PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

16 September 2026, HOBART – Ambassador Antonio Morales, together with Consul General Jesus Gary Domingo, met Chief Justice Chris Shanahan of the Supreme Court of Tasmania to discuss opportunities to strengthen judicial cooperation.

Ambassador Morales noted the 80th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia and the longstanding commitment to the rule of law. He highlighted the range of judicial and legal cooperation between the two countries, including exchanges involving the Philippine Supreme Court, cooperation with the Federal Court of Australia, and Australia’s support for justice sector initiatives in the Philippines.

Ambassador Morales and Chief Justice Shanahan also discussed the importance of international law in maintaining a rules-based maritime order. He expressed appreciation for Australia’s support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award and for freedom of navigation in the region.

Consul General Domingo also shared opportunities for judicial and legal exchanges, including the potential for Philippine judicial officials to engage with Tasmania’s courts and the Council of Chief Justices of Australia and New Zealand for future institutional engagement. The Council brings together the heads of superior courts across Australia and New Zealand.

The Philippines and Australia have a substantial and expanding partnership in justice sector reform with programs supporting the Philippines in improving the administration of justice, adjudication, case management, transparency and accountability, and greater inclusion and accessibility in the justice system. END

#PHAU80YEARS 🇵🇭🇦🇺