Diplomatic Academy launched by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP
Today's launch of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Diplomatic Academy marks the culmination of a two-year establishment process, which saw the roll-out of the Academy's nine-faculty curriculum, and the official commencement of the Academy's operations in purpose-built premises at 44 Sydney Avenue, Forrest.
The launch was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, heads of the Australian Public Service Agencies, academics, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Diplomatic Academy Faculty Heads and current and former DFAT officers who have supported the Academy's establishment and curriculum development.
Message from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP
The establishment of the Diplomatic Academy is recognition that diplomacy is a profession and that our people continue to need training and development opportunities. It represents the Government's never-ending quest to improve the quality of Australia's greatest asset: our people.
The Academy demonstrates our commitment to best diplomatic training practice, joining around 60 other countries, which have diplomatic training institutions run by, or for, foreign affairs ministries around the world.
In line with the objectives of the Foreign Policy White Paper, the Academy is working closely with the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) to ensure its curriculum complements broader leadership and core skills programs provided by the APSC and aligns with professional development across the Australian Public Service (APS).
To support its objectives of becoming a recognised centre of diplomatic excellence, the Academy is also building collaborative links in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The focus for the coming year will be on continuing to develop and refine its curriculum and to strengthen and expand links with domestic and regional stakeholders including through collaborative partnerships.
In a competitive international environment, Australian officials need to be flexible in their approach, innovative in their ideas, adaptable to new ways of working in the world and agile in the application of their talents. The Diplomatic Academy's curriculum supports these skills, while building the capability required to maintain a world class foreign service.