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Appendix 5 - Bilateral foundations, councils and institutes promoting people-to-people links and accurate, contemporary images of Australia in support of the Government's foreign and trade policy goals
The following summaries are based on information obtained
from Annual Reports, relevant legislation and from respective websites. The
committee quotes extensively from these sources.
Australia–Japan Foundation
The Australia–Japan Foundation was established as a
statutory body under the Australia–Japan Foundation Act 1976. As part of
the Government’s response to the Review of Corporate Governance of Statutory
Authorities and Office Holders conducted by Mr John Uhrig, the Government considered
that the statutory status of the Australia–Japan Foundation should be revoked.
It determined and the Foundation be re-formed as a non-statutory bilateral
foundation within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the same
footing as other bilateral bodies established in the department to undertake
similar functions. In introducing the bill to abolish the statutory status of
the Foundation, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said:
It is anticipated that revoking the foundation’s statutory
status and bringing it into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will
better align the foundation’s activities with the government’s foreign and
trade policy objectives in Japan, one of our most important and productive
bilateral relationships. It is also expected to improve the foundation’s
administrative efficiency. The foundation will continue its important work in
delivering programs in support of those objectives while promoting contemporary
Australia as a culturally diverse and technologically sophisticated society.[1]
The Act was repealed in December 2006 which effectively abolished
the Foundation as a statutory body. The Foundation now operates under the aegis
of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Functions of Foundation
The functions of the Foundation are to encourage a closer relationship
between the peoples of Australia and Japan and to further the mutual knowledge
and understanding of those peoples and, in particular, but without limiting the
foregoing:
-
to promote the study by the people of each of those countries of
the language, culture and traditions, the social and political institutions,
and the economic and industrial organization, of the people of the other
country;
-
to promote the study by the people of each of those countries of
the physical features, climate and ecology of the other country; and
-
to encourage people of each of those countries to visit the other
country.[2]
The annual report notes that this involves: broadening
perceptions of contemporary Australia as a dynamic, sophisticated and
internationally competitive country through the creation and maintenance of a
broad range of allies and stakeholders; and strengthening bilateral relations
to advance Australia’s national interests.[3]
Outcome 1—Enhanced Japanese perceptions of Australia and
strengthened bilateral relationship to advance Australia’s national interests.
Output 1–Provision of education programs and projects about
contemporary Australia to targeted Japanese groups.
Output 2—Increased development and distribution of
information about Australia and the bilateral relationship
Output 3—Increased interaction between Australian and
Japanese individuals and organisations that showcase or demonstrate Australian
expertise in select areas.[4]
The Australia–China Council
The Australia-China Council (ACC) was established by an
Executive Council Order in 1978 and reports to the Minister for Foreign
Affairs. The Order-In-Council outlines the ACC’s purpose and functions. The ACC
is funded through the Australian Government’s International Relations Grants
Programme (formerly Discretionary Grants Programme). The Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade administers the Council’s funds and reports on the
administration of these funds in its annual report.[5]
Australia–China Council Mission Statement and key objectives
The ACC mission statement is to broaden and deepen relations
between Australia and China by:
-
fostering in Australia and China greater awareness and
understanding of each other’s countries;
-
developing and expanding the areas of contact and exchange
between Australia and China and their people.[6]
The ACC's key objectives are to:
-
Initiate, develop and support activities consistent with the
stated objectives, strategies and priorities within the Council’s programme
areas (Appendix B).
-
Stress ACC-initiated programmes and activities, rather than
requests for one-off funding, giving priority to promoting Australia in China.
-
Promote complementarities between the Council’s different
programme areas.
-
Maintain some flexibility so as to support new initiatives
brought to the Council by other bodies.
-
Provide seed funding to projects most likely to produce
continuous benefits.
-
Monitor, review and modify programmes as necessary to ensure the
best match between outcomes and Council objectives.
-
Complement, rather than duplicate, the activities of other
institutions active in Australia-China relations.
