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

Understanding the Obama Victory

Canberra, Perth, Sydney — 14 November 2008

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?” Mayer talked about the factors that led to an Obama victory. Professor Mayer had previously been in Australia as the inaugural Fulbright Distinguished Chair of U.S. Politics at the Australian National University. More than 100 government leaders, students and academics attended the sessions.

Ambassador McCallum addresses the packed hall watching the election results come in.

Americans and Australians Join to Watch Election Results

Canberra — 5 November 2008

Under red, white and blue streamers and balloons, Australians joined with Americans to watch the vote totals come in for U.S. president at special Election Watch events in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin. Ambassador Robert McCallam was among those attending the Election Watch in Canberra.

Ambassador Shearer, Consul General Ken Chern and Sue Toigo at an AmCham luncheon speaking engagement.

Ambassador Shearer Offers Insights on U.S. Elections

13-26 September 2008

During his September 22-23 visit to Perth, visiting U.S. Speaker Ambassador Derek Shearer spoke to senior academics, business professionals, corporate lawyers, media representatives, students, and members of the international affairs community about the "The 2008 Presidential Elections: The U.S. and the World in the Post-Bush Era." Ambassador Shearer commented that the 2008 election has elicited great international interest -- "the world is watching this global election." At his various speaking engagements, Ambassador Shearer provided a snapshot analysis on factors that might affect the election's outcome. He remarked that the number-one issue on Americans’ minds is the economy, with the U.S. in its greatest financial crisis since the Depression. By the same token, he observed that when Americans vote, they want to be certain that the person they choose for President will make the grade as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, and he opined that both Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain have made the grade in this regard. While citing other factors, he mentioned that age and race could be key issues, given that Senator McCain would be the oldest President to take his first inaugural oath, and given Senator Obama’s standing as the first African-American to be nominated by a major political party for the Presidency.

Ambassador Shearer is currently Chevalier Professor of Diplomacy and World Affairs at Occidental College in Los Angeles. He also serves as Director of Global Affairs there, handling the College's international relations and directing the expansion of its international affairs programs. He served in the Clinton Administration as an economics official in the Commerce Department, and then as Ambassador to Finland (1994-97). He also served as a foreign policy advisor to Vice President Gore during the 2000 Presidential campaign and to Senator Hillary Clinton in the 2007-2008 Presidential primary contests.

Captain Bannigan of the USS John S. McCain is welcomed to Melbourne by a member of the Boonwurrung people.

Further reading

Great White Fleet Visit Marks a Century of Friendship

August-September 2008

The historic visit by the Great White Fleet 100 years ago to Sydney, Melbourne, and Albany became a turning point in Australia-U.S. relations, helping to forge an enduring alliance between the two countries. U.S. Navy ship visits to the same cities this August and September helped to confirm the endurance of that partnership.

The USS SHOUP, a destroyer deployed with the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet based in Japan, visited the Port of Albany September 10 - 14 under the command of CDR Mike Lehman as part of the centenary of the famous voyage. She was escorted for the commemorative visit by the HMAS Darwin and HMAS Sirius of the Royal Australian Navy. The USS John McCain visited Sydney and Melbourne.

The visits formed part of re-enactments celebrating the fleet’s epic 14-month voyage around the world from December 1907 to February 1909. The flotilla of 16 American warships painted all in white and carrying 14,000 sailors had been sent by President Theodore Roosevelt to test naval readiness, establish a global presence, and generate international goodwill. The fleet made more than 20 port calls including visits to Japan, the Philippines and Brazil, but its stops in Australia during August and September 1908 were among the most notable.

Ambassador McCallum in the press gaggle as the USS John S McCain was welcomed in Melbourne.

The visit became a turning point in Australia-U.S. relations, helping to cement a century-long friendship. Thousands lined the shore to welcome the fleet as it steamed into the Australian harbors. The visit also saw a surge in popular support for an independent Australian navy, which was inaugurated just three years later in 1911.

“This experience in diplomatic outreach to Australia set the stage for a century of closer ties and warm relations between the United States and Australia,” noted Donald C. Winter, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy. “May the bonds of friendship between our navies and our nations always be strong and based on mutual respect.”

On hand to greet the USS SHOUP in the Port of Albany on September 10 were U.S. Ambassador Robert McCallum, Mrs. Mimi McCallum and U.S. Consul General Dr. Ken Chern, as well as members of the Royal Australian Navy Band. She was welcomed by a 7-gun salute fired from 100-year-old cannons located at the Princess Royal Fortress.

In Albany, Ambassador McCallum co-hosted with the Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates, a reception on board the USS SHOUP and HMAS Darwin. Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum, along with Consul General Chern, and representatives from the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Navy , paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Albany, Mr. Milton Evans. He also spoke to an intimate group at a September 11 commemoration ceremony onboard the USS SHOUP.

