Australia
Australia
Compiled from the August 2006 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.
Official Name:
Commonwealth of Australia
PROFILE
Geography
Area: 7.7 million sq. km. (3 million sq. mi.); about the size of the 48 contiguous United States.
Cities: (2003) Capital—Canberra (pop. 323,000). Other cities—Sydney (4.2 million), Melbourne (3.6 million), Brisbane (1.7 million), Perth (1.4 million).
Terrain: Varied, but generally lowlying.
Climate: Relatively dry, ranging from temperate in the south to tropical in the north.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective—Australian(s).
Population: (2005) 20.2 million.
Annual population growth rate: 1.1%.
Ethnic groups: European 92%, Asian 6%, Aboriginal 2%.
Religions: (2001) Anglican 21%, Roman Catholic 27%, other Christian 20%, other non-Christian 5%, no religion 16% and not stated 12%.
Languages: English.
Education: Years compulsory—to age 15 in all states except Tasmania, where it is 16. Literacy—over 99%.
Health: Infant mortality rate—5/1,000. Life expectancy—males 78 yrs., females 83 yrs.
Work force: (10.1 million) Agriculture—4%; mining, manufacturing, construction, and utilities—21%; services—70%; public administration and defense—5%.
Government
Type: Democratic, federal-state system recognizing British monarch as sovereign.
Constitution: July 9, 1900.
Independence: (federation) January 1, 1901.
Government branches: Head of state is the governor general, who is appointed by the Queen of Australia (the British Monarch). Legislative—bicameral Parliament (76-member Senate, 150-member House of Representatives). The House of Representatives selects as head of government the Prime Minister, who then appoints his cabinet. Judicial—independent judiciary. Political subdivisions: Six states and two territories.
Political parties: Liberal, Nationals, Australian Labor, Australian Democrats, Australian Greens, and Family First. The Liberal Party and the Nationals form the governing coalition.
Suffrage: Universal and compulsory over 18.
Budget: FY 2004-05 $149.86 billion; FY 2005-06 $158.76 billion.
Defense: 1.9% of GDP for FY 2005-06.
Economy
GDP: (2004) $587.3 billion.
Inflation rate: (2004) 2.3% p.a.
Trade: Exports ($112.6 billion, 2004)—coal, iron ore, non-monetary gold, crude petroleum and bovine meat. Major markets—Japan, U.S. ($10.3 billion), China, New Zealand, South Korea. Imports ($148.1 billion, 2004)—passenger motor vehicles, crude petroleum, computers, medicaments and telecommunications equipment. Major suppliers—U.S. ($19.8 billion), China, Japan, Germany, and Singapore.
PEOPLE
Australia’s aboriginal inhabitants, a hunting-gathering people generally referred to as Aboriginals and Torres Straits Islanders, arrived more than 40,000 years ago. Although their technical culture remained static—depending on wood, bone, and stone tools and weapons—their spiritual and social life was highly complex. Most spoke several languages, and confederacies sometimes linked widely scattered tribal groups. Aboriginal population density ranged from one person per square mile along the coasts to one person per 35 square miles in the arid interior. When Capt. James Cook claimed Australia for Great Britain in 1770, the native population may have numbered 300,000 in as many as 500 tribes speaking many different languages. The aboriginal population currently numbers more than 410,000, representing about 2.2% of the population. Since the end of World War II, the government and the public have made efforts to be more responsive to aboriginal rights and needs.
Immigration has been a key to Australia’s development since the beginning of European settlement in 1788. For generations, most settlers came from the British Isles, and the people of Australia are still predominantly of British or Irish origin, with a culture and outlook similar to those of Americans. However, since the end of World War II, the population has more than doubled; non-European immigration, mostly from the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, has increased significantly since 1960 through an extensive, planned immigration program.
From 1945 through 2000, nearly 5.9 million immigrants settled in Australia, and about 80% have remained; nearly two of every seven Australians is foreign-born. Britain and Ireland have been the largest sources of postwar immigrants, followed by Italy, Greece, New Zealand, and the former Yugoslavia.
Australia’s humanitarian and refugee admissions of about 12,000 per year are in addition to the normal immigration program. In recent years, refugees from Africa, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia have comprised the largest element in Australia’s refugee program.
Although Australia has scarcely more than two people per square kilometer, it is one of the world’s most urbanized countries. Less than 15% of the population lives in rural areas.
Cultural Achievements
Much of Australia’s culture is derived from European roots, but distinctive Australian features have evolved from the environment, aboriginal culture, and the influence of Australia’s neighbors. The vigor and originality of the arts in Australia—films, opera, music, painting, theater, dance, and crafts—are achieving international recognition.
Australian actors such as Nicole Kidman, Rachel Griffiths, Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, Geoffrey Rush, Paul Hogan, Hugh Jackman, Heath Ledger, and children’s entertainers, The Wiggles, have achieved enormous popularity in the United States. Australian movies and directors such as Peter Weir and Philip Noyes also are well known.
