News, speeches and media

The Fourth RCEP Joint Committee (RJC) was held in Surabaya, Indonesia on 18-19 July 2023, co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia. Mr Ravi Kewalram, First Assistant Secretary, FTA and Stakeholder Engagement Division, co-chaired the meeting for Australia. Australia’s delegation was led by Mr Peter Nagy, acting Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Economic Cooperation Branch, FTA and Stakeholder Engagement Division.

The Third RCEP Joint Committee (RJC) was held in Bandung, Indonesia on 21-22 February 2023, co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia. Mr Ravi Kewalram, First Assistant Secretary, FTA and Stakeholder Engagement Division, was Australian Co-Chair of the Meeting. Australia’s delegation was led by Ms Juliana Nam, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Economic Cooperation Branch, FTA and Stakeholder Engagement Division.

The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts, represented Australia at the Second Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) Ministers’ Meeting held in Semarang, Indonesia on 21 August in the sidelines of the 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting.

The Australian Government will provide an initial $800,000 to support the Government of Vanuatu’s immediate response to Tropical Cyclone Lola, and is liaising closely with the Government of Solomon Islands on its needs following the cyclone.

The Australian Government will provide $500,000 to the United Nation’s refugee agency, UNHCR alleviate the suffering of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians who fled the region following Azerbaijan’s recent military escalation.

The Australian Government has safely airlifted 255 people utilising two Royal Australian Air Force flights and a Government-supported private charter from Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Australian Government will continue its support to enable Fiji to participate in Super Rugby Pacific and Australia's Super W Competition for the next four years.

The Australian Government has secured additional assisted-departure flights for Australians affected by the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism is pleased to announce Gabrielle Hall has been appointed to the role of Consul-General and Trade and Investment Commissioner, Houston, Texas.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs announces the Australian Government will begin the assisted-departure of Australians affected by the situation in Israel and Gaza.