Ambassador and Mrs. Robert D. McCallum Jr. with President Teddy Roosevelt and Geoff Gray at the Great White Fleet Centenary Ball.

Prior to the arrival of the ships in Albany, Ambassador McCallum spoke to almost 1,000 Albany Senior High School students on the subject of the alliance between the United States and Australia and the important role Albany has played in the two countries' military history. He said he wanted to interact with the Australian students to better understand their thoughts and views.

While in Albany the USS SHOUP joined the Royal Australian Navy in a Freedom of Entry parade accompanied by the Royal Australian Navy Band. During their stay, sailors from both nations assisted with community relations activities, including maintenance of naval displays at the Princess Royal Fortress and a community sports afternoon featuring soccer contests and an Australian Rules Football clinic. The USS SHOUP and HMAS Darwin were open for visitors during the Albany Port Authority Open Day and 10,000 local community residents attended this event, with up to 85 percent of the visitors touring the ships. Mayor Evans hosted a civic reception September 13 at the Princess Royal Sailing Club where Consul General Ken Chern and CDR Mike Lehman presented remarks and Mrs. Ronni Chern, officers from the USS SHOUP, HMAS Darwin and HMAS Sirius as well as other guests from various sectors of the Albany community attended.

The USS SHOUP is the 36th ship in the Arleigh Burke class of Aegis guided missile destroyers.

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

Perth — 28 July 2008

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. At these functions, Heffelfinger traced contemporary terrorism to earlier events in Egypt and Afghanistan during the late 19^th and early 20^th Centuries, citing the significance of Salafist ideology used as a tool to promote militant jihad. He stressed the importance of communities serving as the front line of defense against marginalization of individuals, and he noted that early intervention programs are effective in hindering radicalization attempts and preventing militant indoctrination of at-risk individuals.

While in Perth, Heffelfinger was the guest of honor at a dinner with law enforcement officials hosted by Consul General Ken Chern.

DCM Dan Clune with Scotch College secondary students.

DCM Clune visits WA

Perth — 16-20 June 2008

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. He also spoke about U.S.-Australian cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region to approximately twenty senior academics from the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy at Curtin University. At Curtin, he explored the history and foundations of the bilateral relationship, citing the World War II experience, shared values, and similar cultures. He highlighted strong ties in trade, defense, the environment, and humanitarian assistance, and cited examples of how the U.S. and Australia can work together to build better relationships in Asia and the Middle East.

At the University of Western Australia, the DCM met with Professor Kim Beazley and Vice Chancellor Alan Robson before seeing Professor of Astronomy Peter Quinn, who briefed him on plans for the Square Kilometer Array radio telescope system, a 19-nation project that will exponentially expand astronomical exploration and will be sited either in Western Australia or in southern Africa. DCM Clune attended an Australian Institute of Company Directors and Australia Business Arts Foundation reception at the At Gallery of Western Australia, where ANZ Bank Chief Economist Saul Eslake gave a presentation on business support for the arts. While in Perth, the DCM also met with business and resource professionals, government officials, political leaders, and senior academics, and was the guest of honor at an evening reception hosted by Consul General Ken Chern.

Reg Appleyard, Kim Beazley, James Kelly and Alan Robson.

James Kelly Visits Perth

Perth — April 2008

During his April visit to Perth, visiting U.S. Speaker James Kelly spoke to senior academics, business professionals, think tank representatives, students and members of the international affairs community about America's policy toward the Asia-Pacific, U.S.-China relations, and U.S. efforts to strengthen its alliance relationships. He commented that there has been an enclave of bipartisanship in American policy toward the Asia-Pacific, including relations with China. He cited the understanding in America, and to a greater extent in Australia, that the global center of gravity is shifting from Europe to East Asia. He noted that Asia is developing in leaps and bounds and that the United States is often preoccupied by competing demands in other parts of the world, such as the Middle East. Mr. Kelly spotlighted growing protectionism in the U.S., noting that this phenomenon amidst deteriorating economic conditions presented challenges to the U.S. in East Asia. He remarked that the U.S. election campaign has focused little attention on international issues, adding that an upcoming vote in the U.S. Congress for a U.S.-Korea trade deal in 2009 could test the attitudes of a new President and Congress toward free trade.

Mr. Kelly has previously held a number of key roles at the U.S. Department of State. He is the former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and he led the U.S. delegation to the initial three sessions of the Six-Party Korea Talks in 2003-04.

Acting U.S. Consul General Mark Prokop (centre) with City of Perth Councillors, Janet Davidson (far left) and Eleni Evangel (right) and City of Perth Youth Advisory Council members (1397).

Youth Councils Meet Via DVC

Perth & Houston — 10 April 2008

Having previously hosted a series of debates between Perth High School students and their counterparts in Perth’s sister cities of Houston and San Diego, on April 10, 2008 the U.S. Consulate General Perth hosted a video meeting and discussion between members of the City of Perth's Youth Advisory Council and the Mayor of Houston's Youth Council.