Australia has had a widely respected school of painting since the early days of European settlement, and Australians with international reputations include Sidney Nolan, Russell Drys-dale, and Pro Hart and Arthur Boyd. Writers who have achieved world recognition include Thomas Keneally, Colleen McCullough, Nevil Shute, Morris West, Jill Ker Conway, and Nobel Prize winner Patrick White.
HISTORY
Australia was uninhabited until stone-culture peoples arrived, perhaps by boat across the waters separating the island from the Indonesia archipelago more than 40,000 years ago. Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and English explorers observed the island before 1770, when Captain Cook explored the east coast and claimed it for Great Britain (three American colonists were crew members aboard Cook’s ship, the Endeavour).
On January 26, 1788 (now celebrated as Australia Day), the First Fleet under Capt. Arthur Phillip landed at Sydney, and formal proclamation of the establishment of the Colony of New South Wales followed on February 7. Many but by no means all of the first settlers were convicts, many condemned for offenses that today would often be thought trivial. The mid-19th century saw the beginning of government policies to emancipate convicts and assist the immigration of free persons. The discovery of gold in 1851 led to increased population, wealth, and trade.
The six colonies that now constitute the states of the Australian Commonwealth were established in the following order: New South Wales, 1788; Tasmania, 1825; Western Australia, 1830; South Australia, 1836; Victoria, 1851; and Queensland, 1859. Settlement had preceded these dates in most cases. Discussions between Australian and British representatives led to adoption by the British Government of an act to constitute the Commonwealth of Australia in 1900. Since Federation, the Commonwealth Government has established two self-governing territories: the Northern Territory, 1978; and the Australian Capital Territory (where the national capital, Canberra, is located), 1989.
The first federal Parliament was opened at Melbourne in May 1901 by the Duke of York (later King George V). In May 1927, the seat of government was transferred to Canberra, a planned city designed by an American, Walter Burley Griffin. The first session of Parliament in that city was opened by another Duke of York (later King George VI). Australia passed the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act on October 9, 1942, which officially established Australia’s complete autonomy in both internal and external affairs. Its passage formalized a situation that had existed for years. The Australia Act (1986) eliminated the last vestiges of British legal authority.
GOVERNMENT
The Commonwealth government was created with a Constitution patterned partly on the U.S. Constitution, although it does not include a “bill of rights.” The powers of the Commonwealth are specifically defined in the Constitution, and the residual powers remain with the states.
Australia is an independent nation within the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state and since 1973 has been officially styled “Queen of Australia.” The Queen is represented throughout Australia by a governor general and in each state
by a governor. The federal Parliament is bicameral, consisting of a 76-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives. Twelve senators from each state are elected for 6-year terms, with half elected every 3 years. Each territory has two senators who are elected for 3-year terms. The members of the House of Representatives are allocated among the states and territories roughly in proportion to population. In ordinary legislation, the two chambers have coordinate powers, but all proposals for appropriating revenue or imposing taxes must be introduced in the House of Representatives. Under the prevailing Westminster parliamentary system, the leader of the political party or coalition of parties that wins a majority of the seats in the House of Representatives is named prime minister. The prime minister and the cabinet wield actual power and are responsible to the Parliament, of which they must be elected members. General elections are held at least once every 3 years; the last general election was in October 2004.
Each state is headed by a premier, who is the leader of the party with a majority or a working minority in the lower house of the state legislature. Australia’s two self-governing territories have political systems similar to those of the states. The Territories are headed by Chief Ministers who are the leader of the party with a majority or a working minority in the territories’ legislature.
At the apex of the court system is the High Court of Australia. It has general appellate jurisdiction over all other federal and state courts and possesses the power of constitutional review.
Principal Government Officials
Last Updated: 11/2/2006
Governor General: Michael JEFFERY, Maj. Gen. (Ret.)
Prime Minister: John HOWARD
Dep. Prime Min.: Mark VAILE
Min. for Aging: Santo SANTORO
Min. for Agriculture, Fisheries, & Forestry: Peter MCGAURAN
Min. for the Arts & Sport: Rod KEMP
Min. for Communications, Information Technology, & the Arts: Helen COONAN
Min. for Defense: Brendan NELSON
Min. for Education, Science, & Training: Julie BISHOP
Min. for Employment & Workplace Relations: Kevin ANDREWS
Min. for the Environment & Heritage: Ian CAMPBELL
Min. for Families, Community Services, & Indigenous Affairs: Mal BROUGH
Min. for Finance & Administration: Nicholas MINCHIN
Min. for Fisheries, Forestry, & Conservation: Eric ABETZ
Min. for Foreign Affairs: Alexander DOWNER
Min. for Health & Aging: Anthony ABBOT
Min. for Human Services: Joe HOCKEY
Min. for Immigration & Multicultural Affairs: Amanda VANSTONE
Min. for Industry, Tourism, & Resources: Ian E. MACFARLANE
Min. for Justice & Customs: Christopher ELLISON
Min. of Local Government, Territories, & Roads: Jim LLOYD
Min. for Revenue: Peter DUTTON
Min. for Small Business & Tourism: Fran BAILEY
Min. for Trade: Warren TRUSS
Min. for Transport & Regional Services: Mark VAILE
Min. for Veterans’ Affairs: Bruce BILLSON
Min. for Vocational & Technical Education: Gary HARDGRAVE
Min. for Workforce Participation: Sharman STONE
Treasurer: Peter COSTELLO
Special Min. of State: Gary NAIRN
Attorney General: Philip RUDDOCK
Governor, Reserve Bank: Glenn STEVENS
Ambassador to the US: Dennis RICHARDSON
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Robert HILL
Australia maintains an embassy in the United States at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 (tel. 202-797-3000), and consulates general in New York (212-351-6500), San Francisco (415-536-1970), Honolulu (808-524-5050), Los Angeles (310-229-4800), Chicago (312-419-1480) and Atlanta (404-760-3400).
