Bilateral Relationship

Britain and Australia enjoy a very close working relationship.

It’s a relationship based on a shared heritage, shared values, family ties and the movement of hundreds of thousands of travellers every year.
 
Our consular work is the British Government’s front window in Australia. We have the biggest passport centre outside the UK and we provide tens of thousands of visas every year, many to young Australians who see Britain as a launching pad for their career and as a gateway to Europe.

The work of our diplomats in Australia is focused on making us safer and promoting sustainable development at home and overseas:

On defence, we are building on historic ties that go back more than a century. Today, we cement those links in the form of personnel exchanges, procurement and strengthening our joint resolve to reduce threats to our way of life.

On security, we exchange expertise with Australian law-enforcement agencies to improve our response to terrorism and organised crime.

On conflict prevention, we are working with Australia towards a global Arms Trade Treaty to curb the irresponsible trade and transfer of conventional weapons.

On sustainable development, both countries are committed to raising the standard of living for the world’s poorest and breaking down barriers to a free and open global trading system. Most importantly of all, Britain and Australia are working together to seize the new opportunities in a low-carbon economy.

Read the joint statement by the Prime Ministers of Australia and the United Kingdom, 7th April 2008