The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is an Australian Government initiative that aims to build Australia’s capability in the Indo-Pacific by supporting Australian undergraduates to undertake study, language training and internships in the region.
It has never been more important for Australians to develop the capabilities to be effective in our region. As the Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, said in her lecture to the Centre for Asian-Australian Leadership in August 2024, 'Australia’s interests demand we engage in the region more consistently and more deeply'. The Government wants to ensure that NCP participants bring back not just lasting memories, but new skills and capabilities that will broaden our national understanding of our region.
To ensure the next phase of the New Colombo Plan (NCP) delivers on the strategic objective of strengthening the Indo-Pacific capability and Asia literacy of Australians, the Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon Penny Wong established an External Advisory Group (EAG) chaired by the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts MP in 2024. The EAG consulted nationally to consider the next phase of the NCP from 2026 and provided advice to Government at the end of 2024. Detail of these reforms will be announced in due course.
The EAG has consulted stakeholders and invited formal submissions to inform its work. It is considering this information as it prepares advice to Government on the next phase of the NCP.