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United States Department of State

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Consulate General of the United States in Perth

Last update: Wednesday, 26 November 2008 GMT+1000

  • Ken Mayer appeared via DVC to discuss the election to packed rooms in Canberra, Perth and Sydney.

    Understanding the Obama Victory

    Political scientist Ken Mayer from the University of Wisconsin recently shared his analysis of Senator Barack Obama’s election victory in digital conferences with audiences in Canberra, Sydney and Perth. In a program titled “The Race to the White House — It is Over! How did Obama Win? And Why?”

  • The USS John S McCain receives a welcome by the Royal Australian Navy band in Sydney.

    Great White Fleet Visit Marks a Century of Friendship

    The historic visit by the Great White Fleet 100 years ago became a turning point in Australia-US relations, helping to forge an enduring alliance between the two countries. Visits by a U.S. Navy ship this August and September are helping to commemorate the endurance of that partnership.

  • Secretary Rice having coffee with FM Smith and his family.

    Secretary Rice’s “Hometown Visit” to Perth

    U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited Perth July 24-25 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Stephen Smith to come on a “hometown visit.” Dr. Rice is the second U.S. Secretary of State to come to Perth; the first was George Shultz, who visited in 1985.

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News from Washington

U.S. Embassy Statement on the Elections

Americans have once again exercised their democratic rights in a free and open election that saw the selection of Senator Barack Obama as our 44th president.

We fully expect that the new Administration, which assumes office January 20, 2009, will continue America’s close partnership with Australia. Ours is a relationship based upon common national interests and shared democratic values. It is one that has existed and flourished regardless of which party has held office in Washington or Canberra.

We look forward to continuing to working with Australia to address the great challenges of our day.

President-elect Obama Selects National Security Team

President-elect Obama announces his choices for his national security team, calling for “a new dawn of American leadership” as the United States seeks to overcome the foreign policy and security challenges of the 21st century and forge partnerships around the world. Read more…

More News from the Consulate

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

New Travel Rules Take Effect January 12, 2009

Beginning January 12, 2009, 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 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.

In advance of the deadline, VWP visitors may voluntarily apply for the travel authorization.

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

DCM Dan Clune with Scotch College secondary students.

DCM Clune Visits WA

Coming from the U.S. Embassy in Canberra to Perth for a June 16-20 visit, Deputy Chief of Mission Dan Clune spoke to approximately 40 Scotch College secondary school students and faculty about the U.S. Presidential campaign and the similarities and differences between the U.S. and Australian political systems.

From left: Inspector John McRoberts, U.S. Consul General Ken Chern, Chris Heffelfinger, Inspector Barry Shelton and Acting Superintendent Ray Butler.

Counterterrorism Speaker Heffelfinger Discusses Extremist Ideology

During his July 28 visit to Perth, visiting U.S. Counterterrorism Speaker Chris Heffelfinger spoke on “Dismantling Extremist Ideology: Deradicalization Challenges in the South East Asian Context.” His program began with a morning lecture at Curtin University’s Center for Advanced Studies where he spoke to approximately 30 academics, independent researchers and higher degree students. In the afternoon, he visited the Western Australian Police Academy and delivered a lecture to approximately 80 law enforcement personnel who specialize in counterterrorism or have an interest in this area.

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

The Student Work and Travel Pilot Program announced by President Bush and Prime Minister Howard in September went into effect October 31, 2007.

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.

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