-
Comply with all Australian Government financial requirements.[7]
The Council’s achievements are measured against the one
outcome and three outputs.[8]
Outcome 1—Advancement of Australia’s national interests
through the promotion of mutual understanding between Australia and China, and
broadening and deepening areas of contact and exchange.
Output—promote in china an understanding about Australia and
its value.
Output 2—Foster China knowledge and skills in Australia.
Output 3—Broaden and deepen areas of bilateral contact and
exchange, particularly in areas demonstrating Australian expertise.[9]
Australia–Indonesia Institute
The Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII) was established on 27 April 1989 under an Order-in-Council. It reports to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.[10]
Mission statement and goals
To develop relations between Australia and Indonesia by
promoting greater mutual understanding and by contributing to the enlargement
over the longer term of the areas of contact and exchange between the people of
Australia and Indonesia.[11]
Goals
-
To promote in each country increased exposure to the other
through media, educational, cultural, sporting and professional activities.
-
To create in Indonesia a nucleus of people with expertise in
Australian affairs, especially current and future opinion leaders.
-
To create within Australia a wider range of people with knowledge
about Indonesia, especially current and future opinion makers.
-
To portray Australia as culturally diverse, educationally,
scientifically and technologically advanced and economically enterprising.
-
To increase understanding of and to improve access for
Australians to the cultural diversity of Indonesian society.[12]
The Australia-Korea Foundation
The Australia–Korea Foundation (AKF) was established in May
1992 by the Commonwealth Government to develop
and deepen relations between Australia and the Republic of Korea. The
Foundation supports and promotes people-to-people exchanges and sustainable institutional
links covering the spectrum of Australia’s relations with Korea, particularly
in the areas of commerce, industry and tourism; science and technology;
education; and arts and the media.[13]
The order constituting the Australia–Korea Foundation,
recognises that:
-
the Australian Government is desirous of further developing
relations between Australia and Korea:
-
such relations should be developed by the promotion in Korea of a
greater awareness of Australia, and by the promotion in Australia of a greater awareness
of Korea and the enlargement over the longer term of the areas of contact and exchange
between Australia and Korea and their respective peoples:
-
it is desirable that there be established a body for the purpose
of providing a focus for the collection, exchange and dissemination of information,
and a source of advice and strategic guidance, in relation to the ways in which
such relations may be encouraged, strengthened and developed.[14]
The Foundation consists of:
-
a Board comprising
-
a Chairperson; and
-
the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(DFAT) or a DFAT representative appointed by the Secretary as an ex-officio
member; and
-
not less than 4 and not more than 13 other members; and
-
a secretariat provided by DFAT.[15]
The Chairperson is appointed by the Governor-General on the
recommendation of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for a period not exceeding
five years, and on a part-time basis.
Members of the Board, other than the Chairperson and the
ex-officio DFAT member, are appointed by the Minister of State for Foreign
Affairs for a period not exceeding three years and on a part-time basis.[16]
The Chairperson and members may be reappointed.
The function of the Board is to make recommendations to the
Australian Government through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for the
broadening of the relationship between Australia and Korea, with particular
emphasis on:
-
raising awareness of Australia in Korea, and of Korea in Australia;
-
the promotion of visits and exchanges between the two countries
of individuals and groups for the purpose of broadening relations in a number
of areas including, in particular, commerce, education, science and technology,
industrial relations, culture, sports, and the news media;
-
encouraging the development of institutional links amongst
universities, museums, libraries, technical colleges, research institutes,
professional organisations and appropriate non-government organisations;
-
maintaining liaison with the Korea–Australia Foundation and
co-operating, where appropriate, with its programs; and the support of
Australian studies in Korea and of Korean studies in Australia.[17]
In developing its function the Board should consult as
widely as possible with individuals, organisations, enterprises and government departments
and agencies associated or concerned with the broadening of relations between Australia
and Korea.
Australia–India Council
The Australian Government established the Australia–India
Council in 1992 to broaden the relationship between Australia and India by
encouraging and supporting contacts and increasing levels of knowledge and
understanding between the people of both countries.[18]
The Council comprises a board of members with interests in
the Australia–India relationship, drawn from a wide cross-section of the
Australian community. Mr Michael Abbott QC was appointed as Chairman of the
Council in March 1999 for a period of three years.