POLITICAL CONDITIONS
Three political parties dominate the center of the Australian political spectrum: the Liberal Party (LP), nominally representing urban business-related groups; the Nationals, nominally representing rural interests; and the Australian Labor Party (ALP), nominally representing the trade unions and liberal groups. Although embracing some leftists, the ALP traditionally has been moderately socialist in its policies and approaches to social issues. All political groups are tied by tradition to domestic welfare policies that have kept Australia in the forefront of societies offering extensive social welfare programs. Australia’s social welfare programs have been reduced, however, in response to budgetary pressures and a changing political outlook. There is strong bipartisan sentiment on many international issues, including Australia’s commitment to its alliance with the United States.
The Liberal Party/Nationals coalition came to power in 1996, ending 13 years of ALP government and electing John Howard Prime Minister. Reelected in October 1998, November 2001, and October 2004, the coalition now holds 87 seats (75 Liberal/12 National) in the House of Representatives, against 60 for the ALP, and 3 independents. Currently, in the Senate, the coalition holds a 39-seat majority in the 76-seat chamber, against 28 for the ALP, 4 for the Australian Democrats, 4 for the Australian Greens, and 1 for the Family First party.
Howard’s center-right coalition moved quickly to reduce Australia’s government deficit and the influence of organized labor, and reform Australia’s tax and social welfare systems. The Howard government also has accelerated the pace of privatization, beginning with the government-owned telecommunications corporation. The Howard government has continued the foreign policy of its predecessors, based on relations with four key countries: the United States, Japan, China, and Indonesia. The Howard government strongly supports U.S. engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and has sent troops as part of the coalitions in Afghanistan and Iraq. National elections took place October 9, 2004, and likely will take place again in late 2007 or early 2008.
ECONOMY
Australia’s advanced market economy is dominated by its services sector (71% of GDP), yet it is the agricultural and mining sectors (8% of GDP combined) that account for the bulk (52%) of Australia’s goods and services exports. Australia’s comparative advantage in primary products is a reflection of the natural wealth of the Australian continent and its small domestic market; 20 million people occupy a continent the size of the contiguous United States. The relative size of the manufacturing sector has been declining for several decades, and now accounts for around 10% of GDP.
Australia commenced a basic reorientation of its economy in the 1980s and has transformed itself from an inward looking, import-substitution country to an internationally competitive, export-oriented one. Key reforms included unilaterally reducing high tariffs and other protective barriers; floating the Australian dollar exchange rate; deregulating the financial services sector, including liberalizing access for foreign bank branches; making efforts to restructure the highly centralized system of industrial relations and labor bargaining; better integrating the state economies into a national federal system; improving and standardizing the national infrastructure; privatizing many government-owned services and public utilities; and fundamentally reforming the taxation system, including introducing a broad-based Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The ultimate goal is for Australia to become a competitive producer and exporter, not just of traditional farm and mineral commodities, but also of a diversified mix of high value-added manufactured products, services, and technologies. Australia was one of the OECD’s fastest-growing economies throughout the 1990s, a performance that owed much to the economic reform program. Despite a transient slowdown in late 2000, it has been 16 years since Australia experienced a recession, and economic growth remains robust. Economic growth should be just under 3% for 2005, although the persistent strength of the Australian dollar and infrastructure bottlenecks could constrain export growth.
The Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) entered into force on January 1, 2005. The AUSFTA marks the first FTA the U.S. has concluded with a developed economy since the U.S.-Canada FTA in 1988. Australia has also completed FTAs with Singapore and Thailand and is pursuing similar Agreements in the region. A burgeoning trade relationship marked by ongoing, multi-billion dollar resource export contracts has driven FTA negotiations with China. Parallel efforts are underway with Malaysia and ASEAN.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Australia has been active participant in international affairs since World War I and has fought beside the United States and other Allies in every significant conflict to the present day. In 1944, it concluded an agreement with New Zealand dealing with the security, welfare, and advancement of the people of the independent territories of the Pacific (the ANZAC pact). After the war, Australia played a role in the Far Eastern Commission in Japan and supported Indonesian independence during that country’s revolt against the Dutch (1945-49). Australia was one of the founders of both the United Nations and the South Pacific Commission (1947), and in 1950, it proposed the Colombo Plan to assist developing countries in Asia. In addition to contributing to UN forces in Korea—it was the first country to announce it would do so after the United States—Australia sent troops to assist in putting down the communist revolt in Malaya in 1948-60 and later to combat the Indonesian-supported invasion of Sarawak in 1963-65. The U.S., Australia and New Zealand signed the ANZUS Treaty in 1951, which remains Australia’s only formal security treaty alliance. Australia also sent troops to assist South Vietnamese and U.S. forces in Vietnam and joined coalition forces in the Persian Gulf conflict in 1991, in Afghanistan in 2002, and in Iraq in 2003.
Australia has been active in the Australia-New Zealand-U.K. agreement and the Five-Power Defense Arrangements—successive arrangements with Britain and New Zealand to ensure the security of Singapore and Malaysia.
One of the drafters of the UN Charter, Australia has given firm support to the United Nations and its specialized agencies. It was a member of the Security Council in 1986-87, a member of the Economic and Social Council for 1986-89, and a member of the UN Human Rights Commission for 1994-96 and 2003-2005. Australia takes a prominent part in many other UN activities, including peacekeeping, nonproliferation and disarmament negotiations, and narcotics control. Australia also is active in meetings of the Commonwealth Regional Heads of Government and the Pacific Islands Forum, and has been a leader in the Cairns Group—countries pressing for agricultural trade reform in World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations—and in the APEC forum.
Australia has devoted particular attention to relations between developed and developing nations, with emphasis on the ten countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the island states of the South Pacific. Australia is an active participant in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which promotes regional cooperation on security issues. In September 1999, acting under a UN Security Council mandate, Australia led an international coalition to restore order in East Timor upon Indonesia’s withdrawal from that territory. In 2006, Australia again participated in an international peacekeeping operation in East Timor. In 2003, Australia led a regional mission to restore law and order in Solomon Islands.
Australia provided over $1.6 billion ($A2.1 billion) as official development assistance in FY 2004-05. The Australian aid program is currently concentrated in Southeast Asia (Papua New Guinea is the largest-single recipient) and the Pacific Islands. In 2004, Australia commenced a 5-year $0.8 billion ($A1.1 billion) Enhanced Cooperation Program (ECP), which involved government officials working alongside their PNG counterparts. The future of the program was called into question in 2005, however, when ECP immunity provisions for Australian officials were successfully challenged in the PNG high court. Selected aid flows are allocated to Africa, South Asia, and reconstruction in Afghanistan and Iraq. Contributions to multilateral organizations and other expenses account for about one-third of the foreign assistance budget.
ANZUS AND DEFENSE
The Australia, New Zealand, United States (ANZUS) security treaty was concluded at San Francisco on September 1, 1951, and entered into force on April 29, 1952. The treaty bound the signatories to recognize that an armed attack in the Pacific area on any of them would endanger the peace and safety of the others. It committed them to consult in the event of a threat and, in the event of attack, to meet the common danger in accordance with their respective constitutional processes. The three nations also pledged to maintain and develop individual and collective capabilities to resist attack.
In 1985, the nature of the ANZUS alliance changed after the Government of New Zealand refused access to its ports by nuclear-weapons-capable and nuclear-powered ships of the U.S. Navy. The United States suspended defense obligations to New Zealand, and annual bilateral meetings between the U.S. Secretary of State and the Australian Foreign Minister replaced annual meetings of the ANZUS Council of Foreign Ministers. The first bilateral meeting was held in Canberra in 1985. At the second, in San Francisco in 1986, the United States and Australia announced that the United States was suspending its treaty security obligations to New Zealand pending the restoration of port access. Subsequent bilateral Australia-U.S. Ministerial (AUSMIN) meetings have alternated between Australia and the United States. The 17th AUSMIN meeting took place in Australia in November 2005.
The U.S.-Australia alliance under the ANZUS Treaty remains in full force. Defense ministers of one or both nations have joined the annual ministerial meetings, which are supplemented by consultations between the U.S. Combatant Commander, Pacific and the Australian Chief of Defense Force. There also are regular civilian and military consultations between the two governments at lower levels.
ANZUS has no integrated defense structure or dedicated forces. However, in fulfillment of ANZUS obligations, Australia and the United States conduct a variety of joint activities. These include military exercises ranging from naval and landing exercises at the task-group level to battalion-level special forces training, assigning officers to each other’s armed services, and standardizing, where possible, equipment and operational doctrine. The two countries also operate joint defense facilities in Australia.
