- Welcome to Australia
- Australia in the Commonwealth
- Australia was a founder member of the Commonwealth in 1931 when its independence was recognised under the Statute of Westminster
- Australia has been competing in the Commonwealth Games since 1930, and has won an impressive 1906 medals
- It is one of 28 island nations in the association; the mainland of Australia is the largest island in the world
- Malcolm Fraser, Prime Minister of Australia 1975-83, delivered the 2nd Annual Commonwealth Lecture on ‘Globalisation and the Nation State’ in 1999
- Of the many internationally acclaimed Australian writers, seven have won Commonwealth Writers’ Prizes, six for Best Book and one for Best First Book
- Matthew Neuhaus, former Director of Political Affairs, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Michael Hooper, Chief Executive, Commonwealth Games Federation
- Lynelle Briggs, President, Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management
- Ron Heinrich, President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association
- 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth
- 1971 Fifth Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Canberra
- 1981 CHOGM in Melbourne
- 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane
- 2002 CHOGM in Coolum
- 2006 First Ministers Forum on Public-sector Development in Sydney
- 2011 CHOGM in Perth
Hon. Scott Morrison, MP
Prime Minister of Australia
Australia is committed to the Commonwealth. It is one of the oldest international organisations and includes 53 member countries with 30 per cent of the world’s population and 20 per cent of the world’s land mass.
The Commonwealth is not a community of power, wealth, geography, religion or language, so much as a community of values.
We believe in democracy based on the rule of law; we acknowledge Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth; and we share a legacy of British institutions and influence which all members have adapted and improved in their own ways.
The Commonwealth is underpinned by these fundamental values. Biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings provide the platform for leaders to renew our commitment to the Commonwealth and further our cooperation.
In the face of the complex, multifaceted challenges of the 21st century we must continue to take practical steps to strengthen our Commonwealth of Nations and ensure its value, relevance and effectiveness for generations to come.
On behalf of the Australian Government and the Australian people, I send you our kind greetings and invite you to learn more about Australia and its role in the Commonwealth.
The above message was provided by the previous Prime Minister.
Australia in the Commonwealth
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