The Council is supported by a secretariat located in the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra. The Australian High
Commission in New Delhi promotes the Council's activities in India.
The Council has the following mission statement:
The Australia–India Council promotes Australia's interests
in India by initiating and supporting activities designed to enhance awareness
and understanding between the peoples and institutions of both countries.
In carrying out its mission, the Council aims:
-
to broaden awareness and understanding in Australia and India of
each country's culture, society and areas of excellence
-
to encourage activities that promote economic relations between Australia
and India
-
to establish new areas of contact between Australia and India
-
to develop lasting links involving a wide range of people in both
countries.
To achieve these aims, the Council has the following objectives:
-
to initiate and support, among influential persons and groups in Australia
and India, activities that encourage the development of relations between the
two countries, including economic and commercial relations
-
to initiate and support exchanges that demonstrate to Indians
Australian excellence in the arts, science and technology, sport and other
fields and which promote knowledge in India of Australian cultural and social
attributes
-
to encourage Australians to take a greater interest in
developments in India through Council supported activities that increase the
level and quality of public awareness, and broaden community knowledge and
understanding, of India in Australia
-
to initiate, monitor and publicise important developments in the
various areas of the relationship between Australia and India
-
to seek maximum publicity for the Council's activities as a means
of encouraging wider public appreciation of, and support for, the Council's
objectives
-
to seek community involvement in, and private sector support for,
the Council's activities.[19]
Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR)
The Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR)
was formed in response to a report by the Trade Sub Committee of the Joint
Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (‘Building Australia’s
Trade and Investment Relationship with South America’, September 2000).[20]
One of the report’s recommendations was to ‘establish a
mechanism with funding to promote initiatives, provide leadership and display commitment
to developing the relationship through tangible achievements’. As a result, Mr Downer
and Mr Vaile announced the formation of COALAR in March 2001, to coincide with
a visit to the region by Mr Downer.[21]
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Trade
agreed in March 2004 to extend COALAR for a further period of three years,
until 30 June 2007.[22]
The objectives of COALAR are to
-
influence corporate Australia and assist in developing government
policies so as to enhance Australia’s economic, political and social relations
with Latin America
-
support Australia’s broader diplomatic and economic objectives in
the Latin American region
-
foster a greater awareness of Australia in Latin America, and of Latin
America in Australia.[23]
The Council for Australian–Arab Relations
The following information is taken directly from the 2004–05
Annual Report.
The Council for Australian–Arab Relations was established by
the Australian Government in December 2002 to strengthen ties between Australia
and Arab countries.[24]
Mission Statement
To promote between the peoples of Australia and the Arab
world mutual interests and a greater understanding and acceptance of each
other’s cultures, values, beliefs and diversity.[25]
Objectives
In carrying out its mission, the Council aims to:
-
broaden awareness and understanding of each other’s history,
culture, society and areas of excellence
-
promote greater understanding of mutual foreign policy interests
-
encourage activities that generate economic benefits for Australia
and Arab countries
-
promote Australia’s image in the Arab world as a culturally
diverse nation of creative and innovative achievement in technology, industry,
agriculture, education, the arts and sport
-
identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration between Australia
and Arab countries
-
establish a strategic framework and long-term plan to foster and
promote relations between Australia and Arab countries
-
complement the work of existing organisations through strategic
partnerships.[26]
Publicity, Promotion and Media
-
To promote Australian achievements, joint ventures and success
stories of Australia in Arab countries, and of Arab countries in Australia.
-
To raise awareness in Arab countries of contemporary Australian
society, traditions and capabilities.
-
To promote to Australians the importance of the relationship
between Australia and Arab countries.
-
To promote the work of CAAR in Australia and Arab countries.[27]
Business and Commercial
-
To promote awareness of the potential of Arab markets among
Australian business people.
-
To promote in Arab countries an awareness of trade and
investment, and tourism opportunities in Australia.
-
To promote bilateral trade opportunities between Australia and
Arab countries.
