Welcome

The Australian Embassy in Vienna and Permanent Mission to the UN is accredited to Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, and to the International Organisations in Vienna.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Reconciliation Week 2020: In This Together

 

National Reconciliation Week is celebrated each year from 27 May – 3 June and is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

The theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week is In This Together, which highlights that we must continue to progress towards national healing and greater equality, through reflection, acknowledgment and action. In 2020, Reconciliation Australia marks twenty years of shaping Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation. National Reconciliation Week is an important time to reflect on the strengthened relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples.

National Reconciliation Week marks two significant milestones – the Referendum of 27 May 1967, a turning point for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander human rights, and the landmark Mabo Decision passed down on 3 June 1992, which overturned the legal fiction of terra nullius and paved the path forward for Indigenous land rights.

 

Supporting LGBTI equal rights 

 

 

Australia believes that nobody should be discriminated against for who they are or who they love. More tolerant and inclusive societies benefit everyone.

On this basis, Australia joined 44 Embassies, Diplomatic Missions, and International Organisations based in Vienna, Austria, in support and recognition of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) on 17 May 2020.  For the full statement, please refer here.

To mark the 2020 Pride events in Slovakia, Australia joined 37 Embassies based in or accredited to Slovakia, and issued a statement to reaffirm its commitment to protecting and defending the human rights of all. For the full statement, please refer here.

In Hungary, the Australian Embassy joined the statement of 30 Diplomatic Missions and 9 cultural institutes in support of the 25th Budapest Pride Festival taking place from 14 to 23 August 2020.  Please read the joint statement issued on 17 August here.

 

Anzac Day 2020: Standing apart, but together as one

In line with the current COVID-19 restrictions, the Australian and New Zealand Embassies in Vienna commemorated Anzac Day at home this year.  The Embassy has produced a video on what Anzac Day means to Australian and New Zealand communities and friends. For the video, please see here, or visit Ambassador Richard Sadleir’s Twitter. We would like to thank all the Australian musicians in Austria for their participation and recording of “Abide By Me” for the video. 

 

Caption: On 25 April, colleagues at the Australian Embassy in Vienna stood at dawn to lower the Australian flag and remember the fallen.  

 

More information about Anzac Day, its history, meaning and stories that have shaped the Anzac spirit is available on Australia’s Anzac Portal and on the website of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.       

Ode of Remembrance
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

 

Launch of new Smartraveller website

Smartraveller has the latest, authoritative travel advice so you can be informed and prepared about overseas travel. Subscribe to receive travel advice updates - by simply supplying your name and email address – straight to your inbox.

You can now also subscribe to the new SMS service - by supplying your mobile number – to receive critical alerts in the event of a crisis overseas.

In a crisis, Smartraveller will activate a crisis page on its website. It will make it easier for you or someone you know to contact the Australian Government if you need help. It will supplement the consular emergency hotline.

Visit www.smartraveller.gov.au to subscribe or connect with Smartraveller on Facebook and Twitter.
 

 

Presentation of Credentials

Photo caption: On 28 November, HE Mr Richard Sadleir, presented his credentials to HE Dr Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal President of the Republic of Austria, at the President’s office. Copyright: Office of the Federal President.

 

Photo caption: On 30 October, HE Mr Richard Sadleir, incoming Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA, presented his credentials to Mr Cornel Feruta, IAEA Acting Director General, at the Agency headquarters. Copyright: IAEA.

 

Photo caption: On 28 October, HE Mr Richard Sadleir, presented his Letters of Credence to HE Ambassador Thomas Greminger, OSCE Secretary General, at the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

 

Ambassador of Australia, HE Mr Richard Sadleir, commenced his appointment on 28 October 2019. Mr Sadleir presented his Letters of Credence to HE Dr Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal President of the Republic of Austria, on 28 November, to Mr Cornel Feruta, Acting Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on 30 October, and to HE Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on 28 October 2019.

 

AUSTRIA

Austria and Australia enjoy a strong and friendly relationship, underpinned by healthy trade and investment relations, and vibrant people-to-people and cultural links. Australia works with Austria to advance our joint commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order.

