MELBOURNE, 25 October 2022: The Albanese Government has committed to establishing the Centre for Australia India Relations (CAIR) with an allocation of $44 million in today’s Budget. In March year the government decided to establish a new CAIR to help foster new ties and support expanding exchange and cooperation with India, including by engaging Australia’s rich Indian diaspora community. It is yet to be decided where the CAIR will be situated.
The Centre will focus on four key areas of work:
promoting policy dialogue
building Australian business literacy and links
engaging Australia’s Indian diaspora communities to support the Australia-India bilateral relationship, and
deepening cultural connections and understanding.
The Centre will also administer the $20.8 million Maitri (friendship) scholars, fellowship programs and cultural partnership, which I announced on 14 February.
In a media statement, the National Chair of the AIBC, Jodi McKay, said the Centre would become a key institution in deepening the dialogue between the two countries and working closely with business and industry to explore and capture the emerging opportunities in India Australia trade.
“India is the fifth largest and fastest growing economy in the world and is recognised as a key strategic partner for Australia. Two way trade between the two countries is currently $25 billion and is forecast to grow to $45 billion within the next five years,” Ms McKay said.
“The Centre will play a key role in helping India and Australia meet those aspirations.”
According to Ms McKay, the Centre’s focus on promoting policy dialogue and strengthening the industry and business links is important, but so too is engaging Australia’s rapidly growing Indian diaspora.
With funding now secured, AIBC is advocating for the Centre to be established in Western Sydney, which is home to a large Indian diaspora.
NSW President, Irfan Malik, said there was great support for the Centre to be established in Parramatta, which is NSW’s second city and a thriving commercial hub.
“As well as making sense from a business perspective, establishing the Centre in Western Sydney would also send a message to the Indian Australian community that the Federal Government understands their importance in advancing the business and cultural ties between India and Australia.”
“AIBC congratulates the Albanese Government on the funding commitment over four years and looks forward to supporting the Centre’s crucial work.”
The Government will formally establish the Centre in 2023. The Centre will report to a high-profile and representative Board, under the auspices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