-
To identify opportunities for employment and support the
placement of Australians with Arabic language and business skills.
-
To enhance awareness of Australian capabilities as a supplier of
sophisticated services including, but not limited to, education, information
technology and tourism, in addition to traditional commodities.[28]
Education
-
To promote within Australia an informed understanding of Arab
society and politics.
-
To promote and facilitate collaboration between universities and
research organisations in Australia and Arab countries.
-
To promote Arabic language in Australia.
-
To promote Australian studies in Arab countries.
-
To develop a cadre of Australian graduates with Arabic language
skills and a practical understanding of business practice and culture in Arab
countries.
-
To encourage Australian students to develop a long-term interest
in Australian–Arab relations.[29]
Cultural
-
To foster greater awareness in Arab countries of contemporary
life in Australia and in Australia of contemporary life in Arab countries by
supporting and promoting cultural, heritage and sporting activities.
-
To deepen understanding of the traditions, values and beliefs of
contemporary Australian and Arab societies.
-
To complement the marketing activities of Australian companies
and organisations.
-
To promote cross-cultural relations[30]
Australia–Malaysia Institute (AMI)
The following information is an extract from DFAT website.
The establishment of the Australia-Malaysia Institute (AMI)
was announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Alexander Downer MP,
on 7 April 2005. The announcement took place during the visit to Australia by
the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, an event which
underscored the long-standing links between Australia and Malaysia in defence,
security, business, education and culture. The establishment of the AMI will
assist the Government in its efforts to enhance these links further and to
build a strong platform for the future.
The key objective of the Institute is to strengthen Australia’s
people-to-people and institutional links with Malaysia. By supporting existing
links and promoting new ones, the Institute aims to deepen mutual understanding
and cooperation between Australia and Malaysia for the mutual benefit of the
people of both nations.
The AMI is a wholly Australian initiative. The funding for the
Institute comes from the existing resources of the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade.
The Institute’s mission is to promote and further enhance
the existing bilateral relationship by increasing linkages between people and
institutions of Australia and Malaysia, and by the promotion of Australia in Malaysia.[31]
Key Objectives
The Institute’s main objective is to develop strategies to
further promote and enhance the bilateral relationship. In developing
strategies, the Institute will aim to:
-
Increase knowledge and promote understanding between the people
and institutions of Australia and Malaysia
-
Further enhance people-to-people links
-
Support Australia’s broader diplomatic objectives in Malaysia.[32]
Australia–Thailand Institute
The establishment of the Australia–Thailand Institute (ATI)
was announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Alexander Downer MP,
on 29 June 2005. The purpose of the ATI is to further promote bilateral
relations with Thailand and to expand institutional, cultural and
people-to-people links.[33]
ATI Objectives
The Institute’s function is to enhance and promote bilateral
relations between the two countries. In carrying out its mission, the Institute
will aim to:
-
broaden awareness and understanding in Australia and Thailand of
each other’s culture, traditions, social and political institutions and areas
of excellence;
-
contribute to the development of Australia’s economic and
political relations with Thailand;
-
promote increased social, cultural, business and other people-to-people
contacts between the two countries;
-
support Australia’s broader diplomatic objectives in Thailand.[34]
The ATI’s activities will be directed towards achieving the
Institute’s purposes and may include (but not be limited to) the following:
-
funding projects to implement the treaty-level Australia-Thailand
Agreement on Bilateral Cooperation, particularly with respect to cooperation in
science and technology, public sector reform, education, environment; tourism,
energy, information, technology and telecommunications;
-
activities to promote the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement
(TAFTA) and economic relations more broadly;
-
professional networking and institutional links particularly in
the areas of health, architecture and design cultural, educational and sporting
exchanges visits by high profile persons in both directions;
-
activities aimed at encouraging Australian community and media
interest in Thailand and vice versa;
-
activities in consultation with Images of Australia Branch (IAB)
to promote increased knowledge of multiculturalism and Australia’ educational,
scientific and technological capabilities; consultation with individuals and
groups, including business organisations, involved in broadening relations
between Australia and Thailand.[35]
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