Inquiry into the nature and conduct of Australia's public diplomacy
Invitation to make a submission (PDF 28KB)
On 7 November 2006, the Senate referred the following matter to the committee for inquiry and report by 29 March 2007 :
The nature and conduct of Australia's public diplomacy, with particular reference to:
- the extent and effectiveness of current public diplomacy programs and activities in achieving the objectives of the Australian Government;
- the opportunities for enhancing public diplomacy both in Australia and overseas;
- the effectiveness of and possible need to reform administrative arrangements relating to the conduct of public diplomacy within and between Commonwealth agencies and where relevant, the agencies of state governments; and
- the need, and opportunities for expanding levels of funding for Australia's public diplomacy programs, including opportunities for funding within the private sector.
The committee is seeking views from a wide cross-section of the Australian community and is keen to hear from people interested in how Australia informs and influences public opinion in other countries.
The purpose of this letter is to invite you or your organisation to make a written submission to the committee. There is no requirement to address the full terms of reference and you may choose to comment only on the terms of reference that are of interest to you. If your organisation would like to participate in the inquiry, the Committee would welcome a written submission.
The closing date for submissions is mid-January 2007 though earlier lodgement would be appreciated. Submissions and should be sent to:
The Secretary
Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
It should be noted that the terms of reference do not offer a definition of public diplomacy. To provide some sense of the scope of the inquiry, the committee cites three definitions. They are a starting point and not intended to limit discussion or consideration on Australia 's public diplomacy:
"Public diplomacy seeks to promote the national interest and national security of the United States through understanding, informing and influencing foreign publics and broadening dialogue between American citizens and institutions and their counterparts abroad."
(United States Information Agency)
"Work aiming to inform and engage individuals and organisations overseas, in order to improve understanding of and influence for the United Kingdom in a manner consistent with governmental medium and long term goals."
(Lord Carter of Coles Public Diplomacy Review 2005)
"Government sponsored programs intended to inform or influence public opinion in other countries."
(US Department of State)
Where possible, submissions should also be provided by email to fadt.sen@aph.gov.au preferably as MS Word 97 or RTF format.
After receiving and evaluating submissions, the Committee may invite some submittors to give further evidence at public hearings.
Info rmation and notes to assist in preparing submissions are available from the website www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee or the Secretariat (ph: 02 6277 3538, fax: 02 6277 5818).
Once the Committee accepts a submission, it becomes a confidential committee document and is protected by Parliamentary Privilege. If you make a submission you must not release it to others without the Committee's permission. If you release it without permission, it is not protected by Parliamentary Privilege. At some stage during the inquiry, the Committee normally makes submissions public. Please indicate if you want your submission to be kept confidential.
For further information, contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia
Website feedback: web.senate@aph.gov.au
Last reviewed 15 November 2006 by the Senate Web Administrator
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