IN FOCUS
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, at the UN High-Level Meeting on African Development. UN Photo/ © Marco Castro
High-Level Meeting on African Development
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, attended the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Africa’s Development, held in New York on 22 September 2008.
Mr Smith said Australia is committed to broadening and deepening its engagement with Africa.
“Australia has long contributed to building the capacity of State institutions in Africa and to UN peacekeeping operations”, he said. “We are enhancing our support to strengthen peace and security on the continent. We are also helping in practical ways through the provision of over $115 million in development assistance to Africa in this financial year.”
Mr Smith said Australia is determined to play its part, both in tackling Africa's problems and in helping to unlock its enormous potential.
Possible Australian Participation in a Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
On 23 September 2008, the Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, announced that Australia will actively consider participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership initiative which includes Brunei Darussalam, Chile, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States. DFAT is now seeking public submissions to assist in assessing the costs and benefits of participation.
New Passport Application Forms
From October 1 2008, the Australian Passport Office will only accept the new passport applications forms which were introduced on 1 July 2008 to strengthen the identity management process that underpins the Australian passport issuing system.
Australia International Cultural Council Grants Program
The 2008-09 AICC Grants Program is currently inviting applications. Applications for the Grants Program close 15 October 2008, for projects commencing from 1 February 2009.