I. Diplomatic relations

Greece has embassy-level diplomatic relations with Australia. Greece also has Consulates General in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, as well as a Consulate in Perth, Honorary Consulates General in Brisbane and Darwin, and Honorary Consulates in Newcastle and Hobart.

II. Treaty Framework

A bilateral Social Security Agreement with Australia is pending. Negotiations on this agreement started in 1992 and are yet to be concluded. On 2 November 2005, Employment Minister Mr. Panagiotopoulos signed a Memorandum of Cooperation during his visit to Australia ensuring the finalisation of the relevant agreement in 2006. A delegation from the Employment and Social Welfare Ministry visited Canberra from 4 to 9 December 2006 and examined the draft agreement. There are still certain points to be clarified.

In addition, a Greek-Australian bilateral Agreement on Holidays with Employment Rights is also still pending.

III. Political relations

It goes without saying that the main focus of Australian foreign policy is S.E. Asia, where the Greek position is usually established within the European Union framework, and in many cases is in line with Australias own position.

Greece enjoys a special place in the hearts of the Australians, both because of the large number of Greeks who have made their homes in Australia, and the success they have achieved over the decades in Australias multi-cultural political, economic, academic, business and social sectors.

The most recent high-level visit to Australia was by the then Greek President Mr. Kostis Stephanopoulos in June 2002. The Australian Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard, visited Greece in July 2002 and again in April 2005. Procedures to prepare a visit to Australia by the Greek Prime Minister have been under way from the beginning of 2007.

IV. Economic and trade relations

Bilateral economic relations between Greece and Australia are at a very low level and there are significant fluctuations in the volume of trade. According to data by the National Statistical Service of Greece, the total volume of trade between the two countries rose by 34.05% reaching 143.228 million.

V. Cultural relations

In the period 2005-2006, numerous cultural events such as lectures, art exhibitions, concerts, book presentations, theatrical performances, and a Greek film festival, were held in Australia.

Many of the lectures dealt with the return of the Parthenon marbles from the British Museum to their natural home.

The Greek Orthodox Archbishopric of Australia, based in Sydney and under the guidance of Archbishop Stylianos of Australia, has played an important role and has carried out significant educational and charity work.

VI. The Greek community

The total population of Australians of Greek descent is estimated at around 700,000.

According to estimates, some 200,000 live and work in the greater Melbourne area, 125,000 in Sydney and New South Wales, 75,000 in Adelaide and 20,000 in Perth.

Whatever the precise numbers, the fact is that our fellow Greeks in Australia are now an integral part of Australian society, making an invaluable and universally acknowledged contribution to the countrys development. Individuals of Greek origin have distinguished themselves in the science and financial sectors, as well as in the countrys business life. There are also many Australians of Greek origin who have been elected to the parliament and senate at both federal and state levels, or who hold positions in local government.

There are numerous communities and local Greek associations in almost every city, as well as federations of associations on a Pan-Australian level. They help keep Greek culture alive and preserve links with Greece (for more information, check the website of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad - www.ggae.gr).

VII. Embassy Details

Last modified: November 2008