Australia’s zoos and aquariums will receive a much-needed funding lifeline, with the Federal Government today unveiling a $94.6 million support package to help them get through the COVID-19 crisis.

A new network of 15 air freight service providers and freight forwarders has been established by the Government to accelerate delivery of agricultural and fisheries exports.

Minister Payne is shocked and saddened by the news of the tragic shooting in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Australia is providing additional assistance to support our Pacific family after Tropical Cyclone Harold caused widespread destruction across Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.

Western Australia’s rock lobster industry has received a major boost with an agreement that will see around 500 tonnes of local rock lobster headed for China.

High-quality Victorian lamb will be back on menus across the Middle-East, with the Australian Government helping to secure a critical freight export route under its $110 million International Freight Assistance Mechanism.

Australian exporters impacted by the COVID-19 crisis will now have access to business-saving loans between $250,000 and $50 million under a new $500 million capital facility to be administered by Export Finance Australia. 

Australia stands with our Pacific family as the devastation of Cyclone Harold becomes clear. This destructive cyclone has impacted the people of Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and Solomon Islands, and has resulted in tragic loss of life in Solomon Islands.

The Australian Government is continuing to assist hundreds more Australians to return to Australia by facilitating commercial flights from Peru, Argentina and South Africa.

Based on medical advice, Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Gary Quinlan AO, is being temporarily relocated to Australia. Ambassador Quinlan will continue to oversee embassy operations from Australia.

The Australian Government welcomes the release on 8 April 2020 of the Office for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' (OPCW) first report under its mandate of investigating and attributing responsibility for the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria.

Under new visa measures announced by the Australian Government today, Pacific workers who are in Australia under the PLS and SWP whose visas are due to expire will be able to remain in Australia for up to 12 months.

A continuing network of flights to four key international hubs will be established — London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Auckland — for the next four weeks to help Australians get home.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in direct contact with 10 cruise ships with around 600 Australian passengers on board. This has reduced from 38 affected cruise ships with over 5,500 Australians just two weeks ago.

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic represents a significant challenge for governments and communities across the Pacific. It is a challenge the Australian Government is committed to tackling with our Pacific partners, in the long-term interest of the stability, prosperity and resilience of our region.

A new $110 million initiative will back Australia's agricultural and fisheries sector by helping them export their high-quality produce into key overseas markets, with return flights bringing back vital medical supplies, medicines and equipme

Australia will inject an extra $49.8 million into the Export Market Development Grants program in the 2019-20 financial year.

Australia and 15 other members of the World Trade Organization have agreed to establish an interim arrangement to bring appeals and solve trade disputes.

The Australian Government is facilitating commercial charter flights to bring hundreds of Australians home from Peru and Uruguay over the coming days.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global crisis. As part of our collective response to combat COVID-19, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, New Zealand and Singapore are committed to maintaining open and connected supply chains. 

The Australian Government strongly objects to the formal indictment of Australian citizen and academic Dr Yang Hengjun (Dr Yang Jun) in China on suspicion of espionage.

COVID-19 is affecting hundreds of thousands of Australians who are travelling abroad, disrupting their movement and in some cases making it difficult for them to return to Australia. We acknowledge that this is an anxious time for many Australians and their loved ones.

At this time when so many Australians are affected by the global challenges arising from COVID-1, Minister Payne is also concerned for the health, safety and wellbeing of Australians unjustly detained overseas.

Australia and Singapore have completed negotiations for a landmark agreement to harness digital transformation and technology to expand trade and economic ties in our region.

Water is a most precious resource. We all need water to survive; as do all the systems we rely on: agriculture, healthcare, business and industry.

Australia’s posts across the world are committed to assisting Australians overseas and providing critical consular services.

The Australian Government has announced that visitors will be able to access iconic Commonwealth national parks for free from 16 March to 31 December 2020.

Minister Hawke has travelled to Papua New Guinea to discuss shared priorities and Australia’s support for the nation’s economic reform process.

Minister Payne will visit the United States from 9-12 March to meet with a range of US counterparts and Australian business representatives.

In Papua New Guinea, it is common for women to be underrepresented in community decision making processes.

On International Women’s Day 2020 we recognise the power, as well as the unrealised potential, of the world’s 3.8 billion women.

Australia welcomes the commencement of the trials of four suspects in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

Countries have been invited to nominate candidates for the CEDAW by the UN Secretary General.

Today I announce the appointment of Dr Stephanie Williams as Australia’s Ambassador for Regional Health Security.

Coronavirus [COVID-19] is now affecting 75 countries, with the total number of cases over 90,000 and the global death toll at more than 3000.

Australia welcomes the announcement that the United States and the Taliban have signed an agreement on steps toward a political settlement in Afghanistan.

The DFAT website, dfat.gov.au has transitioned from SharePoint to GovCMS in February 2020.

Advisory Board members for the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations announced.

Tourism Australia will ramp up its marketing efforts in a bid to get more Indian tourists to Australia for men's T20 cricket World Cup.

Australian brands will now have exposure to extra potential customers with the launch of the Australian online store on Amazon India. 

Australian food brands set to feature in a new campaign shining the spotlight on Australian products to millions of Indian consumers.

Mr Jonathan Philp is appointed as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.

Ms Richelle Turner is appointed as Australia’s first resident Ambassador to Palau.

Mr Greg Wilcock is appointed as Australia’s new Consul-General in Mumbai.

Australian businesses and organisations are on their way to India as part of Australia’s ongoing push to strengthen economic and investment ties.

Darwin will host Tourism Australia's Corroboree Asia event in 2020.

The Australian Government has joined international partners to condemn malicious cyber activity by Russia targeting the state of Georgia in October.

Qantas have announced temporary reductions to flight capacity across Asia as well as small temporary reductions domestically.