News Stories - 29 May 2009
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers– Australia’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping
Australia has a long and proud history of supporting UN peacekeeping operations. We have participated in around half of all UN peacekeeping operations since 1948 and are the 12th largest financial contributor of all UN member states.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 29 May is intended to pay tribute to “all men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace”.
29 May marks the 61st anniversary of the first peacekeeping operation authorised by the UN Security Council, which set up a mission to supervise the truce after the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948. The Australian Defence Force contribution to this operation (known as UNTSO, or the UN Truce Supervision Organisation) is Australia’s longest, continuous peacekeeping commitment.
Peacekeeping has become a vital element in Australia’s contribution to international peace and security. Since 1948, Australia has contributed over 30,000 personnel to UN peacekeeping operations in Africa, Europe, Central America, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.
Contributions have come from all parts of our defence forces, federal, state and territory police forces and other Australian government agencies and peacekeeping have become an essential and highly valued skill for our military and police forces.
Australia currently participates in seven UN peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Cyprus, Southern Sudan, Darfur, Timor-Leste and the Middle East.
It is in keeping with the spirit and substance of our longstanding contribution to the UN’s vital peacekeeping work that we should, after an absence of nearly 30 years, once again participate directly in the work of the UN Security Council, the world’s pre-eminent body dealing with questions of peace and security and the body that authorises UN peacekeeping operations. Australia is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2013-14 period.
As the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, noted in his speech in Perth on 29 May, as a member of the Security Council, Australia would “hope to contribute meaningfully and effectively, drawing upon our unique insights, policy strengths and peacekeeping experience and bringing a willingness to take into account the views of others.”
For further information, and the latest transcript, go to Mr Smith’s website: http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/
News Stories - 21 May 2009
Australia-Korea FTA Negotiations Commence
Mr Crean opened the first round of bilateral FTA negotiations between Australia and the Republic of Korea this week. Negotiating a bilateral FTA is a natural step in the evolution of this complementary and highly successful commercial relationship.
As part of broader bilateral trade and economic talks, Mr Crean and his Korean counterpart, Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon, opened the first round of bilateral FTA negotiations this week. This followed the agreement to launch negotiations between the Prime Minister and Korean President Lee Myung-bak reached in March.
A bilateral FTA is a natural step in the evolution of our commercial relationship.
It reflects the high degree of complementarity between our economies. It also underscores the shared commitment of the Governments of Australia and Korea to liberalised trade and investment, even in times of global economic difficulty.
The opening session chaired by Ministers was followed by four days of officials’ level discussions in Canberra. Working towards a comprehensive and commercially-meaningful FTA highlights the strengthening broader relationship between Australia and Korea.
Visit by Mr Byrne to Singapore: APEC Logistics Symposium, co-hosted and co-funded by Australia and Singapore
APEC is making a valuable contribution in response to the global economic crisis by helping to keep regional trade and investment flowing.
In November 2008, APEC Leaders pledged to resist the temptation to implement protectionist measures as a result of the crisis and reinforced their commitment to achieving the Bogor Goals of free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific.
In a speech at the APEC Trade Logistics Symposium in Singapore, May 16, Mr Byrne underlined the importance of logistics reform as a key issue in regional trade and economic development: well-performing logistics sectors facilitate integration with world trading networks, allowing economies to reap the benefits of globalisation, as well as improving supply chain connectivity increases competition and price stability, making prices in inland markets and ports more comparable, and increasing consumer choice. Better supply chains lead to lower inventory and insurance costs for business.
The Symposium, which was co-hosted and co-funded by Australia and Singapore, attracted more than 150 participants from across the APEC region. APEC’s work on logistics is part of a wider agenda of regional economic integration, business facilitation and structural economic reform aimed at reducing impediments to trade and investment “at, across and behind the border”.
