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UNITED STATES EMBASSY UNITED STATES EMBASSY CANBERRA, AUSTRALIACANBERRA, AUSTRALIA

Deputy Chief ofDeputy Chief of MissionMissionRobert Baron

EMBASSY OBJECTIVESEMBASSY OBJECTIVES

• Maintain Relations With the Australian Maintain Relations With the Australian Government.Government.

• Promote Trade and Economic Prosperity.Promote Trade and Economic Prosperity.

• Coordinate the United State’s Many Coordinate the United State’s Many Interests in Australia and the Region.Interests in Australia and the Region.

GEOGRAPHICAL DATAGEOGRAPHICAL DATA

• Australia is as Big as the Contigous Australia is as Big as the Contigous United States.United States.

• Most of the Population is Most of the Population is Concentrated Along the East or Concentrated Along the East or South Eastern Coastal Regions.South Eastern Coastal Regions.

• Natural Resources of Coal, Iron Natural Resources of Coal, Iron Ore, Copper, Tin, Gold, Silver, Ore, Copper, Tin, Gold, Silver, Uranium, Nickel, Tungsten, Mineral Uranium, Nickel, Tungsten, Mineral Sands, Lead, Zinc, Diamonds, Sands, Lead, Zinc, Diamonds, Natural Gas, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Petroleum and Especially Bauxite.Especially Bauxite.

• Only 7% of the Land is Arable.Only 7% of the Land is Arable.

Geographial Data

Semi-Arid to Arid

Tropical

Temperate

AUSTRALIA’S CLIMATEAUSTRALIA’S CLIMATE

HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDHISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• 40,000 Years Ago, the Aborigines Move 40,000 Years Ago, the Aborigines Move from South East Asia to the Australian from South East Asia to the Australian ContinentContinent

• 1770 Captain James Cook Claims Australia 1770 Captain James Cook Claims Australia for the British Crown.for the British Crown.

• On January 26th, 1788 the British Set Up a On January 26th, 1788 the British Set Up a Penal Colony at Port Jackson in What is Now Penal Colony at Port Jackson in What is Now the Metropolitan City of Sydney.the Metropolitan City of Sydney.

• Over 160,000 English Convicts Lived There Over 160,000 English Convicts Lived There Until 1839 When the System of Incarceration Until 1839 When the System of Incarceration on the Continent Was Suspendedon the Continent Was Suspended

AUSTRALIA IS BORNAUSTRALIA IS BORN

•British and Irish Settlers then British and Irish Settlers then Established Six Colonies, New Established Six Colonies, New South Wales, Tasmania, Western South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.Victoria and Queensland. •On January 1st, 1901 the On January 1st, 1901 the Australian Colonies Merged Australian Colonies Merged Together with the Signing of the Together with the Signing of the Commonwealth Constitution.Commonwealth Constitution.

• Australia Sent Troops to Fight With American Forces in Both Australia Sent Troops to Fight With American Forces in Both World Wars.World Wars.

• One of the Founding Members of the United Nations.One of the Founding Members of the United Nations.

• Active Participant in ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).Active Participant in ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

• Currently, Australia Provides Over $1 Billion Dollars in Currently, Australia Provides Over $1 Billion Dollars in Foreign Aid.Foreign Aid.

AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INVOLVEMENT IN WARSAND INVOLVEMENT IN WARS

• On September 1st, 1951 Australia Signs the ANZUS On September 1st, 1951 Australia Signs the ANZUS Treaty With the United States and New Zealand.Treaty With the United States and New Zealand.

• In 2000, the Australian Government Agreed to In 2000, the Australian Government Agreed to Increase Defense Spending by 3% Each Year for 10 Increase Defense Spending by 3% Each Year for 10 Years.Years.

DEFENSEDEFENSE

• Most of the Labor Force is Employed in the Service Most of the Labor Force is Employed in the Service Sector.Sector.

• Most Goods Produced are Primary Goods. Only 1/4 of Most Goods Produced are Primary Goods. Only 1/4 of all Goods Produced are Secondary Manufactured Goods all Goods Produced are Secondary Manufactured Goods and Products.and Products.

• Ranked by the OECD as having the Fastest Growing Ranked by the OECD as having the Fastest Growing Economy.Economy.

•Australia Exports $66.3 Australia Exports $66.3 Billion and Imports $68 Billion and Imports $68 Billion in Goods and Billion in Goods and Products.Products.

• Estimated Trade Between Estimated Trade Between the United States and the United States and Australia is $23 Billion.Australia is $23 Billion.

