Document Index Budget Paper 2

Expense ($m)

Explanation

The Government has decided to establish an Australian Consulate-General, including an AusAID office, in Dili, East Timor and to open an Australian policy liaison office in Lisbon, Portugal. This forms part of the Government’s response to the high level of Australian community interest in developments in East Timor.

The Consulate-General will allow the Australian Government to monitor developments in Dili more effectively and will support Australia’s role in assisting a peaceful transition process in East Timor.

The AusAID office in the Consulate-General will help decide the most appropriate Australian aid response to developments in East Timor. It will support the implementation of an expanded aid programme to assist East Timor. The Australian policy liaison office in Lisbon will help build and maintain a substantial dialogue with Portugal as the transition unfolds.

Any future Australian involvement in an international confidence-building and administrative role during any transitional process in East Timor would also benefit from the presence of the Consulate-General.

Further Information

See also the related capital measure under the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio titled Opening of an Australian Consulate-General in East Timor and an Australian Policy liaison Office in Lisbon and measures in the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio titled Establish an immigration presence at the Australian Consulate-General in East Timor.

Expense ($m)

Explanation

The Government has decided to establish an Australian Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, including Austrade marketing staff.

The Embassy in Zagreb will strengthen Australia’s diplomatic representation in Central Europe. It will work to advance Australia’s bilateral and regional interests including trade and investment. Delivery of consular, passport and visa services in Croatia will improve significantly. The establishment of the Embassy in Zagreb will also further enhance the Government’s market diversification strategy in Central and Eastern Europe.

This measure delivers on the Government’s election commitment in Advancing Australia’s Interests.

For further information see the related capital measure under the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio titled Opening of Australian Embassy in Zagreb.

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