As prepared for delivery – October 24, 2018 Ladies and gentlemen, it’s an honor to present this inaugural award for Leadership Excellence in honor of the 75th Anniversary of Eleanor Roosevelt’s dedication of the very ground on which we stand this evening. We are in a time of change. A tipping point where the voices ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 24 October, 2018 | Topics:
News, Speeches
– As prepared for delivery, September 24, 2018 – Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a pleasure to join you here in Cairns this morning. Sitting here on the beautiful Pacific Rim, we don’t have to look far to see the impact that globalization and rapid advances in technology have had on the world. In our own ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 26 September, 2018 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – September 13, 2018) Thank you, Lauren, and I’d also like to acknowledge Mercedes Page, CEO of Young Australians in International Affairs. Thank you for the invitation to speak. I could start tonight by going into what an honor and a privilege it is to engage with such a distinguished group ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 13 September, 2018 | Topics:
News, Speeches
As prepared for delivery, July 9, 2018 Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us to celebrate America’s Independence Day, and thank you to our hosts here at Larrakeyah Barracks. I wish to acknowledge the people of the Larrakeyah Nation, on whose land we are gathered today. I pay my respects to their Elders, past ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 9 July, 2018 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – March 22, 2018) Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us here at the U.S. Embassy Canberra for today’s Cancer Moonshot roundtable. It’s fantastic to see such continued and active engagement in this partnership at the highest levels of government, academia and medical practice. This initiative was established in 2016 ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 22 March, 2018 | Topics:
News, Speeches
As prepared for delivery March 14, 2018 Thank you, Graham. One of the greatest honors for me, as the U.S. Consul General, is to represent the American people and our government at historic events such as this. It is also a real honor to share the stage today with the Lord Mayor, Rear Admiral Mead, ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 14 March, 2018 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – January 29, 2018) Six months ago, three U.S. Marines tragically lost their lives when their MV22 Osprey aircraft entered the water off the coast of Queensland. Just days before, these young men and their crewmates on board the USS Bonhomme Richard had been proud participants in what had been yet ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 29 January, 2018 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – January 15, 2018) Ladies and gentlemen: welcome and thank you for having me here today. We’re now one week into the 24th Canberra International Physics Summer School and I hope you’re all well and truly engrossed in the facets of topological matter. The U.S. Embassy is very proud to be ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 15 January, 2018 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – January 13, 2018) Thank you, thank you very much. It is truly my pleasure to be here for the 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival—what an experience. I would like to firstly acknowledge: His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley; the Honourable Michael McCormack; the Honourable Rick Colless; and Mr. Phillip Donato. ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 13 January, 2018 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – December 7, 2017) Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a pleasure to be with you—both personally and on behalf of the U.S. Mission in Australia. I’m down to speak this morning on the U.S. as Australia’s ally in innovating for the 21st century and really, what better place to start the conversation ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 7 December, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(as prepared for delivery December 1, 2017) G’day Australia! Thank you very much to the G’Day USA sponsors and partners for inviting me to join this morning’s launch. Minister Bishop and Minister Ciobo—my work, and the work of the U.S. Mission in Australia, is made easier by your steadfast enthusiasm for our unparalleled bilateral relationship. Thank you. As Consul General, I’m fortunate to experience the breadth of the U.S.–Australian partnership each and every day—such as yesterday, when ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 1 December, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – October 3, 2017) Thank you, Tom, and thanks to the whole team at Kallman Worldwide for organizing the U.S. presence here at Pacific 2017. The new USA Partnership Pavilion is an impressive showcase for America’s innovative maritime defense and commercial partners, equipment products and services. Welcome all! 2017 marks a ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 3 October, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra (As prepared for delivery – September 14, 2017) Ladies and gentlemen, it’s an honor to join you again at this esteemed forum. Thank you very much for having me back this year. I was privileged to be in the audience last month for an address by former Prime Minister ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 14 September, 2017 | Topics:
Chargé D’Affaires, Doing Business in the U.S., Speeches, U.S. & Australia
Chargé d’Affaires James Carouso (As prepared for delivery – September 12, 2017) Good evening and thank you for joining us today. I’d like to acknowledge Minnie Constan, the Event Director for Diversified Communications for continuing to go out of the way to support a U.S. presence at Fine Food Australia each year. Without her continued ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 12 September, 2017 | Topics:
Agriculture, Chargé D’Affaires, Commercial Affairs, Economic Affairs, Speeches, Trade
| Tags: Fine Food
(As prepared for delivery – August 22, 2017) Thank you, Professor Carlin. Those of you who know me surely expect me to talk enthusiastically about Stanford football and the game on Sunday when we will crush Rice. Those remarks will be later this week. This evening I want to focus on why the U.S.-Australia relationship ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 23 August, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – August 14, 2017) First of all, this morning, I would like to thank our speakers; the researchers; and the corporate sponsors—all of whom helped bring today’s launch and the Foreign Investment Study together. And what a valuable study this is. This research places a vital aspect of the U.S.–Australian alliance ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 14 August, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – July 25, 2017) What a fantastic setting for the United States Independence Day celebration in Brisbane! And what a pleasure it is to be aboard America’s flagship, USS Ronald Reagan. I’d like to begin by thanking Captain Donnelly and each member of the crew of USS Ronald Reagan for hosting ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 26 July, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – July 25, 2017) Today we gather for the closing ceremony for Talisman Saber 2017. It is fitting to hold this ceremony aboard USS Ronald Reagan, with all 98,000 tons of diplomacy and power projection. I was asked to speak about the Alliance between the United States and Australia, now in ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 25 July, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – July 6, 2017) Thank you very much. I want to also thank the University of Canberra for hosting us here tonight. And thank you to Ingrid Tomanovits and the Australian–American Fulbright Commission for organizing this event. I’m delighted to be here this evening. I have said before that I owe ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 12 July, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – July 4, 2017) Good evening everyone, and welcome to our celebration of America’s Independence Day. I would first like to begin by thanking our hosts, Canberra Airport Group, and specifically Terry Snow and Stephen Byron whose amazing vision and entrepreneurship have created this beautiful facility that we’re now in; the ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 5 July, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – June 29, 2017) Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for having me here. I would like to begin by offering thanks to Admiral Harris — thank you for your terrific remarks and your leadership in this critical Alliance — it’s hard for a diplomat to follow you at the podium at ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 30 June, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
| Tags: Charge d'Affaires James Carouso
(As prepared for delivery – March 8, 2017) I am so honored to be here this evening. You see, without Fulbright, I wouldn’t exist. My father John Karousatos was among the first Greek Fulbright scholars to study in America. He arrived at Emory University in the early 1950s to study chemical engineering. Now I don’t ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 9 March, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
| Tags: Charge d'Affaires James Carouso, Fulbright
(As prepared for delivery – February 28, 2017) Speaking in Sydney last December, Admiral Harry Harris, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, said: “Our alliance is both defined by its storied past and invigorated by its boundless future.” So I hope you’ll indulge me this morning as I tell a story from our shared history ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 28 February, 2017 | Topics:
News, Speeches
| Tags: Charge d'Affaires James Carouso
USS Peary Memorial Service The Esplanade, Darwin (As prepared for delivery – February 19, 2017) “Lest we forget.” Three short words that carry a lot of weight. They oblige our generation to remember all those who sacrificed their lives on our behalf. That we enshrine and recall those such as the 88 souls lost in ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 21 February, 2017 | Topics:
East Asia & Pacific, News, Speeches
| Tags: Darwin, USS Peary
Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) 2017 Economic & Political Overview, Brisbane (As prepared for delivery – February 17, 2017) I wasn’t here for EPO 2016. Did the speakers get it right? Could anyone have predicted the year that just ended? With that said, I will do my best to map out where I ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 17 February, 2017 | Topics:
Commercial Opportunities, East Asia & Pacific, Economic Affairs, News, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery – December 9, 2016) G’day Australia! Thank you to everyone here – the G’Day USA sponsors and partners, and of course Foreign Minister Bishop and Minister Ciobo – there are no better friends of the United States and promoters of the U.S.-Australia relationship than these ministers. You all make my job ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 15 December, 2016 | Topics:
News, Speeches
| Tags: Charge d'Affaires James Carouso
(As prepared for delivery – December 8, 2016) Hello Perth! Hello West Tech Fest! I am delighted to be here! This is the third year that the U.S. Embassy and our Consulate General in Perth are not just participants, but partners with West Tech Fest and the OzApp Awards. It is a great way to ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 8 December, 2016 | Topics:
News, Science & Tech, Speeches
| Tags: Charge d'Affaires James Carouso