ECONOMICS AND TRADEECONOMICS AND TRADE

•Population ≈ 19.5 Million people Population ≈ 19.5 Million people

• Population Growth Rate ≈ 0.96% per yearPopulation Growth Rate ≈ 0.96% per year

• Per Capita Income ≈ $27,000 US DollarsPer Capita Income ≈ $27,000 US Dollars

• Age DistributionAge Distribution

• ≈ ≈ 67% @ 15-64 years67% @ 15-64 years

• ≈ ≈ 20% @ 0-14 years20% @ 0-14 years

• ≈ ≈ 13% @ Over 65 years13% @ Over 65 years

•Labor Force ≈ 9.2 Million PeopleLabor Force ≈ 9.2 Million People

• Unemployment Rate ≈ 6.3%Unemployment Rate ≈ 6.3%

• Life Expectancy: Men ≈ 77.15 years, Women ≈ 83 yearsLife Expectancy: Men ≈ 77.15 years, Women ≈ 83 years

• Literacy Rate ≈ 100%Literacy Rate ≈ 100%

• Race: Caucasian ≈ 91%, Asian/Pacific Islander ≈ 7%, Aborigine ≈ 2%Race: Caucasian ≈ 91%, Asian/Pacific Islander ≈ 7%, Aborigine ≈ 2%

• Religion: 1/4 Anglican, 1/4 Roman Catholic, 1/4 “Other Christian”, Religion: 1/4 Anglican, 1/4 Roman Catholic, 1/4 “Other Christian”, 1/10 Non-Christian, 1/8 Classified as Other. 1/10 Non-Christian, 1/8 Classified as Other.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICERPUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

Andra Yeghoian

Mission statement:

The main functions are to strengthen and

promote understanding between the U.S.

and Australia. We do this with the help of these

agencies and institutions: • Press and Media Relations• Education and Exchange Programs• Resource Centers and Reference Services• Cultural Offices

Education and Exchange programs

• The Australian-American Fulbright Commission

• U.S. Educational Advising Center

Press and media relations

• Sydney

• Electronic Links

• Ship Visits

Resource Centers and Reference Services

• Research Centers

• Forums

Cultural Opportunities

National Archives Offices

• HolidaysNew Year's Day January 1Australia Day January 26Good Friday March 29

Easter Monday April 1Anzac Day April 25Christmas Day December 25National Archives OfficesBoxing Day December 26

PoliticalPolitical Officer Officer Lauren Hood

AustralianAustralian GovernmentGovernmentDemocratic, federal system under

the rule of the British monarchy• Chief of state: Queen Elizabeth II• Governor General: Sir Guy Green (acting) • Prime Minister: John Howard of the Liberal Party• Legislative branch: Bicameral federal parliament with a house

and senate representing the six states and two territories

Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

and Australian Prime Minister John Howard

The Federal Parliament Building

PhotosPhotos

A Republic?A Republic?

In November 1999, Australians held a referendum to determine whether they would continue to be under the jurisdiction of the British Crown or whether they would become a republic.

•Proposed by former PM Paul Keating

•Not supported by Current PM Howard, a monarchist

•Failed 45 – 55% because of the proposed method for electing the new presidents

•New president would have been chosen by the parliament from a list submitted by multipartisan coalition, instead of direct election by the peoplePublished in the Canberra Times on February 22, 1998

ANZUSANZUS Treaty Treaty

• Signed on September 1, 1951 by Australia, New Zealand and the

United States

• New Zealand pulled out in 1985 following disagreements with the

United States over nuclear weapons

• Article IV: “Each party recognizes that an armed attack in the

pacific area on any of the parties would be dangerous to its own

peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the

common danger in accordance with it constitutional processes”

ImmigrationImmigration • The Immigration Restriction Act

– This Act was aimed at excluding all non European immigrants through a language test. The subject was forced to perform a dictation in a European language specified by the Immigration officer

• This was the main policy until WWII• Immigration from non- European sources expanded

somewhat after WWII, but Asian immigration was still restricted

• Even today, the country still places restrictions on immigration from Asian nations– Ex. The refugee boat from Indonesia in August

2001

ECONMICS OFFICERECONMICS OFFICER

Jennifer Lan

Australian Economy

• Growth• Financial Stability• Reforms of the

economy

U.S. and Australian Trade Ties

• The U.S. is Australia’s most important economic partner.– The U.S. Australia’s principal source of

imports and the second largest destination for its exports.

– Two way trade between the U.S. and Australia totaled more than $23 billion in 2001.

Reasons to do business in Australia

• Well developed infrastructure

• Familiarity• Low import duties

Regional Areas of Growth

• Melbourne is the key manufacturing base• Brisbane is the fastest growing city.• Adelaide is known for automotive manufacturing• Barrosa Valley for its wines• Perth has the country’s highest state economic

growth – Recent discoveries of oil and natural gas– With Singapore only a 4 hour flight away, its closer to

Southeast Asia than Sydney.

Bilateral Friction

• Australia has protested market access issues and U.S. Subsidies for farm products.

• The U.S. is concerned about Australian quarantine barriers to certain imports and changes in Australian law governing intellectual property protection and Australian Government procurement procedures.

Free Trade Agreement

• The first round of negotiations commenced in March.

