Victoria State Office

How we can assist your business

The Victoria State Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) plays an important role in making sure that the Australian Government is in touch with the needs of Victorian businesses.

We liaise closely with the Victorian Government and other Commonwealth agencies to deliver quality services to your business.

Are you exporting or planning to export?

To assist analysts and decision makers in business, in-depth economic analysis of particular markets or sectors is available at www.dfat.gov.au/eau

Statistical market information and publications on Australia's trade, as well as comprehensive economic and trade fact sheets on 150 of Australia's trading partners, are available at www.dfat.gov.au/publications/statistics.html

Are your business practices consistent with Australia's application of international sanctions?

Sanctions are punitive measures designed to address situations of international concern. It is the responsibility of all Australian businesses to ensure they comply with Australian laws international sanctions.

DFAT's Sanctions and Transnational Crime Section hosts regular outreach in each State and Territory.

To participate, please contact vso@dfat.gov.au and for further information, please visit www.dfat.gov.au/un/unsc_sanctions

Do you travel overseas for business?

All business travellers should be aware of the Australian Government's travel advisory and consular information service. We strongly recommend subscribing to the update service and registering your travel plans online at www.smartraveller.gov.au

Facing an emergency overseas?

The Australian Government will do what it is able to help Australians in difficulties overseas. Information on consular services can be found at www.smartraveller.gov.au/getting_help_overseas.html.

Contact details for Australia's global network of diplomatic missions is available at www.dfat.gov.au/embassies.html

Need a foreign visa?

Contact the relevant foreign representative office in Australia www.dfat.gov.au/embassies.html

Do you regularly travel to the Asia-Pacific region for business?

To apply for an APEC Business Travel Card, which allows accredited business people to obtain streamlined business visitor entry to the economies of the Asia-Pacific region, please contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on 131 881 or visit www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/apec/apply.htm

Do you represent an organisation or business with interests in Australia's international trade policy?

The DFAT Victoria State Office periodically holds public consultations and events on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), country-specific and regional trade matters, and other trade and foreign policy initiatives.

To get involved in our events program, email your key geographic or trade interests to vso@dfat.gov.au

For a list of upcoming DFAT-hosted international visitors to Melbourne, see www.dfat.gov.au/melbourne

Keep up-to-date with international trade news and figures, information on Australia's Free Trade Agreements and information on Australia's involvement in the World Trade Organization at www.dfat.gov.au/trade

The Victoria State Office can sometimes arrange for an appropriate DFAT representative to address your organisation about Australia's:

Additional resources

Victorian Consumer and Business Centre

For practical information about improving your Victorian businesses export potential visit the Victorian Consumer and Business Centre at 113 Exhibition Street, Melbourne or call 13 22 55

Business Victoria

A practical online resource designed to help Victorians start, run and grow their own businesses. Visit: www.business.vic.gov.au

Australian Passports Office

For information about Australian Passports and notarial services, contact the Australian Passports Information Service on 131 232 or visit: www.passports.gov.au

Austrade

For information about the practical aspects of exporting, contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or visit: www.austrade.gov.au

AusIndustry

For information about business development programs and grant opportunities, contact AusIndustry on 13 28 46 or visit: www.ausindustry.gov.au

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

For information about Australian citizenship and visas, including if you qualify for the APEC Business Travel Card, contact DIAC on 131 881 or visit: www.immi.gov.au

Australian Customs Service

For information about restrictions on importing or exporting goods, contact Customs on 1300 363 263 or visit: www.customs.gov.au