The various sections

The political section

The department of politics is the crossing point for the bilateral political relations between Germany and Australia as well as Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Nauru. The department informs the Federal government about domestic political developments and about the foreign and security politics of the countries within the jurisdiction of the Embassy and the region. The whole area of political relations and the exchange of visits on a federal and regional level are prepared and accompanied within the political section. The department also informs the governments of the host countries about political developments in Germany, particularly in matters of foreign -, security and third world politics.

Foreign policy - European politics and bilateral matters

The economics section

The goal of the department of economics is to foster and maintain the german-australian economic relations. This section is concerned with the economic development of the countries of its jurisdiction (Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Nauru) and is engaged in enhancing Germany as an attractive place for trade and investment as well as Außenwirtschaftsförderung. The department fosters contacts between government offices, federations and businesses and looks after economics delegations.

The economic section works with the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Sydney and Melbourne as well as other partner organisations. There is also a close cooperation at the level of EU-economic consellors and with the local delegation of the EU-commission.

Economics and bilateral issues

The consular section

The legal and consular section of the Embassy ensures - together with the Consulates General in Sydney and Melbourne - that German citizens who reside in the Embassy's jurisdiction get assistance within the framework of legal and practical possibilities should they require advice or assistance. The framework for becoming active is outlined by the consular legislation and the legal system of the respective countries. The cost of services, e.g. of travel agencies, automobile clubs, interpreters, translators, solicitors, banks etc. that are used in this context can not be taken over by the German missions.

For citizens of the host countries (Australia as well as Papua- New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Nauru) as well as citizens of third countries who reside permanently in one of the countries within the jurisdiction are entitled to use the services of the legal and consular section of the Embassy. This applies particularly for issuing visa.

Consular assistance and representation of interests for citizens in the host country or from third countries in Germany can only be dealt with from the foreign missions of the respective country of origin in Germany.

Contact
Information for German nationals
Visa requirements

The cultural section

The cultural department fosters and coordinates the exchange of culture and education with Australia as well as Papua-New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Nauru. It also supports the cultural and educational organisations operating in Australia, in particular the Goethe-Institute Inter Nationes, the German School in Sydney, the teachers who are sent here and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The focus of the department's work are the support of the German language and the academic exchange.

Other work areas include: the cooperation with German speaking associations, youth exchange, relations with religious and sport communities. Furthermore the cultural section observes australian politics in the earlier mentioned areas and maintains close contact with the governement and to a great number of Australian organisations.

Contact
Culture and Education

The press section

The press department of the Embassy is responsible for the press and media relationship work. The aim is to inform the Australian public about the politics of the German government and about political topics in relation to Germany generally. The press officer is spokeswoman of the Embassy and cultivates the contact with the Australian media, the German newspapers published in Australia and accredited correspondents from the German media within the country.

Contact
News from Germany

The Defence Attaché

The Defence Attaché (DA) supports the German Ambassadors in Australia and New Zealand in all questions of defence and security policy. He is also responsible for informing the German government about questions relating to military developments in his host countries. He acts as a point of contact for the Australian Department of Defence, the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and the military headquarters in Australia and New Zealand in their dealings with the German Ministry of Defence (BMVg) as well as the German Armed Forces. The DA is a staff officer (Lieutenant Colonel or Commander level) assisted by a warrant officer class II.

Contact
Link to Bundeswehr website