First Meeting of the Council on Australia Latin America Relations

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Joint Media Release from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer and the Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile

5 October 2001

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Alexander Downer, and the Minister for Trade, Mr Mark Vaile, have welcomed the inaugural meeting of the Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) which was held in Canberra on Friday, 28 September.

The meeting provided an opportunity for Council members to meet with Minister Vaile and to establish contacts with the Heads of Missions of Latin American countries represented in Australia. Members also agreed on a strategic framework for the Council, which will form the basis of a work program over the next twelve months.

The formation of COALAR was announced on 23 March this year in response to the report of the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade - Trade Sub Committee - "Building Australia's Trade and Investment Relationship with South America".

For Mr Downer and Mr Vaile, who have both travelled to the region this year, the Council is an important vehicle with which to enhance Australia's economic, political and social relations with Latin America. "As a result of our respective visits, we are convinced that this is a region which has much to offer Australia. In particular, Latin America is a place where Australians can and should do business. As such, we will look to the Council to assist in breaking down outdated stereotypes to help facilitate greater commercial exchanges."

Council Chair, Mr Bernard Wheelahan, a senior businessman in the resources sector, will travel to the region in November to represent Australia at a seminar in Brasilia to promote Brazil-Australia and New Zealand Trade. While in the region, Mr Wheelahan will take the opportunity to make brief visits to each of the major capitals in order to promote the Council.

Other committee members are drawn from a cross section of business, government, academia and civil society organisations:

Mr Campbell Anderson, Former President Business Council of Australia and Managing Director North Limited
Mr Ron McNeilly, Executive Director Global Markets - BHP Billiton Minerals
Mr Nick Stump, Former Chief Executive - MIM Mining
Mr David Hawes, General Manager Government and International Relations - QANTAS
Mr Jose Blanco, Head of Financial Institutions Asia-Pacific - Banco Santander
Mr Mark Canny, Group General Manager Home and Hardware Products Division - Hills Industries
Dr Janice Reid, Vice-Chancellor - University of Western Sydney
Ms Martine Letts, Secretary General - Australian Red Cross
Mr Peter Grey, Deputy Secretary - DFAT (representing Dr Ashton Calvert, Secretary)
Mr Charles Jamieson, Managing Director - Austrade.

Media inquiries: Matt Francis (Minister Downer) 02 6277 7500 / James Baker (Minister Vaile) 02 6277 7420