Introduction

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 peoples of both countries.

The Council consists of a board of members with interests in the Australia-India relationship, drawn from a wide cross-section of the Australian community. The Hon Jim Kennan QC was appointed as Chairman of the Council in November 1995 for a period of three years.

The Council is serviced by a secretariat located in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra. The Australian High Commission in New Delhi supports and promotes the Council's activities in India.

The Australian High Commission in New Delhi plays a vital role in supporting and promoting the Australia-India Council's activities in India. Here, High Commissioner Rob Laurie addresses the Council-funded Australia India Workshop on Mediation and Conciliation, conducted by the Sydney-based group Lawyers Engaged in Alternative Dispute Resolution (LEADR) in conjunction with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Indian Council of Arbitration. Listening to High Commissioner Laurie is Chief Justice AS Anand of the Indian Supreme Court.

Introduction - Chairman's message - Board members - Mission statement, aim and objectives - Activities - Administrative overview - Appendix: Australia-India Council Trust Account Financial Statements 1997-98