for a second year The Grass is Greener, a giant living wall whose central window invites visitors to imagine what is on the other side.

refordgardens.com

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 1 4 -ECONOMIC NEWS- Budget forecasts return to surplus in 2012-13 The Australian Federal Treas- Australia‘s strong recent eco- and flooding impacted the urer, Wayne Swan, delivered nomic performance, the con- Australian economy by an es- the budget for the 2011-2012 tinuing high demand for natu- timated $9 billion. financial year on Tuesday 10 ral resources and moderation May. of inflation to around 10 year Australia‘s foreign aid spend- lows. ing will increase to $4.8 bil- He announced that the budget lion in order to meet the accel- is expected to return to surplus The budget forecasts strong erated UN Millennium Devel- in 2012-13, after an expected export growth of 6.5 per cent opment Goals. deficit of $22.6 billion in in 2011-12 as production of 2011-12 (all figures AUD). minerals and resources ex- Australia will also invest The forecast surplus in 2012- pands to meet global demand, spend $1.9 billion on its en- 13 is ahead of any other ad- particularly in Asia. Imports deavours in Afghanistan and vanced economy. are also forecast to increase other operations in the Middle strongly, driven by robust do- East, plus peacekeeping in Real GDP growth is expected mestic demand and the strong Timor Leste and the Solomon to increase 4 per cent in 2011- Australian dollar. Islands. 12 while unemployment is expected to fall from 5 to 4.5 per Trade Minister Emerson wel- budget.gov.au cent during the next two years. comed the trade forecast, par- These forecasts are based on ticularly after recent cyclone Australia still an attractive destination for foreign direct investment Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Australia continues to grow. Data released by the Austra- lian Bureau of Statistics shows that, year on year, FDI into Australia grew by 7.5 per cent to A$474 billion in 2010 after an 11.1% increase in 2009.

The outlook for 2011 is positive. Moody‘s Investors Service has maintained a stable outlook for Australia's Aaa ratings based on the agency‘s latest report, released 1 May. Specifically, the Aaa ratings remain stable due to very high economic and government financial strength.

An overall improving trend in the budget from previous high deficit levels was noted by Moody‘s, with impacts of natural disasters such as the Queensland floods expected to be minor.

austrade.gov.au

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 1 5 Out and about with the High Commissioner sioner once again welcomed a tralian Intelligence Commu- large group of Australian nity; Australia's National Se- school teachers (and their curity Chief Information Offi- families) currently living and cer and Cyber Policy Coordi- working in Canada on ex- nator; Australia's Interim In- change under the arrangements spector General of Biosecu- made by the Canadian League rity, and the Assistant Director for Educational Exchange. As General of the Community noted in this newsletter, in Partnerships and Latin Amer- partnership with the Carleton ica Branch of the Australian Initiative for Parliamentary Agency for International De- and Diplomatic Engagement, velopment (AusAID). Two he hosted a ‗Meet the Official prominent visitors from the Opposition‘ function for mem- Australian defence community The High Commissioner re- bers of the diplomatic commu- were Major General Craig turned to Australia briefly in nity. Orme, Head People Capability March to attend a meeting of at the Department of Defence, Australian Heads of Mission Among his other activities, the and Mark Reynolds, Head of accredited to G20 countries. High Commissioner presented the Commercial Industry Pro- The meeting was chaired by the Governor General‘s Inter- grams at the Defence Material the Secretary (Deputy Minis- national Award for Canadian Organisation. ter) of the Department of For- Studies to Professor Gerry eign Affairs and Trade. Prime Turcotte, attended a Canadian Reflecting the fact that Austra- Minister Gillard delivered a Club of Ottawa lunch to fare- lia is one of the few countries speech at the outset outlining well the outgoing Auditor- with mandatory voting, the the Government‘s G20 priori- General Sheila Fraser, joined Canadian federal election ties, and the meeting was also other heads of missions to dis- prompted considerable interest addressed by Foreign Minister cuss Commonwealth issues from media circles in Austra- Rudd and Trade Minister Em- with the Governor General, lia‘s experience, and in par- erson. Apart from officials attended parts of the Conser- ticular whether the Australian from France (the current G20 vative Party‘s convention, and model might be effective in host), Canada‘s G20 sherpa, attended a farewell for the out- addressing the decline in voter Louis Levesque, was the only going Speaker of the House of turnout in Canada. The High other representative of a for- Commons, Peter Milliken. Commissioner gave a series of eign government at the meet- interviews including with The ing. Recent Australian visitors to Globe and Mail, C-PAC and Canada have included the Re- the Vancouver based radio sta- In May the High Commis- view Committee for the Aus- tion CKNW.

CONTACT SUBSCRIPTION HOLIDAY HOURS Australian High Commission To subscribe, unsubscribe or change address, The High Commission 710—50 O'Connor Street email [email protected] will be closed on Canada Ottawa, ON, K1P 6L2 ONLINE Day (1 July), Civic Holi- Telephone: (613) 236-0841 For information about the High Commission, day (1 August) and La- Fax: (613) 236-4376 visit canada.embassy.gov.au bour Day (5 September).

AUSTRALIA NEWS JUNE 2011 P A G E 1 6