Embassy of the United States of America

Forum for the Future

Secretary Clinton speaks at the Forum for the Future in Marrakesh, Morocco reiterating the need "for a new beginning between the United States and Muslim communities around the world." Transcript and video »
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.

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News from Washington

Helsinki Treaty Spurred Fall of Berlin Wall, End of Communism

The countries of the former Eastern Bloc can now hope to resolve political and economic challenges democratically, thanks in part to the Helsinki Process,…

Obama Welcomes President of Botswana to White House

Hailing Botswana as “truly one of the extraordinary success stories in Africa” and “a great partner of the United States,” President…

Business Conference Seen as Marker of New U.S.-Iraq Relationship

The U.S-Iraq Business and Investment Conference, held in Washington October 20–21, is another marker of the transition in the bilateral U.S.-Iraqi…

Fulbright

Educational and cultural exchanges

USA Study

Meet with an educational adviser

U.S.–Australia

The history of the bilateral relationship

From the Blog

Ambassador-designate Bleich testifies to Senate panel

Posted 6 November, 2009 by Press Office

During confirmation hearings November 5, Ambassador-designate to Australia Jeffrey L. Bleich told a Senate panel that there is no greater honor or opportunity than to work with our valued Australian friends and allies. “The relationship between the United States and Australia is one of our strongest and most productive international alliances,” he said in his opening statement. Bleich, who is nominated by President Obama as the next ambassador to Australia, must be confirmed by the full Senate before the appointment is official.
To read a transcript of his testimony

Bleich confirmation hearing set for November 5

Posted 2 November, 2009 by Press Office

The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will hold a confirmation hearing for Jeffrey L. Bleich, Ambassador-designate for Australia, on Thursday, 5 November.

President Obama is responsible for nominating individuals to a wide variety of civilian, judicial and military positions. The Senate must confirm nominations because the United States Constitution mandates this process for ambassadors, cabinet members and Supreme Court justices.

Learn more:

To infinity and beyond

Posted 29 October, 2009 by Librarian

“The human space flight program that the United States is currently pursuing is one that is on an unstable trajectory,” according to a contributor to the report Seeking a Human Spaceflight Program Worthy of a Great Nation.

The Augustine Committee was established earlier this year when the Office of Science & Technology Policy asked NASA to initiate a review of its human space flight programs and plans, as well as alternatives, to ensure the nation is pursuing the best trajectory for the future of human space flight - one that is safe, innovative, affordable, and sustainable.

U.S. Supreme Court: equal justice under the law

Posted 28 October, 2009 by Librarian

As an institution, the Supreme Court commands respect, legitimacy, and prestige both in the United States and abroad. The latest edition of eJournal USA describes many aspects of the U.S. Supreme Court. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Solicitor General Elena Kagan present their introductions and contributions by legal scholars and journalists focus on the elements of judicial decision making and independence of the justices. Four Court officials and a former Supreme Court law clerk also describe their jobs.

Report on international religious freedom released

Posted 27 October, 2009 by Librarian

Secretary of State Clinton has just released the State Department’s Annual Report on International Religious Freedom. This report supplements the most recent Human Rights Reports by providing additional detailed information with respect to matters involving international religious freedom.

More updates from the blog »

More News from the Embassy

Lea Thompson (center left) talks with University of Canberra journalism students. Photo content modified. Photo credit: U.S. Embassy/Anita K. Doll

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.

L-R: Defense Minister John Faulkner, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Julie Bishop, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Dan Clune, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston and Judy Clune. Photo credit: U.S. Embassy/Adam P. Wilson

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.

Chargé Dan Clune welcomes participants in the 2009 Fulbright Symposium to a reception at the Embassy. Photo credit: U.S. Embassy/Travis Longmore

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.

Students from Australia National University students discussing Amar Bakshi’s remarks after the program. Photo credit: U.S. Embassy/Adam P. Wilson

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.

Chargé Dan Clune speaking with Genevieve Jacobs of ABC 666 Canberra about the moon seeds. Photo credit: US Embassy/Travis Longmore

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.

Chargé d’Affaires Dan Clune joins American personnel near Shoalwater Bay.

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:

ESTA: Electronic System for Travel Authorization U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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.

More programs and events…