In the 21st century, as the centre of global economic gravity shifts towards the Asia-Pacific, APEC has established itself as the preeminent economic forum in our region bringing together the Leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific economies, including many of our major trading partners: the US, China, Japan, Korea and most of South East Asia. Together, APEC economies account for 57 per cent of global GDP (US$20.7 trillion), 48 per cent of world trade (US$ 7 trillion) and around 40 per cent of the world’s population.
In 2007, trade with APEC economies accounted for 68 per cent of Australia’s total trade in goods and services.
Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Standing Committee (FMSC) meeting on the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI)
At the third FMSC meeting on RAMSI, members endorsed the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) – RAMSI Partnership Framework which will guide RAMSI’s work and partnership with the SIG. Australia has extended its commitment to RAMSI for at least another four years to June 2013.
On 15 May 2009, Mr Kerr attended the third FMSC meeting on RAMSI in Honiara. The FMSC membership comprises the Foreign Ministers (or their designated representatives) of the immediate past (Tonga), present (Niue) and future Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) chairs (currently Australia) as well as the Foreign Ministers (or their designated representatives) from Solomon Islands and Australia.
The meeting welcomed the completion of the SIG-RAMSI Partnership Framework as a significant milestone achieved in a spirit of regional cooperation and representing a strong commitment by the SIG and RAMSI to open and constructive dialogue commended it to PIF Leaders for their endorsement at their meeting in Cairns in August and noted the importance of preserving RAMSI’s regional identity.
The Partnership Framework will be a living document that will guide RAMSI’s partnership with the SIG, within the Mission’s mandate and in line with SIG priorities, it will contain conditions-based timelines for phasing out certain RAMSI activities as key institutions build capacity and become sustainable and provide a mechanism for assessing when conditions have been met to enable RAMSI’s eventual departure.
While in Honiara, Mr Kerr also held bilateral discussions with Acting Prime Minister Fono and some key Ministers and MPs with Acting Prime Minister Fono, he jointly announced a $3.5 million Australian-funded project in Malaita Province aimed at enhancing rural incomes through increased cocoa production and improved cocoa quality and the reallocation of a further $1 million to boost an existing road rehabilitation program in Malaita.
Australia commits to Clean Energy trade and investment strategy
Australia is seeking to maximise its potential in clean energy and related technologies by developing a Clean Energy Trade and Investment strategy.
Minister for Trade Simon Crean announced new funding of A$14.9 million over three years in the recent Federal budget to launch the initiative which aims to attract productive investment into Australia\'s clean energy sector and assist Australian clean energy companies to access international markets through export and investment.
The strategy will be managed by Austrade, which will appoint industry specialists in Australia and major offshore markets to promote Australia\'s clean energy trade and investment potential and assist clean energy companies to globalise their operations.
The strategy will include renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, marine, bioenergy and biofuels), carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency, water technologies, sustainable urban design, and waste management; it fully integrates trade and outward investment with inward investment attraction.
Austrade will promote Australia as a clean energy investment destination in key markets in North America, Western Europe, Northeast Asia and the Middle East and target foreign companies to encourage them to invest in Australia and partner with Australian companies.
For exports and outward investment opportunities, the strategy will focus on China, India, ASEAN, Latin America and the Middle East.
Australia\'s 2009-10 International Development Assistance Budget
Australia prides itself on being a good international citizen.This is demonstrated through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) program.
The 2009-10 Budget underlines the Government\'s ongoing commitment to increasing Australia\'s ODA to 0.5 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2015-16.
The total Australian ODA will increase to 0.34 per cent of GNI, up from 0.33 per cent in 2008-09; the Government will provide an estimated $3.818 billion in ODA in 2009-10, of which $3.334 billion will be managed by AusAID.
The Budget is a necessary and practical response to the needs of millions of people in developing countries severely affected by the global recession.
New budget commitments, including providing for food security through rural development, economic infrastructure, and a general capital increase to the Asian Development Bank, prioritise efforts to help developing country partners respond to the global recession.
