Latest news 
Prime Minister Rudd Makes First Official Visit to Washington
28 March 2008 — Washington D.C.
On Friday, President Bush welcomed Prime Minister Rudd to the White House as part of the Prime Minister’s first official visit to the United States. The two leaders met on Friday morning and then held a joint press availability where both reiterated how strong our alliance is, and their confidence that our “alliance has a strong, robust future” and how our “friendship will strengthen and endure under the leadership of Kevin Rudd.” The pair also discussed the global economy and the Doha Round, the environment, and helping developing nations, as well as Iraq, to which the President expressed his appreciation of the Prime Minister as “somebody who does what he says he’s going to do.”
More information
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.
The program, which allows American and Australian post-secondary students and recent graduates to work and travel in Australia or the U.S. for up to one year, further strengthens the cultural and personal ties between our two nations. Although Australia has similar arrangements with other countries, this is the first program of its kind for the United States.
Interested Australian participants must first secure sponsorship from an approved exchange organization. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has initially approved the following sponsoring organizations:
- American Institute for Foreign Study, Inc.
- Camp Counselors USA/Work Experience USA
- Core Consulting Solutions, LLC.
- Council on International Educational Exchange
- Cultural Homestay International
- InterExchange, Inc.
- International Cultural Exchange Organization, Inc.
- International Exchange of North America, Inc.
- Life Adventures, Inc.
- Walt Disney World Co.
Further information on program sponsorship for the Student Work and Travel Pilot and other exchange visitor programs is available on the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Website.
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.
Consulate highlights
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.
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 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.
CG Chern Hosts Interfaith Reception
Perth — December 2007
U.S. Consul General Ken Chern and Mrs. Ronni Chern hosted an interfaith reception in their home. Approximately 60 of Perth’s religions leaders attended the reception, which was held in the spirit of cultural and religious sharing. During his remarks, the Consul General said that the group was gathered to celebrate our diversity — our different religious and cultural backgrounds — that make our lives and countries so much richer. He stressed all that we hold in common, particularly a common commitment to freedom of religion and conscience. He noted that throughout American history, from the arrival of the Pilgrims and the adoption of the First Amendment to the Constitution, to President Franklin Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” and the current day, freedom of religion has been vital to the fabric of American society. Every individual has the right to practice his or her beliefs without fear of discrimination. The Consul General expressed gratification that the Australian and American peoples share strong values of religious diversity, freedom, and tolerance. Guests at the reception included religious leaders and members of Perth’s Baptist, Bahai, Buddhist, Catholic, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim communities.
WA Fulbright Dinner
Perth — November 2007
Speaking at the Western Australia Fulbright Alumni Association annual dinner, U.S. Consul General Ken Chern congratulated approximately 60 Fulbright alumni and friends for the energy, imagination, and determination that secured the financial support of the WA government for a second annual WA Fulbright Fellowship. The Consul General noted that the Fulbright program had just begun to tap the talent of Western Australia, and that the establishment of distinctive WA Fellowships will raise the Fulbright profile throughout the state and strengthen research and educational links between WA and the United States. Citing the new challenges of a far more dangerous post-9/11 world, the he recalled the words and deeds of Senator J. William Fulbright, who accomplished so much to mitigate dangerous passions and expand international understanding. The Consul General called on those present to rededicate themselves to advancing the ideals of Senator Fulbright and the Fulbright program.
Professor Don Smart, Chair, Western Australia Chapter, Australian-American Fulbright Association, spoke about the progress WA is making in meeting funding targets for the two dedicated WA fellowships to study in the United States. Mr. Mark Darby, Executive Director of the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, visiting from Canberra, spoke about the direction of the national Fulbright program. Professor Don Markwell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Western Australia, spoke to welcome participants to the UWA Club, where the dinner was held. Vice-Chancellors John Yovich (Murdoch University), Jeanette Hacket (Curtin University), and Kerry Cox (Edith Cowan University), were among the other distinguished dinner guests.
2007 Remembrance Day
Perth — 11 November 2007
The 2007 Remembrance Day ceremony was held on Sunday 11 November at the Flame of Remembrance in Kings Park. Over 60 wreath layers attended the service along with several hundred other participants, including Minister for Education, Science and Training the Hon Julie Bishop, representing the Prime Minister, and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd.
The official handover of the ‘Keys to the Crypt’ of the State War Memorial took place, with outgoing Warden Commodore Clem Littleton AO RAN (Rtd) passing the ‘Keys’ to Professor the Honourable David K Malcolm AC QC KCSJ. The tradition for this handover commenced on 11 November 1930 and has continued annually each 11 November since.
U.S. Consul General Ken Chern, his wife Ronni, and U.S. 7th Fleet Representative LCDR Phil Francois also attended - with the Consul General and LCDR Francois also laying wreaths.
The North American Veterans’ Unit was well represented with eight members in attendance: Senior officer CAPT Mike Donnelly USN (Ret) who layed NAVU’s wreath; WWII veterans Victor Lane (97 years young), Len Weinstein, Dan Borison, and Jack Fletcher; Marine veterans James Maughmer and recently retired new member John Idland; and, NAVU President Michael Munjak.
CG Chern Host Musician, Choreographer and Dancers
Perth — 25 October 2007
The Consul General and his wife Ronni hosted a reception in their home in honor of renowned U.S. jazz saxophonist Bob Sheppard and U.S. choreographer and dancer Charlie Hodges. Approximately 70 leaders and members of the Western Australian arts community, including Director of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) Julie Warn, the Artistic Director of WAAPA’s LINK Dance Company Michael Whaites, and 8 LINK dancers, as well as WAAPA professor and pianist Graham Wood and Consulate staff attended. The CG welcomed Bob Sheppard and Charlie Hodges and spoke about the vibrancy of cultural ties between the American and Australian peoples. The guests had the opportunity to hear Bob and Graham jam on the sax and keyboard and they responded warmly. WAAPA hosted and sponsored the visit to Perth of the American artists, and the U.S. Consulate General assisted WAAPA and LINK Dance Company bring the artists to Perth through the provision of a cultural grant.
See more Consulate highlights…
Updates from the U.S. Embassy
Embassy News and Notices
- The U.S. Consulate General in Perth will be closed on Monday, 26 May 2008, to observe Memorial Day.
Consular News
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As of Monday, September 24, 2007, you must make an appointment via our website to be allowed entry into the consular section for routine (non emergency) services. You will need to bring evidence of an existing appointment in order to be permitted access to the Consulate.
Please follow the instructions for the particular service you require. You will find the link to making an appointment in the instructions.
If the particular service you need does not require a personal appearance at the Consulate, you will be instructed to submit your application by mail.
Please note: If you are collecting your passport you are not required to make an appointment. Instead, please come on or after the day listed on your collection slip and present the collection slip and a photo ID.
- Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution (17 January 2008)
- Travel Warning: East Timor (15 February 2008)
- Avian Influenza information
- U.S. Consular Services in Australia - Find the Consulate for your region
Last update Friday, 11 April 2008