Following the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, Australian Prime Minister Howard invoked the ANZUS Treaty for the first time on September 14, 2001. Australia was one of the earliest participants in Operation Enduring Freedom. Australian Defense Forces participated in coalition military action against Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Australian military and civilian specialists are participating in the training of Iraqi security forces and the reconstruction of Iraq. Australian Special Forces redeployed to Afghanistan to help provide security for the country’s September 18, 2005 elections.
After a review in 2000 of Australia’s future defense needs, the government made a commitment to increase defense spending by an average of 3% a year for the next 10 years. The Australian Defense Force numbers about 52,000 active duty personnel. The Royal Australian Navy’s front-line fleet currently includes 12 frigates, including 4 of the Adelaide class and 7 Australian-built ANZAC class, with 1 more to be delivered by 2006. The last of six submarines of the new, indigenous Collins class was commissioned in March 2003. An upgraded version of the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer will be the Australian Navy’s air warfare destroyer after the August 2005 selection of American firm Gibbs and Cox as the preferred designer for the $4.6 billion project. In August 2004, Australia selected the Aegis Combat Control System for its three air warfare destroyers, which will start coming into service in 2013. The F/A-18 fighter, built in Australia under license from the U.S. manufacturer, is the principal combat aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force, backed by the U.S.-built F-111 strike aircraft. In October 2002, Australia became a Level III partner in the U.S.-led Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Both of their current fighters are scheduled to exit service by 2012 when they will be replaced by up to 100 JSF aircraft. Boeing will provide the Commonwealth of Australia’s Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system based on the Next-Generation 737-700 aircraft as the airborne platform. The first two aircraft are planned to be in service by late 2006, with four more due for delivery by 2008. Recent U.S. sales to the Royal Australian Army include the M1A1 AIM tank, as well as Hell-fire and JAVELIN munitions.
U.S.-AUSTRALIAN RELATIONS
The World War II experience, similarities in culture and historical background, and shared democratic values have made U.S. relations with Australia exceptionally strong and close. Ties linking the two nations cover the entire spectrum of international relations—from commercial, cultural, and environmental contacts to political and defense cooperation. Two-way trade reached $30.1 billion in 2004. More than 400,000 Americans have visited Australia in a single year.
Traditional friendship is reinforced by the wide range of common interests and similar views on most major international questions. For example, both countries sent military forces to the Persian Gulf in support of UN Security Council resolutions relating to Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait; both attach high priority to controlling and eventually eliminating chemical weapons, other weapons of mass destruction, and anti-personnel landmines; and both work closely on global environmental issues such as slowing climate change and preserving coral reefs. The Australian Government and opposition share the view that Australia’s security depends on firm ties with the United States, and the ANZUS Treaty enjoys broad bipartisan support. Recent Presidential visits to Australia (in 1991, 1996 and 2003) and Australian Prime Ministerial visits to the United States (in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006) have underscored the strength and closeness of the alliance.
The bilateral Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) entered into force on January 1, 2005. This comprehensive agreement, only the second FTA the U.S. had negotiated with a developed nation, substantially liberalizes an already vibrant trade and investment relationship. The AUSFTA also creates a range of ongoing working groups and committees designed to explore further trade reform in the bilateral context.
Both countries share a commitment to liberalizing global trade. They work together very closely in the World Trade Organization (WTO), and both are active members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
A number of U.S. institutions conduct scientific activities in Australia because of its geographical position, large land mass, advanced technology, and, above all, the ready cooperation of its government and scientists. Under an agreement dating back to 1960 and since renewed, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) maintains in Australia one of its largest and most important program outside the United States, including a number of tracking facilities vital to the U.S. space program. Indicative of the broadranging U.S.-Australian cooperation on other global issues, a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) was concluded in 1997, enhancing already close bilateral cooperation on legal and counter-narcotics issues. In 2001, the U.S. and Australia signed a new tax treaty and a bilateral social security agreement.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
CANBERRA (E) Address: American Embassy Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla ACT 2600 AUSTRALIA; APO/FPO: PSC 277 APO AP 96549; Phone: 61-2-6214-5600; Fax: 61-2-6214-5970; Workweek: Mon–Fri/8:00am to 5:00pm; Website: http://usembassy-australia.state.gov.
| AMB: | Robert McCallum |
| DCM/CHG: | Mike Owens |
| POL: | James Cole |
| CON: | Myca Craven |
| MGT: | Grace Stettenbauer |
| AGR: | Kathleen Wainio |
| CLO: | Cathleen Davies |
| DAO: | Michael Mahar |
| DEA: | Richard Joyce |
| ECO: | Matt Matthews |
| EEO: | Elizabeth Nedeff |
| EST: | John Warner |
| FMO: | Gwen Sawyer |
| GSO: | Mike Bakalar |
| ICASS Chair: | Benjamin Woodbury |
| IMO: | Aziz Ahmed |
| IPO: | Harvey Heard |
| ISO: | Don Clayton |
| ISSO: | Don Clayton |
| LAB: | David Sohier |
| LEGATT: | Greg Groves |
| PAO: | Scott Weinhold |
| RSO: | Steve Fakan |
| State ICASS: | Grace Stettenbauer |
Last Updated: 12/28/2006
MELBOURNE (CG) Address: 553 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 3004; APO/FPO: PSC 278, APO, AP 96551; Phone: + 61 3 9526 5900; Fax: + 61 3 9510-4646; Workweek: M-F, 8:00–5:00.
