Australia New Zealand

Secretary Albright will visit Sydney, Australia July 30-3l to participate in this year's Australia-U.S. Ministerial (AUSMIN) talks. She will be joined there by Defense Secretary William Cohen, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Henry Shelton and the U.S. Commander-in-Chief, Pacific, Admiral Joseph Prueher for consultations with Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, Defense Minister Ian McLachlan and other senior Australian officials. The Secretary will also meet with Prime Minister John Howard and other officials. ... [Read More]

New Zealand (09/04)

New Zealand's economy has been helped by strong economic relations with Australia. Australia and New Zealand are partners in "Closer Economic Relations" (CER), which allows for free trade in goods and most services. Since 1990, CER has created a single market of more than 22 million people, and this has provided new opportunities for New Zealand exporters. Australia is now the destination of 20.5% of New Zealand's exports, compared to 14% in 1983. Both sides also have agreed to consider extending CER to product standardization and taxation policy. New Zealand initialed a free trade agreement with Singapore in September 2000 and is seeking other bilateral/regional trade agreements in the Pacific area. ... [Read More]

Australia (12/04)

Trade issues have generated bilateral friction. In recent years, especially because of Australia's large trade deficit with the United States, Australians have protested U.S. barriers against their exports of some primary products and fast ferries. Of particular note, Australia's access to the U.S. market for sugar remained unchanged under the recently-negotiated AUSFTA. Australia's sugar exports to the U.S. remains strictly controlled by the country-specific U.S. quota program. Australia also opposes as "extraterritorial" U.S. sanctions legislation against Cuba, Iran, and Libya. Australia remains concerned that U.S. agricultural subsidies may allow U.S. products to undercut Australian grain, dairy products, and other agricultural commodities in the Asia-Pacific region and elsewhere. For its part, the United States has concerns about Australian quarantine barriers to imports of meat and some fruits; changes in Australian law governing intellectual pro ... [Read More]

U.S. Department of State Websites of U.S. Embassies and Consulates

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC• Australia: Canberra ...

• Australia: Melbourne ...

• Australia: Perth ... [Read More]

USIS Washington File: TEXT: FOREIGN TRADE BARRIERS IN NEW ZEALAND

Foods from GMOs: In late February, the Australia-New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) made recommendations on a revised standard to the Australia-New Zealand Food Standards Council. The New Zealand government accepted the recommendations, but they have not yet come into force. The ANZFA final recommendations represent a positive step on issues the United States has been discussing with New Zealand, particularly use of science-based policies to regulate foods produced using gene technology. New Zealand has concluded that labelling should be required for foods produced using gene technology specifically when those foods are not substantially equivalent to their existing conventional counterparts. We look forward to discussing with New Zealand how it intends to implement the safety standard it has set for these new products. ... [Read More]

Countries and Other Areas

Bureau of East Asian and Pacific AffairsCountries and Other Areas [Read More]

Department of State Washington File: Text: NOAA Discusses Climate-Related Issues in Australia, New Zealand

The meetings held between Lautenbacher and New Zealand and Australian officials will build on agreements with both countries to address the challenges of climate change and expand cooperation on climate change science, technology and monitoring. The U.S.-Australia Climate Action Partnership was announced in February of this year, stating Australia and the U.S. share the view that there needs to be global action to address climate change and will continue to work together closely to address this long-term challenge. The partnership calls for a work program that includes 19 projects in climate change science and monitoring; renewable and reduced-emission stationary energy technologies; engagement with business on technology development and policy design and implementation; capacity building in developing countries; and greenhouse accounting in the forestry and agriculture sectors. ... [Read More]

Frequently Asked Questions - General Information

If you are interested in Australia, the country and its culture, please contact the Australian Embassy in the country where you reside. Americans should contact their nearest Australian Consulate General or the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C. ...

An International Driving Permit serves as proof of validation of your Australian state license and as another form of photo identification. However, you must also carry your Australian state license. Some rental car agencies require an international driver's license as part of the agreement. Contact your local Australian motoring association for more information. ... [Read More]