15 December 2004

Qld Government Joins Australian Pavilion at World Expo

We are delighted to welcome Queensland as a Leadership Partner of the Australian pavilion at World Expo 2005 Aichi Japan.

The Queensland Government is the fourth Leadership Partner for the pavilion and the 17^th sponsor to come on board, contributing further to a record level of state and corporate support for an Australian pavilion at a World Expo.

The sponsorship agreement was signed in Brisbane today (15 December) by Queensland Government officials, and Mr Andrew Todd, Commissioner-General for Australia at the Expo.

Total sponsorship of the Australian pavilion now exceeds $4 million.

Since the Prime Minister Mr Howard announced last July Australia's participation at the 2005 World Expo, we have proactively taken a 'Team Australia' approach to the project in order to reflect the wide diversity of Australia's interests in Japan. The Australian Government committed funding of $35 million to the project, and invited all State and Territory Governments and the private sector to join in the effort.

As part of its sponsorship, the Australian pavilion will feature a "Queensland Week" of activities, promotions and seminars from 11 to 17 April. The week will showcase Queensland industry, food and wine, arts and entertainment, tourism and educational services. Premier Beattie will be the guest of honour at the pavilion.

The full list of sponsors of the Australian pavilion are:

• Leadership Partners - Toyota Australia Pty Ltd, Qantas Airways Ltd/Australian Airlines, Victorian Govt , Queensland Govt;
• Pavilion Sponsors - Western Australia Govt, Woodside Energy Pty Ltd, Rio Tinto Pty Ltd, ABC Asia Pacific, Meat & Livestock Australia, Servcorp Pty Ltd;
• Distinguished Sponsors - Northwest Shelf Australia LNG Pty Ltd;
• Product Sponsors - Snowy Mountains Beverages Pty Ltd, Berri Ltd, Ricegrowers Co-operative Ltd, Sun Masamune (makers of Go-Shuu Australian sake), Bottles of Australia Pty Ltd, piano maker Stuart and Sons.

Other governmental agencies, industry groups and private companies have committed to host events or other activities at the Australian pavilion, making this one of the largest ever 'Team Australia' events overseas. It projects a powerful message to Japan and the region of Australia's successful and integrated economy.

The decision by these organisations to invest in the Australian pavilion is a reflection of the fundamental importance of the Australia-Japan relationship, and a strong endorsement of the Government's decision to participate in the World Expo.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which is managing the project, currently is in discussion with three other potential sponsors, including another state government, of the Australian pavilion.

Media inquiries:  Andrew Park (Mr Downer's office) 02 6277 7500 - Richard Forbes (Mr Vaile's office)  02 6277 7420