| CG: | Earl Irving |
| CG OMS: | Richard Mangus |
| POL: | Maya Dietz |
| COM: | Beryl Blecher |
| CON: | Karen Ogle |
| MGT: | Louise Veenstra (FSN) |
| DAO: | Thomas Hoskins |
| IMO: | Peter Steitz |
Last Updated: 10/1/2006
SYDNEY (CG) Address: 59th Floor, MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Place; APO/FPO: PSC 280, Unit 11026, APO, AP 96554-0002; Phone: (61)(2)9373-9200; Fax: (61) (2) 9373-9125; Workweek: M-F, 0815–1700; Website: http://sydney.usconsulate.gov/Sydney.
| CG: | Steve Smith |
| CG OMS: | Ginger Richter |
| PO: | Steve Smith |
| POL: | Casey Mace |
| CON: | Suzanne Lawrence |
| MGT: | Martin Kelly |
| ECO: | Casey Mace |
| EEO: | Ginger Richter |
| FAA/CASLO: | Penny Anderson |
| FCS: | Beryl Blecher |
| IPO: | Marqui Neder |
| PAO: | Mary Scholl |
Last Updated: 11/27/2006
PERTH (C) Address: Level 13, 16 St Georges Tce; APO/FPO: Unit 11021, APO AP96530; Phone: 61-8-9202-1224; Fax: 61-8-9231-9444; Workweek: M–F; 8:00 am–5:00 pm; Website: http://perth.usconsulate.gov.
| CG: | Robin McClellan |
| CG OMS: | Veronica Kerr |
| POL: | Veronica Kerr |
| CON: | Mark Prokop |
| MGT: | Tom Zeitler |
| ECO: | Gina Soos |
| ISSO: | Mark Prokop |
| PAO/ADV: | Lisa Marino |
Last Updated: 3/13/2005
TRAVEL
Consular Information Sheet : December 15, 2006
Country Description: Australia is a highly developed stable democracy with a federal-state system. Tourist facilities are widely available. The Australian Tourist Commission’s Internet website, http://www.australia.com/, provides a wide range of information of interest to travelers.
Entry/Exit Requirements: American citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport to enter Australia. Americans must enter with an Australian visa or, if eligible, through Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The ETA replaces a visa and allows a stay of up to three months. It may be obtained for a small service fee at http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/. Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to issue ETA’s.
Please note that American citizens who overstay their ETA or visa, even for short periods, may be subject to exclusion, detention, and removal. More information about the ETA, other visas, and entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Australia at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 797-3000, or via the Australian Embassy home page on the Internet at http://www.austemb.org/. Visa inquires may be directed to the Australian Visa Information Service at 888-990-8888. Visit the Embassy of Australia web site at http://www.austemb.org/ for the most current visa information.
Safety and Security: Australia has instituted an alert system for possible terrorist attacks. The threat levels range from “low” to “high.” The Australian Attorney General’s Office maintains a website with up-to-date information regarding the current assessment of the terrorism threat at http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Travelers may also contact the Australian National Security Hotline at 61-1-800-123-400.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Crime: Visitors should be aware that street crime, burglaries, and car thefts are a daily occurrence in the larger cities. Weapons are increasingly used in such crimes, which also may be associated with drug trafficking and usage. Foreign visitors are sometimes targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers and petty thieves. Appropriate, common sense precautions should be taken, especially at night, to avoid becoming a target of opportunity. To call for fire/police/ambulance services throughout Australia, dial “000” for urgent assistance.
Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
Every state in Australia has a crime victim assistance program that includes crimes against international visitors.
Medical Facilities and Health Information: Excellent medical care is available. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Most doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash/credit card payment for health services.
Visitors are cautioned that Australian fauna can be as dangerous as they are inspiring. From jellyfish off the Great Barrier Reef to crocodiles and sharks, poisonous insects and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses. Further information on Australian wildlife may be obtained from the Australian Institute of Marine Science at http://www.aims.gov.au/dma and the Wet Tropics Management Authority Information on Marine Life at http://www.wettropics.gov.au/vi/vi_marine.html and the Wet Tropics Management Authority information on animals at http://www.wettropics.gov.au/vi/vi_animals.html. Swimmers should use safety precautions, swim between the flags only where a lifeguard is present, and never swim alone. Scuba diving can be a treacherous sport. Over the past few years there have been numerous deaths related to diving incidents. Divers are urged to follow recommended precautions and never dive alone.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en/.
Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. In most cases, U.S. health insurance coverage cannot be used in Australia unless the U.S. insurer has a world-wide program that includes Australia. Purchasing medical insurance in Australia can be cost-prohibitive for travelers.