Six young people from each city were provided the opportunity to discuss topics of interest including: youth engagement by City Hall; measures led by youth in each city to protect the environment; and problems affecting indigenous people in Western Australia and in Texas. Acting U.S. Consul General Mark Prokop introduced and facilitated the discussion, and he provided a summation and closing remarks.

He also thanked the numerous Council Members and staff from both Mayor’s office who attended and lent their support to this international outreach and bridge-building event, part of an ongoing effort initiated by Mark and the Consulate General in 2005 to revivify and strengthen the Perth-Houston and Perth-San Diego sister city relationship. He also expressed appreciation to BHP Billiton Houston for kindly providing their board room and DVC equipment and being generous hosts.

At the conclusion of the DVC, Mr. Prokop noted that it was evident that both youth councils received a high degree of recognition in their home cities and that both groups played key roles in initiating activities that raised the quality of life in Houston and Perth. He said that it was evident that both youth council's were dynamic and that the members, with an average age of 19, shared common generational concerns such as environmental degradation, green space conservation, low voting rates amongst young people, and appropriate recreational outlets and events. At the end of the informal discussion the young people were swapping their FaceBook details so that dialogues could continue. We intend to continue this program as all have found it not only enjoyable but have been impressed by the quality of the discussion and intellectual caliber of all the young people that have participated.

Visa Chat: Non-Immigrant Visas

Wednesday, 2 April 2008

The chat on Non-Immigrant Visas is now concluded. Thank you to everyone who participated, and we hope that the session was helpful and informative to all! The full transcript of the session is now available.

CG Chern with LCDR Phil Francois, David Siglin, Otto Pelczar and WA Young Liberals.

Professor Davidson Provides Brief on U.S. Presidential Elections

Perth — 1 April 2008

The Consulate hosted a digital video conference (DVC) 1 April with Dr. Roger Davidson, Professor Emeritus of Government & Politics at the University of Maryland and Visiting Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Over fifty guests attended the DVC which provided Dr. Davidson with an opportunity to present a brief analysis on the 2008 U.S. Presidential elections and how the party nominating process is a complicated system with both the Democrats and Republicans employing contrasting approaches to nominating their candidates. Professor Davidson explained that the Democrats generally choose their delegates by a preference system of proportional representation — if a candidate gets 40 percent of the vote in a state, he/she can expect to get roughly 40 percent of the delegates in that state, whereas the Republicans generally have a winner takes all system. Professor Davidson also noted that the key 2008 election issues are the economy, Iraq and domestic issues such as health care, education, environment and energy conservation. A lively question and answer session and discussions over coffee followed.

CG Chern with students from St. Hilda’s, Presbyterian Ladies College, Shenton College and Iona Presentation College.

CG Chern Speaks With Students From Around Perth

Perth — 27-31 March 2008

Approximately 350 students from St. Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, Presbyterian Ladies College, Iona Presentation College and Shenton College in Western Australia attended a talk by the Consul General Dr. Ken Chern at St. Hilda’s on Thursday, March 27. Additionally, 200 students attended a similar talk by the CG at Hale School on Monday, 31 March. Dr. Chern spoke to the high school students about how we live in a rapidly changing world and what we can do about that change as Americans, Australians and citizens of the world. He commented that the key changes taking place globally today are both geopolitical and technological. He explained that change can and does present great opportunity, but also with change comes great competition and challenge. The CG pointed out that one area that does not seem to have changed in the last twenty years is the rise of China, and he said there is much the U.S. and Australia can do together to help China’s development as a positive force throughout Asia and the world.

AMB McCallum talking to Shenton College students.

Ambassador McCallum tours WA

Perth — 11-13 March 2008

Ambassador Robert D. McCallum, Jr. and Mrs. Mimi McCallum further acquainted themselves with Western Australia during their March 11 - 13 visit to our state. In Broome, in the Northwest Kimberley region, they paid their respect at the Allied War Memorial; met with representatives of the Returned Services League and Shire leaders; and visited the University of Notre Dame campus, where the Ambassador spoke to approximately 30 students and faculty members about the role of an Ambassador, the U.S. Presidential campaign, and the outlook for U.S.-Australia relations after the election. The Ambassador also lunched with business and political leaders from the Kimberley region and discussed economic, environmental, and social aspects of development plans for this mineral and energy rich region. In Perth, Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum met with His Excellency Dr. Ken Michael, AC, Governor of Western Australia and Mrs. Julie Michael, and with former Federal Opposition leader Kim Beazley. The Ambassador also called on Perth’s resource industry leaders. More than 100 secondary school students attended a talk by the Ambassador at Shenton College. The McCallums were also special guests at the Fulbright National Presentation Dinner — the first ever such dinner in Western Australia — held at the University of Western Australia.