The Australian Foreign Minister arrives in Nouméa this Wednesday, April 19. Penny Wong will be on the Caillou for a two-day official visit. The opportunity to look at the relations between our two countries. And even if it is difficult to quantify the precise number of Australian nationals on the territory, the exchanges are rather in good shape.
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Penny Wong, Australian Foreign Minister within the government, will stay two days in New Caledonia. Several meetings are planned with the High Commissioner, at the CPS, or with the President of the Government. A trip to strengthen the already rich relations between the two territories.
Contacted by the editorial staff of NC la 1ère, Annelise Young, Consul General of Australia, in Noumea, explains that it is difficult to estimate the precise number of Australian residents present in New Caledonia. According to the consulate and taking data from the High Commission, they would barely “a few dozen”, to have Australian nationality alone. We would find these expatriates in the South Pacific Community or in the mining sector.
On the other hand, the estimates rise sharply if we take into account Australians living in the territory with dual nationality. This is one of the difficulties in getting a more precise idea. Indeed, Australians who have dual nationality do not have no obligation to register on any file, they therefore escape all forms of census. “In other words, most Australians here are also Caledonians”says Annelise Young.
Still, the good weather between the two countries can be measured on several criteria. First example: linguistic and cultural exchanges. This Wednesday, April 19, a group of young Australians arrive in New Caledonia to better understand the French language, for several days with the Creipac language school.
Second indicator of the good health of exchanges between the two countries: the number of Australian visitors, which is on the rise again, with the figure of 330,000 Australian visitors before the Covid crisis in sight. The figures are very encouraging in the air, pending those of cruise lines.
Finally, a sector could further boost these exchanges between neighbors: cooperation around the production of green batteries for electric cars. Australian companies are attentive and hope for a rapprochement with the local mining industry in order to get into this growing market on a global scale. “There are two Australian companies looking to set up a long-term partnership with the Caillou. They are targeting the European or American market. It could be a great opportunity.”emphasizes Annelise Young.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs arrives tomorrow, Wednesday April 19, for two days.