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Australia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Visitors are reminded that all traffic operates on the left side of the road, and that all vehicles use right-hand drive. Visitors should use caution when crossing streets and when driving. When crossing roads, pedestrians are reminded to look carefully in all directions. Seat belts are mandatory. Speed limits and laws regarding driving while intoxicated are rigorously enforced. Roads and streets are frequently narrower and less graded than U.S. highways. Outside the major metropolitan areas, most highways are two-lane roads with significant distances between destinations.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution while passing or merging with adjacent traffic. When driving in rural areas, particularly in the Northern Territory where there are no speed limits, drivers should be cautious of free-roaming animals and “road-trains” (several semi-truck trailers connected together). It is dangerous to pass road-trains, and it is advisable to pull over and allow on-coming road-trains to pass to avoid being sideswiped. A number of fatalities have occurred in the Northern Territory when vehicles driven at high rates of speed have skidded and overturned after hitting the loose gravel shoulder of the road. U.S. drivers, especially those inexperienced with 4-wheel drive vehicles, should exercise common-sense judgment when driving in outback Australia.
For specific information concerning Australian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, and the rental and operation of motor vehicles in Australia, contact the Australian Tourist Commission via the Internet at http://www.australia.com/. Visit the website of Australia’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.australia.com/ and http://www.nrma.com.au.
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Australia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Australia’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov.
Special Circumstances: Australian customs authorities enforce very strict regulations concerning the importation from all countries of items such as agricultural and wood products, as well as very strict quarantine standards for other products, animals, and pets. These regulations also apply to items tourists bring with them. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Australia in Washington or one of Australia’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements, or see the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry at http://www.aqis.gov.au/.
Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Australia’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Australia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
Children’s Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.
Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living or traveling in Australia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security Australia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) or Queanbeyan: For emergency services (i.e. the arrest, death or serious injury of American citizens) please contact the U.S. Embassy in Canberra. The Embassy is located on Moonah Place, Yarralumla, A.C.T. 2600, telephone (61) (2) 6214-5600, fax (61) (2) 6273-3191, website http://canberra.usembassy.gov/. NOTE: Passports and other routine citizen services for Canberra and the rest of the ACT are provided by the U.S. Consulate in Sydney.
In New South Wales, Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island and Queensland: For registration, passport, and other consular services for American citizens, please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney located on Level 59, MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000, telephone (61)(2) 9373-9200, fax (61)(2) 9373-9184, web site http://sydney.usconsulate.gov/. Hours open to the public: 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday to Friday (except American and Australian holidays and the first Wednesday of each month). For emergency services (i.e. the arrest, death or serious injury of American citizens) after 5:00 p.m. weekdays or on holidays and weekends please call (61) (2) 4422-2201.
In Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory: For registration, passport and other consular services for American citizens, please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne located at 553 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, telephone (61)(3) 9526-5900, fax (61)(3) 9525-0769, website http://melbourne.usconsulate.gov/. Hours open to the public: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (except American and Australian holidays and the last Wednesday of each month). For emergency services (i.e. the arrest, death or serious injury of American citizens) after 4:30 p.m. or on holidays and weekends, please call (61) (3) 9389-3601.
In Western Australia: For registration, passport, and other consular services for American citizens, please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Perth located on Level 13, 16 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, telephone: (61)(8) 9202-1224, fax (61)(8) 9231-9444; web site http://perth.usconsulate.gov/perth. Hours open to the public for American Citizen Services: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For emergency services (e.g., the arrest, death, or serious injury of American citizens), please call (61) (8) 9476-0081.
International Adoption : October 2006
The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family.
Disclaimer: The information in this flyer relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and current understanding. Questions involving foreign and U.S. immigration laws and legal interpretation should be addressed respectively to qualified foreign or U.S. legal counsel.
Please Note: In order to adopt a child in Australia, you must be an Australian citizen and reside in Australia.
Patterns of Immigration: Please review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family.
Adoption Authority: Each state and territory in Australia has its own adoption authority and criteria for applicant selection. Please review current reports online at travel.state.gov/family for a list of agencies.
Age and Civil Status Requirements: Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 21 years of age, irrespective of the state or territory from which they are trying to adopt. However, specific requirements beyond this minimum age vary among the states and territories. Information about specific requirements is available from the various authorities identified above.
Residential Requirements: Australia requires prospective parents to be Australian citizens resident in the state/territory from which they hope to adopt. Information about residency in Australia may be obtained from the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC, or from any Australian consulate.
Time Frame: For local adoptions in New South Wales (i.e., for a child born and surrendered in NSW) the approximate time frame is between 1 and 1 ½ years, depending on demand. For details on other Australian states, prospective adoptive parents should contact the adoption authority in that state.
Adoption Agencies and Attorneys: Each state and territory has a list of adoption agencies and attorneys working within its jurisdiction. Prospective adoptive parents seeking the services of an agency or attorney should obtain a list from the local authority for that state/territory.
