The ASEAN-Australia Centre was announced by Southeast Asian leaders and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in March 2024, and has been operational since 1 July 2024.

The Centre builds on the Australian Government's commitment to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

It delivers programs and initiatives across its four strategic pillars - Southeast Asia literacy, economic linkages, education and cultural connections.

The Centre holds an annual grants round, supporting projects that strengthen Australia’s connections with Southeast Asia and ASEAN.

The Centre supports the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and implements recommendations from Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.