PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

18 September 2026, CANBERRA – Ambassador Antonio Morales welcomed the 15th Australian Political Exchange Council (AUSPOL) Delegation to the Philippines, composed of Tasmanian Senator Josh Dolega, Councillor Peter Hudson of Rockingham, Mr. Chris Hancock, Adviser to Federal Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm, Ms. Tiarne Crowther, National Policy and Advocacy Lead of the Australian Services Union, and Ms. Rebeckah Auld, Membership and Engagement Manager of the NSW Nationals, together with Mr. Ariel Larkey, AUSPOL Visits Manager from the Australian Department of Finance.

The AUSPOL exchange with the Philippine Center of Young Political Leaders in Governance (PCYLG), which began in 1981, provides Australian and Philippine political leaders with an opportunity to learn about each other’s political systems and institutions, exchange perspectives and build enduring professional and personal networks.

During the briefing, Ambassador Morales highlighted the significance of 80 years of Philippines-Australia diplomatic relations and the longstanding people-to-people connections that continue to underpin the Strategic Partnership. The Embassy also briefed the delegation on key areas of bilateral cooperation across the political, economic and socio-cultural pillars, including the contributions of the Filipino diaspora to Australia, as well as the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2026.

During their visit to the Philippines, the delegation travelled to Manila and Iloilo, where they met with Philippine alumni of the AUSPOL exchange, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, and local government officials from Quezon City, San Juan and Cebu City. The delegation also had the opportunity to observe House plenary proceedings and budget deliberations, while experiencing Philippine culture and engaging with local communities. - END

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