IAEA

Australia was a founding Member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1957 and one of a small number of States to draft the Agency’s Statute.  Australia is a designated member of the IAEA Board of Governors. The Australian Embassy and Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Vienna plays a significant role in contributing to and overseeing the activities of the Agency on behalf of the Australian Government.

OSCE

Australia has been an Asian Partner for Co-operation of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) since 2009. Australia values its engagement with the OSCE as an important platform for dialogue, and as a way to shape awareness of Indo-Pacific security challenges and opportunities.

 

Australia's National Statement to the 63rd IAEA General Conference

On 18 September 2019, Australia's Head of Delegation, Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer, Governor and Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), delivered Australia's statement to the 63rd Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference. Read the statement here. Copyright: Australian Embassy. 

 

NAIDOC Week: 7-14 July 2019

Artist: Charmaine Mumbulla , winner of the 2019 NAIDOC poster competition.

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the dynamic culture, rich history, and inspiring accomplishments of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. First Nations communities throughout Australia organise art exhibitions, tours, lectures, concerts, ceremonies, and many other gatherings during NAIDOC Week each year. The celebrations seek to promote a more inclusive understanding of Australia’s statehood by preserving, understanding, and highlighting these ancient traditions and modern achievements.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme Voice. Treaty. Truth calls upon the world to hear the voices of First Nations communities and recognise their truths. In addition, Voice. Treaty. Truth acknowledges the structural reforms still needed to achieve true civil and political equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

Pride events 2019

Photo captions: Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer and Embassy staff together with Diplomats for Equality network at EuroPride 2019 in Vienna. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

The Australian Government believes that human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent, and that all people are entitled to respect, dignity and legal protection regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Australian Embassy is a committed supporter of the Pride movements in our countries of accreditation.

In the Slovak Republic, the Australian Embassy joined the statement of 36 Diplomatic Missions in support of pride marches for LGBTI rights in Bratislava on 20 July and in Košice on 24 August 2019. The statement underscores human rights, universal freedoms, tolerance, and equality. Please read the joint statement here.

On 1 July the Embassy joined over 30 diplomatic missions in Hungary in issuing a joint statement on the occasion of the 24th Budapest Pride Festival. The statement emphasises the principles of equality and freedom from discrimination.

In Austria, Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer and Australian Embassy staff joined members of another 31 diplomatic missions to march as part of the Diplomats for Equality network at EuroPride on 15 June, celebrating diversity together with an estimated 500,000 participants. On the occasion of  International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia – IDAHOBIT on 17 May, the Australian Embassy joined the Diplomats for Equality network to issue a joint statement, highlighting our shared commitment to protecting the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTI) persons.

 

Photo caption: Reception ahead of film screening of "The Adventures of Priscilla – Queen of the Desert" at the Austrian Filmmuseum. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Photo caption (l-r): Michael Loebenstein, Director of the Austrian Filmmuseum; Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer; LayDee KinMee, Yodelling Drag Queen from Australia; Stephan Elliott, film director and screen writer; Ian Goudie, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras World Pride Bid Coordinator for Europe, in front of Diplomats for Equality banner. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Photo caption: Film Director Stephan Elliott in a Q & A about his film "The Adventures of Priscilla – Queen of the Desert".  Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Photo caption: Film Director Stephan Elliott and Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer announcing the World Pride Bid of the Sydney Mardi Gras. Copyright: Australian Embassy.
 

In celebration of Australia’s commitment to diversity, the Australian Embassy brought together local LGBTI communities and the Diplomats for Equality Network for a reception and screening of the iconic Australian film “The Adventures of Priscilla – Queen of the Desert”. The 17 May screening, in front of a packed house at the Austrian Filmmuseum, coincided with the 25th anniversary of the release of the film, which was one of the first to introduce LGBTI issues to a mainstream audience.  The film’s Director, Stephan Elliott, was a special guest at the screening and took questions in a lively Q&A session, led by Michael Loebenstein, Director of the Filmmuseum, and former CEO of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA).

Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer used the occasion to announce the bid of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to host World Pride in 2023. The bid is yet another demonstration of Australia’s commitment to promote equality and respect for LGBTI people. If successful, this would be the first time that a World Pride was held in the Southern Hemisphere. 

 

Australia's Participation at the 28th Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

Photo caption:  Ambassador HE Dr Brendon Hammer, Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, delivering Australia's national statement to the 28th Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

 

Photo caption:  Ambassador HE Dr Brendon Hammer, addressing a side-event on "MIKTA Experiences Addressing Fisheries Crime and Wildlife Trafficking." 

 

Photo caption:  Stephen McGlynn, Minister-Counsellor, Home Affairs, Geneva addressing a side event on "Innovative Models to Fight Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking."

 

Photo caption:  Emily Roper, Director, Transnational Crime Section, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, speaking at a side event, chaired by Ambassador HE Dr Brendon Hammer on "Strengthening Capacity to Combat Cybercrime:  Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse Online."

 

Australia participated at the 28th Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) in Vienna from 14-18 May 2019.  The CCPCJ is the UN's principal policy-making body on criminal justice issues. A copy of Australia's national statement can be found here.

This year, together with Mexico, Australia successfully introduced a groundbreaking and comprehensive new resolution on "Countering Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse Online."  Australia also actively participated in resolution negotiations and side-events on issues including countering cybercrime, modern slavery and wildlife trafficking.

 

 

Anzac Day 2019 in Vienna

Photo caption: Remembrance at sunrise in the historic centre of Vienna. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Anzac Day – the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in 1915 – was commemorated on 25 April 2019. Anzac Day is the time when Australians and New Zealanders honour the memory of all those gallant women and men who have laid down their lives in the service of our countries. It is also a time when we reflect upon the tragic loss of life in all wars. The Embassies of Australia and New Zealand held their traditional Dawn Service together in front of the Karlskirche church. Over two hundred Australians, New Zealanders and friends of the two countries joined ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of Canada, France, Ireland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States to mark this important event of gratitude and reflection. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Photo caption: Australian Ambassador Brendon Hammer laying a commemorative wreath. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Photo caption: Anzac Day Musicians (l-r): Grace Kasper, Anna Voshege, Emily Nathan, Sonia Connor, David Corcoran, Anne Ewing, Sonja Schebeck. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Photo caption: Australian and New Zealand children reading the Ode of Remembrance. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Photo caption: Dignitaries attending the 2019 Anzac Day Dawn Service in Vienna. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Photo caption: Last Post and Reveille, Staff Sergeant Markus Trettler, Austrian Armed Forces. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

 

Australia's Statement at the 62nd Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna

On 15 March 2019, Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations in Vienna, delivered Australia’s national statement at the 62nd Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna. Read the full statement here. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

 

Work and Holiday in Australia

Australia’s Work and Holiday Program allows young nationals, including from Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and the Slovak Republic, to work and holiday in Australia for up to twelve months, thereby offering a unique cultural, social, linguistic and intellectual experience. Information on how to lodge and prepare an application  is available at https://austria.embassy.gov.au/vien/Visas_and_Migration.html and https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-462

Remember to include all the required information at the time you apply, including requisite evidence of your English skills.

 

Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement Roundtable Events in Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and Slovenia

From 12 to 15 February 2019, Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer, accompanied by Ms Juliana Nam, Counsellor for Free Trade Advocacy at the Australian Embassy in Brussels, led a series of roundtable events in Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava and Ljubljana to promote the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The roundtables facilitated frank and engaging discussion among a broad range of participants, including parliamentarians, government officials and industry representatives on the mutual benefits that could accrue from a comprehensive and ambitious FTA. Participants welcomed Australia’s commitment to the rules-based multilateral trading system, and identified opportunities to grow trade in sectors such as automobiles, e-commerce and government procurement. For an overview of Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs), see https://dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/Pages/trade-agreements.aspx