• Both countries would profit from reaching a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).– With the removal of trade barriers, welfare

would rise.– Steadily rising GDP

Investment

• The U.S. was the largest recipient ($177.4) of Australian investment in 2001.

• The U.S. led investment in Australia ($234.9 billion) in 2001.

• The Australia-U.S. Double Taxation Agreement.

• Raised visibility due to the 2000 Olympics

Australia and the Pacific Nations

• Relations with the Association of South East Asian Nations

• Asian Pacific Economic Community (APEC)

• The Cairns Group

DEFENSE ATTACHEDEFENSE ATTACHE

IVAN E. CLEVELANDIVAN E. CLEVELAND

Stage One : The PastStage One : The PastPart One: Foreign RelationsPart One: Foreign Relations

• Australia entrenched in international affairs/ the importance/ so what?

• World War II• ANZAC• UN / South Pacific

Commission• GATT / ASEAN / WEOG

Stage One: The PastStage One: The PastPart: U.S./ Australian RelationsPart: U.S./ Australian Relations

ANZUS in detail / ANZUS in detail / Importance / Future Importance / Future Problems / SolutionsProblems / Solutions

Why should we care ?Why should we care ?

Stage Two: The PresentStage Two: The Present

You scratch my back / You scratch my back / I’ll scratch yours I’ll scratch yours (cooperation is key)(cooperation is key)

East Timor / East Timor / SignificanceSignificance

UNAMET / INTERFETUNAMET / INTERFET NGO’SNGO’S Asia-Pacific RegionAsia-Pacific Region Military Cooperation Military Cooperation

(Tandem Thrust)(Tandem Thrust) IntelligenceIntelligence

Stage Three: The FutureStage Three: The Future

The Big Problem / The Big Problem / Possible SolutionsPossible Solutions

Territory is Key Territory is Key (U.S. Link to Asia)(U.S. Link to Asia)

International TradeInternational Trade Arms ControlArms Control

Environmental OfficerEnvironmental Officer

Sarah JohnsonSarah Johnson

“The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”

- William James

CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Climate Change

Sustainable Development

Ecotourism

CLIMATE CHANGECLIMATE CHANGE

Australia’s role in Climate ChangeAustralia’s role in Climate Change- - Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Atmospheric Radiation Measurement

Program Program (ARM) of 1989 (ARM) of 1989

- Darwin Facility, August 2002 - Darwin Facility, August 2002

Future Collaborations in Climate Future Collaborations in Climate ChangeChange

- - U.S.-Australia Climate Change Action U.S.-Australia Climate Change Action PartnershipPartnership

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

U.S and Australia CollaborationU.S and Australia Collaboration- Targeted at developing nations- Targeted at developing nations

Goal: Energy EfficiencyGoal: Energy Efficiency- Invest in cleaner technology- Invest in cleaner technology- Increase access to modern technology- Increase access to modern technology- Improve efficiency of existing technology- Improve efficiency of existing technology

Broader Goals Broader Goals - Better Schools, cleaner water, better - Better Schools, cleaner water, better

health care, and a higher standard of living.health care, and a higher standard of living.

ECOTOURISMECOTOURISM

Definition:Definition: A type of ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary A type of ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas, which foster environmental and cultural focus on experiencing natural areas, which foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.understanding, appreciation and conservation.

International Year for Ecotourism (IYE) 2002International Year for Ecotourism (IYE) 2002

Main Objectives and Goals. Main Objectives and Goals. - Promote conservation in a way that is - Promote conservation in a way that is economically beneficial economically beneficial- Preserve natural heritage- Preserve natural heritage

U.S., AUSTRALIA, THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE FUTURE

FOSTERS advancement in science and technology (e.g. Darwin Facility)

PROMOTES international sustainable development

SUPPORTS environmental conservation and economic growth at the same time.

CONSULAR OFFICER

Andra Yeghoian

Main Concerns and Responsibilities

• Assisting and Representing U.S. citizens in Australia

• Processing Immigrant visas

• Processing Non-immigrant visas

Assisting and Representing U.S. Citizens in Australia

• Country Description• Entry and Exit Requirements• Safety and Security• Crime• Medical Facilities and Insurance• Legal Concerns• Children• What to Bring/ Customs and Regulations

Processing Immigrant Visas

4 Ways to Immigrate• Through a family relationship

• Through Employment

• Through Investment

• Immigrant Diversity Program

Processing Non-Immigrant Visas

• Eligibility– Visitor Visa

• B-1 for business• B-2 for tourism

– Other Categories of Non-Immigrant visas• Study Visa: F, M & J visas• Exchange Visitor Visa: J visa• Treaty Trader and Investor Visa: E visa• Fiancées/Fiancé: K visa• Journalist and Media Visa: I visa• Working Visa: H, L, O, P & Q visa• Religious Worker: R visa

Processing Non-Immigrant Visas

• 3 Ways to Apply in Australia– Embassy or Consulate– Through Travel Agent– Direct By Mail

• Application Fee: $100

“G’DAY MATE!”