Innovation provides new goods and services for economy

Posted 19 November, 2009

Economic expansion depends more and more on innovation — not simply producing more goods and services, but producing ever newer goods and services. Roots of Innovation, the latest issue of eJournal USA, seeks to show that innovation needs the right conditions to emerge

APEC accomplishments

Posted 16 November, 2009

On November 15, President Obama participated in the 17th Annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ meeting in Singapore.  He announced that in 2011, when the United States hosts APEC, he looks forward to welcoming his fellow APEC leaders to Hawaii

Learn more:

• Fact sheet: APEC leaders meeting - key accomplishments
• Statement by APEC leaders
• Declaration by APEC leaders

16-20 November is International Education Week

Posted 16 November, 2009

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.

More info:

• U.S. Educational Advising in Australia
• Australian-American Fulbright Commission
• International education
• Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Economic situation stabilizes

Posted 13 November, 2009

Commonly known as the Beige Book, the latest edition of The Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions by Federal Reserve District was released in October.

Published eight times per year,  the Beige Book summarizes economic information by District and sector. An overall summary of the twelve district reports is prepared by a designated Federal Reserve Bank on a rotating basis.

Reports from the 12 Federal Reserve Districts indicated either stabilization or modest improvements in many sectors since the last report, albeit often from depressed levels. Leading the more positive sector reports among Districts were residential real estate and manufacturing, both of which continued a pattern of improvement that emerged over the summer.

Senate approves Bleich nomination as Ambassador

Posted 13 November, 2009

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Jeffrey Bleich as the next U.S. Ambassador to Australia, clearing the way for his arrival in Canberra. Ambassador-designate Bleich must formally present his credentials to the Govenor General before assuming his post.

To learn more about Ambassador-designate Bleich, you can see his biography on the Embassy website.

Assessing Afghanistan

U.S. national security expert Anthony Cordesman discusses the challenges ahead for coalition forces in Afghanistan and Pakistan during a seminar in Canberra. Dr. Cordesman is currently in Australia as part of trip arranged by the State Department and will visit Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Perth.

Exploring Cost of Financial Crisis

Daniel Price, a lawyer and former advisor to President Bush, discusses the new roles for APEC, the G20 and the impact of the financial crisis and climate change on regional economies during presentations in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.

Exploring the Future of Journalism

Award-winning American correspondent Lea Thompson talks to a group of aspiring journalists at the University of Canberra about what it takes to be an effective reporter in the new media market during her recent visit to Australia. The former NBC Dateline correspondent also talked to journalism students in Sydney and Brisbane.

Remembering the Fallen and Honoring the Survivors

Surrounded by Embassy staff and members of the Australian Federal Police, Chargé Dan Clune and Defense Minister Senator John Faulkner led a commemoration ceremony for the victims and survivors on the 8^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks on the United States.

Fulbright Symposium on Free Trade

Chargé Dan Clune welcomes participants in the 2009 Fulbright Symposium to a reception at the Embassy. This year’s symposium, which was organized by the University of Queensland, focused on the impact of the US-Australian Free Trade Agreement signed five years ago.

Changing the Dialog

Students from the Australian National University were among those on hand to hear the insights of Amar Bakshi gained during his interviews with young people around the world on their views of America. Bakshi, who now works for the State department, participated a digital video conference with Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, to talk about outreach to Islamic youth using new media.

Delivering Moon Seeds

After presenting a collection of second generation moon seeds to Canberra’s head gardener, Chargé d’Affaires Dan Clune spoke with Genevieve Jacobs of ABC Local Radio 666 during Apollo 11 Anniversary Celebrations. Broadcasting live from the anniversary event, the Chargé spoke of his memories of the moon landing, the importance of the Australian role and the on-going partnership — including the planting of the moon seeds in Canberra.

Improving Interoperability in Shoalwater

On Saturday, July 18, Chargé d’Affaires Dan Clune joined the Australian Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, in Shoalwater Bay to observe the Talisman Saber 2009 exercise. During their visit they had lunch with the soldiers and met with the officers commanding the forces participating in the exercise. Exercise Talisman Saber is a biennial training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined operations. The exercise is a major undertaking which improves Australian and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability, it reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength of the military-military relationship.

H1N1 Flu Virus Outbreaks Mobilize International Public Health Effort

Outbreaks of a new strain of influenza virus that began in north-central Mexico March 22 and have spread to the United States, and other countries, so far have prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the event a public health emergency of international concern.

Travelers information on H1N1 Influenza:

• For the latest information on U.S. State Department Travel alerts
• For information on traveling to Australia (Australian Government Website)

ESTA Requirements Now in Effect

All nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, including Australia, are required to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States. This requirement commenced January 12, 2009. Authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security.

There is no charge to complete the ESTA application. VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established websites, which charge visitors for information and for submitting ESTA applications. These websites are not endorsed by, associated with, nor affiliated in any way with the U.S. government.

VWP visitors should apply now for the travel authorization.

For more information, start by reading our page on the Visa Waiver Program.

U.S. – Australia Student Work and Travel Pilot Program

The Student Work and Travel Pilot Program allows Australian citizens to combine work and travel in the United States for up to 12 months. For more information, visit our page on the Student Work and Travel Pilot Program.

Please see our nonimmigrant visa page for general information on the U.S. visa application process, including how to apply for a U.S. visa in Australia.