The Budget also funds other key initiatives to improve governance, support faster development progress in the Pacific, a greater commitment to Africa and South Asia, and for the international community’s efforts to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
By applying increased aid to generating employment, protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining essential health and education services in developing countries, we are laying the foundations for recovery and future prosperity, including in Australia\'s own region.
News Stories - 14 May 2009
2009-10 Commonwealth Government Budget
The Australian Government is investing in infrastructure to cushion the impact of the global recession and position Australia to take full advantage of the global recovery when it comes. The 2009-10 Budgets responds to the commitments made at the G20 Leaders Summit in London in April to take whatever action is necessary to restore growth and jobs.
The 2009-10 Budget has been framed against the backdrop of the deepest global recession since the Great Depression. Early and decisive policy action is helping to support the economy, with the Government’s stimulus packages expected to raise the level of GDP by 2¾ per cent in 2009-10 and 1½ per cent in 2010-11.
The global recession means that a recession in Australia has become inevitable; the Australian economy is forecast to record zero growth in the current financial year and contract by ½ of 1 per cent in 2009-10. This is a milder contraction than virtually all other advanced economies.
Supported by policy, a recovery in the Australian economy is expected to gather pace over 2010 with growth of 2¼ per cent in 2010-11. The centrepiece of the Budget is a $22 billion investment in improving transport, communications, energy, education and health infrastructure. This includes investments of:
- $4.6 billion in the construction of nine metropolitan rail projects
- $3.4 billion in the road freight corridor between Melbourne and Cairns
- $389 in the capacity of bulk commodity ports at Darwin and Oakajee, north of Geraldton in Western Australia.
The Government will also invest $4.5 billion (including $1 billion in existing funds) in a new Clean Energy Initiative that will include a $2 billion investment over nine years in Carbon Capture and Storage projects.
There will be $1.5 billion investment over six years in a new Solar Flagships program, and the establishment of a new independent renewable energy innovation body, Renewables Australia.
The Budget forecasts an underlying cash deficit of $57.6 billion (4.9 per cent of GDP) in 2009-10. The economic stimulus in the Budget will raise GDP by ¾ of 1 per cent in 2009-10. The Government’s fiscal strategy is expected to halve the budget deficit by 2012-13 and return the Budget to surplus by 2015-16.
The Budget and G-20 commitments
The Budget responds to the commitments made at the G20 Leaders Summit in London in April to take whatever action was necessary to restore growth and jobs.
The Budget’s $22 billion investment in major economic infrastructure is the third component of Australia’s stimulus strategy building on earlier funding to first, support jobs, and second, schools, roads and homes.
The Budget also follows through on the G20 commitment to ensure the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) has the resources available to respond to the global recession.
G 20 Leaders agreed to treble the resources available to the IMF, from US$250 billion to US$750billion. Australia\'s contribution, consistent with our global economic weight in the world, will be by way of a US$7.0 billion (A$10.2 billion) contingent loan to the IMF under the expanded New Arrangements to Borrow (NAB).
G20 Leaders also agreed to a 200 per cent general capital increase for the Asian Development Bank.
Australia will participate in this increase through a paid in capital contribution of US$197.6 million (A$287.5 million) over 10 years and an increase in its uncalled capital subscription by US$5.6 billion (A$8.1 billion).
Thailand reaffirmed as a longstanding friend and regional partner of Australia
Australia, as a longstanding friend, encourages Thailand to resolve its internal differences democratically and peacefully and has committed to expanding our already strong cooperation across a range of areas of mutual interest.
Thailand and Australia affirmed their longstanding and productive friendship at the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation in Perth on 8 May.
The bilateral relationship is underpinned by growing people-to-people links with over 22,000 Thai students now enrolled to study in Australia and some 700,000 Australians visiting Thailand last year. Thailand is Australia’s 8th largest trading partner and Australia is one of Thailand’s key defence partners.
The Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation is the principal forum for advancing the Australia-Thailand bilateral relationship. The meeting was convened by the Hon Stephen Smith, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and His Excellency Mr Kasit Piromya, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand.
The Ministers discussed Thailand’s political situation.
Mr Smith underlined that, as a longstanding friend of Thailand, Australia encouraged Thailand to continue to adhere to peaceful and democratic means to resolve any domestic differences.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to deepen already close cooperation across a range of areas of mutual interest, including law enforcement, counter-terrorism, trade and investment, education, security, migration and tourism.
Ministers recognised the benefits to both economies of the Thailand Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) and committed to expeditiously begin further trade and investment liberalisation negotiations under this agreement similarly, they welcomed the recent signing of AANZFTA and the stimulus it will provide to bilateral and regional economic integration.
Ministers resolved to strengthen cooperation in confronting regional challenges, notably during Thailand’s period as chair of ASEAN.
Ministers expressed their hope that a rescheduled East Asia Summit could be convened soon to facilitate regional discussions on the impact of the global economic recession, and regional financial integration. Ministers also underlined the importance of security arrangements for a reconvened Summit.
News Stories - 8 May 2009
Shanghai World Expo 2010
Mr Crean officially launched Australia’s national pavilion in Shanghai on 8 May. Australia is strongly committed to participating and contributing to the success of Expo 2010.
Mr Crean officially launched the Australian national pavilion in Shanghai on Friday 8 May and announced the Australian pavilion’s foundation platinum sponsors : ANZ, BlueScope Steel and Rio Tinto as well as commitments from a number of state and territory government partners.
Australia remains strongly committed to its participation in what is set to be the largest and most dynamic world expo in history over 180 countries and some 40 international organisations have confirmed their participation and it is the largest investment Australia has ever made in a world expo, with a total budget of $83 million.
The Australian pavilion will provide an important platform to bolster trade and investment, strengthen bilateral ties and project positive images of contemporary Australia.
The pavilion will feature : friendly, bilingual staff, cutting- edge exhibits, unique Australian dining experiences and a comprehensive program of cultural performance.
A targeted business program of over 200 invitation-only events will strengthen two-way trade and investment in key industry sectors.
Mr Crean also visited inland China to promote opportunities for Australian firms in agriculture and resources as well as new growth areas such as architecture and design, environmental services and sustainable development.
In 2008, China was our second-largest two-way merchandise trading partner (total merchandise trade of $67.7 billion, an increase of 28.3 per cent on 2007).
In Kunming, Mr Crean participated in two roundtable meetings on agri-business and resources to promote Australia’s trade and investment interests in these key sectors with major regional investors and customers.
Australia was Yunnan’s second-largest source of merchandise imports in 2008, worth US$372 million. In Wuhan, Mr Crean led a mission of Australian green-building companies to a number of green-building and urban planning-themed events. China’s rapid urbanisation continues to create many export opportunities for innovative Australian companies.
The visit to Australia, beginning 27 April, by PNG Prime Minister Somare and Foreign, Trade and Immigration Minister Abal highlighted the warmth and depth of the bilateral relationship, while advancing a number of bilateral and regional priorities.
Mr Crean officially launched Australia’s national pavilion in Shanghai on 8 May. Australia is strongly committed to participating and contributing to the success of Expo 2010.
Latin America Regional Meeting of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament, 1-3 May 2009
Commissioners called on all countries in the Latin America region to adopt the most stringent international controls against nuclear proliferation and to support practical steps towards the eventual abolition of nuclear weapons globally.
The International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament held its first regional meeting in Santiago de Chile on 1-3 May.
The Commission, co-chaired by former Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans and former Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, is an independent global initiative established in 2008, supported by the Governments of Australia and Japan.
The meeting allowed Commissioners to learn at first-hand regional views on global and regional nuclear issues including disarmament, non-proliferation and the safe and secure management of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Latin American participants briefed the Commissioners on regional non-proliferation arrangements and on ways to strengthen the momentum for the eventual abolition of nuclear weapons.
