Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Today I announce the appointment of Ms Rowan Ainsworth as Australia’s next Consul-General in Kolkata.
India is at the forefront of Australia’s international partnerships and our engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia’s landmark Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India will result in a strengthened security partnership and help increase our trade and investment links. In 2019, India was Australia’s eighth-largest trading partner and fifth-largest export market.
The Consulate-General in Kolkata plays a key role in furthering Australia’s trade, commercial and investment interests in the eastern and north east Indian states of West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim and Tripura.
Today I announce the appointment of Ms Penny Williams PSM as Australia's Ambassador to Indonesia. Australia's relationship with Indonesia is one of our.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Morrison Government is taking action to provide additional support for Australia’s business events industry.
The Government today announced it would provide:
an additional $3 million for its successful Business Events Bid Fund Program to attract international events to Australia and that the program would be extended by 12 months.
an additional $1 million towards its domestic-focussed Business Events Boost Program, which provides support to industry-led business events marketing and distribution projects.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the business events sector contributed $36 billion to the Australian economy before COVID-19.
“Since its launch in 2018, the Business Events Bid Fund Program has helped attract 40 international events to Australia worth approximately $411 million in economic value,” Mr Tehan said.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Morrison Government will provide an additional $130 million to support travel agents.
Our Government has now committed $258 million to support travel agents through the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program, this is on top of the 800,000 discounted airfares provided via the $1.2 billion aviation and tourism support package as well as access to JobSeeker.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said applications for Round 2 of the program were now open to provide further support for eligible travel agents, inbound tour operators and tour wholesalers.
“Our Government is finalising payments under Round One of the program valued at $128 million, which has supported around 3000 travel agents who continue to service their customers, including by providing refunds and credits for Australians whose travel has been impacted by state border lockdowns and the closure of international borders,” Mr Tehan said.
Australia is working in partnership with our close friend and neighbour Timor-Leste to support its recovery from the devastating Easter weekend flooding.