New Colombo Plan Alumni reception

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet, the Ngunnawal people, and pay my respect to Elders, past and present.

I extend that acknowledgement to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with us here tonight.

It is a pleasure to join you all to celebrate our New Colombo Plan Alumni.

Since its launch in 2014, 41 Australian universities have formed over 2,500 institutional connections in the Indo-Pacific.

Over 50,000 students have undertaken study, language training, internships, research and practicums in 40 host locations in the region.

As a result, Australia's connection to, and understanding of, our region has been deepened through countless links and friendships.

It has been particularly pleasing to see alumni continue their engagement with the region, with some going on to work on:

…groundbreaking environmental research such as reef health in the Pacific…

…creating innovative startups in Asia…

… and contributing to regional public health and food security initiatives.

Following her mobility project studying the impact of marine reserves in Fiji, Amalya Harding is now a food systems researcher and current PhD candidate at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

She is researching the links between climate change, food security and diet-related non-communicable disease in the region.

James Fairly was a 2019 Vietnam scholar where he worked with KPMG Vietnam, Mitsubishi Group in Japan and participated in the ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting.

He is now a manager at PwC's Emerging Companies and maintains his ties to the region via ongoing language study, volunteering with the Australia Vietnam Young Executives Network and participating in Mitsubishi Group's Australia-Japan Network.

These links and engagements are key to Australia's influence in the region.

They are key to Australia's future.

As the Foreign Minister has said many times, we face the most challenging strategic circumstances of the post-war period.

There are major changes reshaping the world.

Climate change.

Technological innovation and disruption.

Geostrategic competition.

The Albanese Government knows that we need to harness every dimension of Australia's national power to shape a region that aligns with our interests.

To ensure that our region is peaceful, stable and prosperous.

And it starts with our people.

Realising our ambitions in the Indo-Pacific is going to demand more of our leaders and our institutions than ever before.

It demands a deeper engagement with the countries of the Indo-Pacific.

It demands that more of us have the ability to speak the languages of our region.

It demands a deeper understanding of the culture and the customs of our region.

It demands deeper connections between Australians and the people of the region.

This is what we want the NCP to deliver over its next ten years.

That is why after ten years, we are seeking to reform the NCP.

We want to create deeper and longer lasting connections in the Indo-Pacific.

We will do this through longer deployments for students, a focus on language learning, and ensuring strong and lasting institutional links in the region.

The Foreign Minister has also asked me to lead a new External Advisory Group that will consult the sector and other experts for the next phase of the program from 2026 onwards to ensure it remains fit for purpose and builds the capability of Australians.

As part of the consultation we welcome engagement and feedback from alumni.

I'm really pleased that so many people are committed to the success of the NCP and are already excited to be involved in the next phase of the program.

Your first-hand experience is so valuable.

We are keen to know what you learned, what you gained, and perhaps more importantly, how you went about it and how it has helped take you to where you are today.

We want the NCP to support our young scholars make the most of their opportunities abroad.

We want young Australians to form long-lasting connections and to have a strong affinity with the region.

So, thank you for your personal investment in your own Indo-Pacific capability.

Thank you to our universities and academics, business leaders, and our diplomatic corps for the role you have played in supporting the NCP.

I look forward to working closely with you to provide an even stronger platform for future generations of Australians.

Thank you.