The meeting also reviewed regional attitudes to the further adoption of nuclear power to meet growing energy needs and related environmental consequences.
The Commission aims to reinvigorate the global debate on nuclear disarmament and on preventing the further spread of nuclear weapons to other parts of the world and a major report will be issued by early 2010 to help build an international consensus in advance of the May 2010 conference to review the operation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) (see preceding KMB item).
The Commission will conduct further regional meetings in Beijing (for North East Asia), New Delhi (for South Asia) and Cairo (for the Middle East) throughout 2009.
At its next full meeting in Moscow in June, the Commission will engage in a discussion with leaders of the global civil nuclear energy industry.
Visit to Australia of Sir Michael Somare, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG)
The visit to Australia, beginning 27 April, by PNG Prime Minister Somare and Foreign, Trade and Immigration Minister Abal highlighted the warmth and depth of the bilateral relationship, while advancing a number of bilateral and regional priorities.
The bilateral relationship between PNG and Australia is steeped in history and of critical importance to both countries. The strength and affection of our people-to-people links has been reflected by the generosity of donations made by the PNG Government and people to the victims of the Victorian bushfires and North Queensland floods.
Prime Minister Somare visited the affected regions personally to convey the support and warm wishes of the PNG people.
During a joint press conference with Sir Michael Somare, Mr Rudd made three key announcements:
- that Australia will issue commemorative medallions to Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels in recognition of the important service and sacrifice that they made in support of Australian soldiers during World War II
- that under the Australia-PNG Partnership for Development a goal would be set to raise the primary school participation target in PNG from 53 to 70 percent by 2015
- a new proposal to develop rugby league in PNG, reflecting the two countries’ shared passion for the sport .
Australia and PNG reaffirmed their joint commitment to a strong international response to the deeply troubling recent political developments in Fiji. The Prime Ministers urged the Interim Government to promptly return Fiji to democracy and the rule of law.
Sri Lanka: Conflict and Political situation
The Australian Government welcomes the Sri Lankan Government’s announcement on 27 April that combat operations have concluded, but is disappointed to learn that heavy fire continues in the conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka.
Australia has consistently called on both sides to make protecting civilians the absolute priority. Any further offensive action in the small area not in Government hands would cause great civilian suffering.
Australia supports the UN Security Council demand for the LTTE immediately to lay down arms, renounce terrorism, allow an UN-assisted evacuation for civilians remaining in the conflict area and join the political process.
Australia welcomes reports that over one hundred thousand civilians have been able to leave the conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka since 20 April (see Mr Smith’s media release of 22 April) but remains deeply concerned that tens of thousands more are still trapped in the conflict zone.
This is because many have already been killed; Australia and the international community will be watching very closely and expect that both sides will act to ensure civilians are protected.
The Australian Government calls upon the Sri Lankan Government to:
- ensure the safe passage of civilians to camps for internally displaced persons
- ensure camps are administered in line with international humanitarian standards
- and ensure that the process of evacuation from the conflict zone and the administration of the camps is open to monitoring by the International Committee of the Red Cross and UN officials.
Such measures would underline the Sri Lankan Government’s commitment to the protection of civilians. Australia welcomes the announcement by the United Nations Secretary General that he will despatch a humanitarian team to the conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka, but is disappointed to learn that the Sri Lankan Government has not agreed to authorise access by the United Nations to the conflict zone.
Australia calls on all parties to give urgent priority to ensuring adequate food and medical supplies are allowed into the area, and ensure unimpeded access is granted to United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in need.
Australia announced on 29 April a further $4.5 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians caught up in the conflict (see Mr Smith’s media release)
This assistance will provide urgent support including medical supplies, shelter, water and sanitation.
Australia calls again on the Sri Lankan Government to put forward credible political reforms to engage Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka and other minorities a political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankans is essential for the long-term security and prosperity of Sri Lanka.