News, speeches and media

Australia and Vietnam held the 18th Australia-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue on 24 April 2023 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Australia’s delegation was led by Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for Human Rights, Ms Bronte Moules, and included staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Embassy in Vietnam, and Australian Human Rights Commission.

On Anzac Day, we remember those who have served our nation in times of war, conflict, peace and humanitarian operations, including in Australia’s nearest neighbour Papua New Guinea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is undertaking public consultation on proposed amendments to the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 (Cth). Submissions close on 19 May 2023 (5pm AEST).

Mr Ian Biggs will be Australia’s next Ambassador to Austria; Ms Karen Bray Australia’s next High Commissioner to the Republic of Kiribati; Mr Allaster Cox Australia’s next High Commissioner to Singapore; and Dr Greg French Australia’s next Ambassador to the Netherlands.

The Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism will visit Vietnam and the Philippines.

Joint communiqué between Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, and His Excellency Dr Nguyen Chi Dung, Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment.

The Australian Government will provide an additional $8 million (VT 655 million) to support the Vanuatu Government with its ongoing response to Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin.

Commonwealth, State and Territory Trade and Investment Ministers met in Townsville, Queensland, on 12 April 2023 for the inaugural meeting of the Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment. 

The Australian Government was deeply concerned to learn of the harsh sentences handed down to human rights lawyers and activists, Mr Xu Zhiyong and Mr Ding Jiaxi, on 10 April 2023.