PHOTO RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

16 June 2026, BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND – Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio A. Morales joined Her Excellency the Hon. Dr. Jeanette Young, Governor of Queensland, at a reception hosted at Government House in Brisbane to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia. The reception gathered senior Queensland officials, members of Parliament, academic and business leaders, and representatives of the Filipino-Australian community in celebration of the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

Among the distinguished guests were Hon. Rep. Irene Labadlabad, House of Representatives of the Philippines, Assistant Minister to the Premier on Matters of State and New Citizens Dr. Christian Rowan MP, Hon. Amanda Stoker MP, Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, State Member for Oodgeroo Dr. Mark Robinson MP, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ms. Charis Mullen MP, Archbishop Shane Mackinlay, senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Home Affairs, leaders from Queensland’s higher education and skills sectors, representatives of Trade and Investment Queensland and TAFE Queensland, members of the Queensland consular corps, and leaders of Filipino community organizations and business groups.

In her remarks, Governor Young underscored the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Australia and highlighted the important role of people-to-people ties in deepening bilateral relations over the past eight decades. She also acknowledged the valuable contributions of Australians of Filipino heritage to Queensland’s multicultural society and recognized growing cooperation with the Philippines in areas such as education, skills, trade, and regional engagement.

In his response remarks, Ambassador Morales expressed appreciation to Governor Young and Professor Graeme Nimmo for hosting the reception and reflected on the continued growth of the Philippines–Australia Strategic Partnership since its elevation in 2023. He highlighted expanding cooperation in defense and security, trade and investment, education, and development cooperation, while underscoring the important role of the Filipino-Australian community, including nearly 74,000 people of Filipino heritage in Queensland, in strengthening ties between the two countries. The Ambassador also noted recent initiatives to deepen engagement with Queensland, including the launch of the Parliamentary Friends of the Philippines in Queensland.

The reception formed part of commemorative activities held across Australia to mark the milestone anniversary and reaffirm the close and enduring partnership between the Philippines and Australia. END