PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

05 May 2026, PERTH – Ambassador Antonio Morales took part in the inaugural reception of the Parliamentary Friends of the Philippines, hosted by Hon. Klara Andric MLC at the Parliament of Western Australia.

The event brought together Members of Parliament including Hon. Dan Caddy MLC, Hon. Dr Parwinder Kaur MLC, Hon. Dan Bull MLA, Hon. Rhys Williams MLA, Hon. Divina Grace D’Anna MLA, Hon Colleen Egan MLA, Hon, Yaz Mubarakai MLA, Hon, Dave Kelley MLA, Hon. John Carey MLA, Hon. Ron Sao MLA, Hon. Ayor Makur Chuot MLC, Hon. Simon Ehrenfeld MLC, Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett, government representatives, business leaders, and members of the Filipino-Australian community, in collaboration with the Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC), which is also marking its 50th anniversary.

In his remarks, Ambassador Morales highlighted the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia, noting that parliamentary cooperation provides practical direction to the bilateral Strategic Partnership. The Ambassador noted education as a key pillar of engagement, with the Philippines now the leading ASEAN source of students in Western Australia, supported by expanding university partnerships. He also highlighted the deepening economic relationship, marked by the growing presence of Western Australian investment in the Philippines and increasing Philippine investment engagement in Western Australia.

Hon. Klara Andric MLC highlighted the strong contributions of the Filipino community to Western Australia and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening relations between the Philippines and WA, while supporting both community and expanding business linkages.

APBC President Rafael Toda acknowledged Western Australia’s strategic role in advancing bilateral trade and investment and highlighted the Philippines’ growing importance within ASEAN. He also commended individuals and organisations contributing to deeper commercial partnerships and people-to-people ties.

The Parliamentary Friends of the Philippines is convened by Hon. Klara Andric MLC, with Hon. David Bolt MLA serving as Deputy Convenor. The group aims to foster dialogue between WA Parliamentarians and the Filipino-Australian community, promote appreciation of Filipino culture and heritage, explore opportunities in trade, investment, education, and tourism, and complement broader national efforts to strengthen the bilateral relations through local initiatives. - END

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