The U.S. Embassy in Canberra maintains lists of attorneys by region in Australia which are available at: http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/attorneys.html. These lists does not constitute a recommendation of any specific attorneys’ services, and the Consulate General cannot make recommendations of attorneys Americans may locate privately.
Adoption Fees: Adoption costs, like most aspects of adoptions in Australia, vary by location. As an example, however, the U.S. Embassy notes that local adoptions in the state of New South Wales cost approximately AUD$3,600 (Australian dollars).
Adoption Procedures: The process of adoption is frequently lengthy and requires a firm commitment of both time and resources. The procedures in most Australian states and territories are similar to those described below for New South Wales. However, prospective adoptive parents should consult with local authorities, agencies, and/or attorneys for the most complete and up-to-date details for a specific location.
The first step is to purchase an Adoption Information Package from the local adoption authority. The cost is AUD$40. This package is also found at http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/documents/adoption_infopack_form.pdf. Prospective adoptive parents should read the material in the Adoption Information Package and, if they are still interested in pursuing the adoption of an Australian child, complete the “Expression of Interest” form included in the package and submit it to the local state territorial adoption authority.
As children become available for adoption, the local authority will select prospective adoptive parents based on the submitted “Expression of Interest” forms. Selected applicants will be invited to attend an Adoption Preparation Seminar. After completing the seminar, applicants may submit a formal adoption application. The application forms will be provided at the conclusion of the seminar. Persons interested in special needs children (i.e., children with significant physical and/or intellectual disabilities, children who present behavioral or emotional challenges) should make this known to the local adoption authority.
Documentary Requirements: As such requirements will vary by location, the best source of this information is the local state/territorial adoption authority.
Embassy in the United States: The Embassy of Australia; 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, NW; Washington, DC 20036; phone: (202) 797-3000; fax: (202) 797-3209; email: http://www.austemb.org/. Australia also maintains Consulates General and Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
U.S. Consulate General Sydney:
Level 59 MLC Centre
19-29 Martin Place
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
Telephone: 61 2 9373 9200
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://sydney.usconsulate.gov
The U.S. also has consular representatives in Canberra, Melbourne, and Perth.
U.S. Immigration Requirements: Prospective adopting parents are strongly encouraged to consult USCIS publication M-249, The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adopting Children, as well as the Department of State publication, International Adoptions. Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at travel.state.gov/family.
Additional Information: Specific questions about adoption in Australia may be addressed to the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney at the address provided above. General questions regarding intercountry adoption may be addressed to the Office of Children’s Issues, U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/CI, SA-29, 4th Floor, 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, toll-free Tel: 1-888-407-4747.
International Parental Child Abduction : February 2007
The information below has been edited from the report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Child Abduction section of this book and review current reports online at travel.state.gov.
Disclaimer: The information in this flyer relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is provided for general information only. Questions involving interpretation of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign legal counsel.
General Information: Custody in Australia is referred to as “parental responsibility.” Unless there is a court order to the contrary, the parents of a child are assumed to have “joint parental responsibility.” A court-issued “residence” order specifies who will be the primary physical custodian of the child. A “contact” order is similar to a U.S. visitation or access order. Australian family courts adjudicate petitions on a case-by-case basis with the judge applying the “best interests of the child” standard.
The amount of access allowed a non-custodial parent is also decided on a case-by-case basis, and may be denied under certain egregious circumstances. Legitimacy of the child is not a factor in a judge’s determination. If your child has a claim to Australian citizenship, you may be able to prevent the issuance of an Australian passport to your child. Please contact a consular officer at the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (202-797-3000) for further information. There is also an Australian Consulate in California (310-229-4800).
The Hague Convention: The Hague Convention entered into force between the United States and Australia on July 1, 1988. Therefore, Hague Convention provisions for return would apply to children abducted to or retained in Australia after July 1, 1988. The designated Central Authority for all of Australia is the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department, International Family Law Section, which is part of the Family Law and Legal Assistance Division. Their address is Robert Garran Offices, National Circuit, Barton, ACT 2600, Australia. The international telephone number is 011-61-2-6250-6724 and the international telefax number is 011-61-2-6250-5917. The Section maintains a website, which is located at http://www.law.gov.au/childabduction. For more information, please read the International Parental Child Abduction section of this book and review current reports online at travel.state.gov.
Criminal Remedies: For information on possible criminal remedies, please contact your local law enforcement authorities, or the nearest office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Information is also available on the Internet at the web site of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org. You should be aware that filing criminal child abduction charges in the United States against a taking parent may jeopardize an Australian Hague Convention case.
For further information on international parental child abduction, contact the Office of Children’s Issues, U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 or visit its web site on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. You may also direct inquiries to: Office of Children’s Issues; U.S. Department of State; Washington, DC 20520-4811; Phone: (202) 736-9090; Fax: (202) 312-9743.