Hungary

Participants at the roundtable discussion held in Budapest, Hungary, on 11 February 2019 (l-r): Tímea Szvervánszky-Kalakán (Ministry of Agriculture); Dr Emőke Korzenszky (Ministry of Agriculture); Dr János Jakó (Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade); Zoltán Lédig (Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade); Levente Zoltán Gönczö (Ministry of Human Capacities); Magdolna Baki (Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry); Mária Tényi-Stark (Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry); Balázs Szabó (National Agricultural Chamber); Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer; Juliana Nam (Australian Embassy Brussels); Alison Drury (Australian Embassy Vienna); Nóra Pataki (Hungarian Export Promotion Agency); Dr Sándor Sipos (Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade); Patricia Marity, Australian Embassy Vienna. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Austria

 
Photo caption: Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer speaking about the benefits of free trade at the roundtable held in Vienna, Austria, on 13 February; pictured right: Juliana Nam, Counsellor for Australia-EU FTA advocacy and outreach, Australian Embassy Brussels. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Participants at the roundtable discussion in Vienna on 13 February 2019 (l-r): Eva Dessewffy (Labour Chamber); Kim Ralston (Australian Embassy Vienna); Igor Sekardi (Industrialists Federation); Nikolaus Morawitz (Agriculture Chamber); Claudia Stowasser (Federal Economic Chamber, WKO); Juliana Nam (Australian Embassy Brussels); Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer; Dr Brigitte Lüth (Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs); Dr Suzanne Pichl (Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs); Dr Harald Stranzl (Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs); Franz Svehla (Federal Ministry for Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection); Angela Pfister (ÖGB Trade Union Association); Karoline Dietrich (Federal Chancellery). Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Slovak Republic 

Participants at the roundtable discussion held in Bratislava on 13 February 2019 (l-r): Stanislav Kubinec (Ministry of Economy); Andrea Krajčiková (Ministry of Economy); Miriam Sabadošova (SARIO); Adam Kalina (SARIO); Eva Havelková (EPIC); Juliana Nam (Australian Embassy Brussels); Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer;  Lenka Smirjanova (Ministry of Economy); Pavol Prepiak (Automotive Industry Association of the Slovak Republic); Peter Benčúrik (Slovak Chamber of Agriculture and Food); Martin Hrivik (Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry); Jozef Rajtar (Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Nada Muster (Australian Embassy Vienna). Copyright: Australian Embassy.

Slovenia 

Caption: Ambassador Dr Brendon Hammer discussing the bilateral relationship with HE Mr Dejan Židan MP, President of the National Assembly of Slovenia, on 14 February. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

 
Participants at the roundtable discussion held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 14 February 2019 (l-r): Andrej Piano (Ministry of Economic Development and Technology); Kim Ralston (Australian Embassy Vienna); Dr Tatjana Zagorc (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia); Sonja Šmuc MSc (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia); Dr Anja Fabiani (Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Tanja Strniša (Ministry of Agriculture); Juliana Nam (Australian Embassy Brussels); Maja Bednaš (Institute for Macroeconomic Analysis); Ambassador Iztok Grmek (Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Richard Holzer-Remondi (Australian Embassy Vienna). Copyright: Australian Embassy.

 

With Slovenian Parliamentarians in Ljubljana on 14 February 2019 (l-r): Kim Ralston (Australian Embassy Vienna); Juliana Nam (Australian Embassy Brussels); Ambassador Dr Hammer; Dr Darij Krajčič MP; Monika Gregorči MP; Andreja Zabret MP; Soniboj Knežak MP. Copyright: Australian Embassy.

 

 

Have you studied in Australia? Would you like to keep in touch?  If so, the Australian Embassy, Vienna would like to hear from you. The Australian Embassy, Vienna,  facilitates alumni networks in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia, with  the aim of building and mobilising professional networks between student, and academic staff who have  studied, undertaken research or worked at Australian universities.  If you are interested in hearing more,  please send us an email at [email protected].  We are looking forward to hearing from you and  meeting you at one of our alumni social events.