On Jan. 26, we would normally gather with friends and family around a barbecue to commemorate Australia Day. Australia Day has evolved to reflect and celebrate modern Australia – an open, inclusive and multicultural nation as seen in our people, lifestyle, experiences and food. Australia’s rich culture and heritage is over 50,000 years old, beginning with the first Australians, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Since then, the extraordinary blend of diverse influences have only furthered a lively and innovative cultural environment in Australia.
Filipinos play a significant role in Australia’s modern society as the fifth largest migrant community. Over 300,000 Australians are of Filipino heritage and many more Filipino students and permanent residents call Australia their second home. Some are celebrities like Catriona Gray, Anne Curtis-Smith and Jason Day, but many less known Filipino-Australians also make a huge contribution to both our countries.
In my three years as Ambassador to the Philippines, I have been lucky enough to witness the strong people-to-people links both our countries share. Through my local travels, I have met thousands of Australian alumni, people who have spent time in Australia and those with family and friends living “Down Under.” They have shared their positive experiences that show the benefits of our long bilateral relationship.
The embassy normally hosts a grand celebration for Australia Day. Unfortunately, the current wave of COVID-19 infections prevents us from doing so. Nevertheless, we can look forward to another exciting year for Australian-Philippine relations. Building on our successful 75th anniversary last year, there is a lot in store for 2022.
We look forward to implementing the forward agenda agreed by our foreign affairs and trade ministers which will further enhance our robust engagement and cooperation in many areas, and make our already strong relationship even stronger.
The borders reopening is another thing to look forward to this year. Last December, Australia once again welcomed international students and skilled migrants, with the hope that this will soon include tourists so that we can return to the significant visitor numbers we had previously. In 2019, nearly 160,000 Filipinos visited Australia, with the numbers steadily increasing each year prior to the pandemic. I know many people are keen to visit their relatives and the stunning locations Australia has to offer. There are also many Australians waiting to visit the Philippines and its beautiful islands. Almost 290,000 visited in 2019, and it would be wonderful to have them come again.
As borders reopen, work on implementing the ministers’ directive to strengthen people-to-people links through the proposed Work and Holiday visa program between Australia and the Philippines continues. Once finalized, this will be an exciting new opportunity, allowing young Filipinos to have an extended holiday in Australia for up to 12 months with the right to work while on their trip.
Business is another area of strong cooperation. Over 300 Australian companies currently employ over 44,000 Filipinos in the Philippines. There are opportunities for these numbers to grow in clean energy, agritech and food supply chains. More Philippine companies are also considering investment in Australia, furthering our business and commercial links as we each support our economies to rebound from the pandemic.
Amidst these new and positive changes, important defence, law enforcement and development cooperation is ongoing. After the horrific damage by Super Typhoon Odette, P187.5 million of Australian assistance is being deployed to deliver relief goods and cash assistance across affected areas. Meanwhile, COVID-19 remains a pressing issue and our support continues by supplying vaccines, oxygen concentrators and assistance through a range of development partners.
Despite the pandemic, the Australian Defence Force has still been able to work with its counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and Department of National Defense. The Australian Federal Police also works with Philippine law enforcement to battle online child exploitation and provide training and technical assistance across a range of areas of importance to both Australia and the Philippines.
Additionally, our valued support on maritime security, the peace process in the BARMM and education across the Philippines remains central to our aid program. Our government works closely with the Philippine government and NGOs to provide essential training, equipment and technical assistance which helps conflict reduction, supports the peace process and enables sustainable development.
While we can’t come together to celebrate Australia Day, we are bringing the celebration to you this year through a number of online activities on our Facebook page. We are proud to have partnered with Robinson’s supermarkets on a special taste of Australia month during which you can buy all your Australian goodies to celebrate at home. It’s never too late to put on a barbecue.
So, let’s raise a glass (of Australian wine!) not just to celebrate Australia Day but to toast our prosperous Australia-Philippines relationship in 2022!