In January, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, participated in the core 2016 G'Day USA program in New York, Washington and Los Angeles.

G'Day USA is Australia's premier public and economic diplomacy program in the United States and in a series of events on the East and West Coasts of the United States, Foreign Minister Bishop promoted Australia's high growth economy and sophisticated, innovative culture and the opportunities this offers to leaders in American politics, business and creative industries.

In New York, Minister Bishop delivered the annual G'Day USA Innovation and Economic Diplomacy address showcasing the Government's $1.1 billion National Innovation and Science Agenda. The Minister addressed the American Australian Association Australia Day Gala, where Mr Gordon Elliott, CEO of Follow Productions, was honoured for his contribution to US-Australia relations.

In Washington DC, Minister Bishop delivered a keynote address at the G'Day USA US-Australia Foreign Policy Dialogue. The Dialogue - organised by the United States Studies Centre (USSC) at the University of Sydney and the Centre for New American Security (CNAS) - focused on the theme "Mapping Asia's Trajectory: An Australian Perspective".

In Los Angeles, Minister Bishop participated in an interview style discussion at the annual G'Day USA Australia-US Dialogue on cooperation in the Asia Pacific which this year was hosted in collaboration with the University of California Los Angeles. As part of the G'Day USA west coast program Minister Bishop also participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by United States Studies Centre in collaboration with RAND Corporation on developments in the Middle East.

A key event in the annual G'Day USA program is the Los Angeles Gala and this year the event highlighted Australia's highly talented creative industries across film, entertainment, the arts, music, fashion, food, wine and tourism.

George Miller was honoured with a G'DAY USA Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Australian creative arts sector and acclaimed global success, particularly through the Mad Max franchise. Joel Edgerton was also honoured with the G'DAY USA Excellence in Film award in recognition of his critical success as a writer, actor and director, most recently with his film "The Gift".

The Gala also featured special performances by Hugh Jackman, Seal and the winner of "The Voice" 2015 Harrison Craig, and Hayley Warner.

• Media Release: Visit to the United States
• Foreign Minister Speech: G'Day USA and American Australian Association Economic Luncheon Address
• Foreign Minister Speech: G'Day USA Program launch
• G'Day USA Website
• G'Day USA photo galleries
• G'Day USA Facebook
• Australian Consulate-General Los Angeles Facebook