(As prepared for delivery – November 22, 2016) Thank you for inviting me to address this esteemed forum. I will open this afternoon’s session with President Barack Obama’s words at last June’s SelectUSA Investment Summit: “… [S]elect the USA – because nowhere in the world and never in history has there been a better place ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 23 November, 2016 | Topics:
Economic Affairs, Speeches
| Tags: Charge d'Affaires James Carouso
As prepared for delivery – November 9, 2016 – National Press Club, Canberra It is great to see such a crowd! Welcome to you all! Welcome to the final day of one of the most watched, most anticipated U.S. presidential election campaigns. This has been an unprecedented and extraordinary election, with not just the usual ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 10 November, 2016 | Topics:
News, Speeches
| Tags: Charge d'Affaires James Carouso
By Chargé d’Affaires James Carouso – (As prepared for delivery – November 3, 2016) As a boy growing up in New York, I, like millions of Americans and people all over the world, watched the moon landing live on television. What I did not know in 1969, and I suspect few outside Australia knew, is that those ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 3 November, 2016 | Topics:
Science & Tech, Speeches
| Tags: Charge d'Affaires James Carouso, NASA, Science, Space
Institute for Regional Security Annual Dinner National Gallery of Australia, Canberra ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 19 October, 2016 | Topics:
East Asia & Pacific, Speeches
| Tags: Chargé d’Affaires, Security
Secretary of State John Kerry On the Trans-Pacific Partnership September 28, 2016 Wilson Center Washington, D.C. REMARKS SECRETARY KERRY: Jane, thank you for a wonderful introduction. I hugely appreciate your support, your counsel. And obviously, we are living in complicated times. I want to thank you for many, many years of remarkable service to ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 29 September, 2016 | Topics:
East Asia & Pacific, Press Releases, Speeches
| Tags: #JohnKerry, #SectretaryOfState, #TPP
(As prepared for delivery – September 7, 2016) It is an honor and a privilege to be back in Adelaide and back at the American Chamber of Commerce! One of the highlights of my time here as Ambassador has been our Embassy’s close, collaborative relationship with AmCham. Not only does AmCham play a pivotal ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 7 September, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery –August 31, 2016) Almost four years ago, when President Obama asked me: “John, what would make you happy?” I answered him with one word: Australia. Thus began my once-in-a-lifetime sojourn as U.S. Ambassador to this Lucky Country. But in all fairness, I consider myself the lucky one. My three years ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 31 August, 2016 | Topics:
News, Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery –August 22, 2016) A mountain sunrise, a towering waterfall, an icy glacier, a forested glade, a kaleidoscope of corals, boundless wildlife. These sights stir the soul, nourish our imaginations, and reaffirm our humanity. They are increasingly rare outside of national parks. America’s national parks are one of our greatest gifts to ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 23 August, 2016 | Topics:
News, Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery –August 23, 2016) It is wonderful to be in Brisbane! I am delighted to be with you on one of my last visits to this beautiful and vibrant city as U.S. Ambassador. Of all my amazing experiences of the last three years, the G20 meetings here in 2014 stand out. Brisbane ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 23 August, 2016 | Topics:
News, Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery – July 28, 2016) It is an honor to join you in celebrating not just this incredible exhibition, but the close bond between two extraordinary Pacific nations. Before us is a reminder of the history, beauty, and promise that unites the United States and Australia. Ours is a story that unfolds ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 1 August, 2016 | Topics:
News, Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery in Canberra, June 30, 2016) This is my third and, sadly, my final U.S. Independence Day as Ambassador to Australia. Before I arrived here three years ago, I knew the United States and Australia were close. But I didn’t know how close. I knew our ties were deep. But I didn’t ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 1 July, 2016 | Topics:
News, Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery, June 9, 2016) Next month, on July 4th, the United States of America will turn 240 years old. The key to longevity – whether as people, institutions, businesses, or nations – is innovation. It is our response to the new, different, and novel that governs our survival. “When you are finished ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 9 June, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery, June 9, 2016) In World War Two, my father fought for freedom alongside brave Australians; at Guadalcanal and the New Guinea campaign. He and his mates had each other’s backs. They knew that it is when you are under attack that true friends show their mettle. They knew our alliance is ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 9 June, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery, May 31, 2016) Over seven decades, the Fulbright program has left an indelible mark on Australia and the United States. From generation to generation, Fulbright, by investing in students and scholars, reinvigorates our societies – helping us to do better and be better. Fulbright is so successful because it harnesses exceptional ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 31 May, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery – May 7, 2016) Veterans and Members of the Australian and the American Militaries; Distinguished guests; Ladies and gentlemen; On May 8, 1942, the Allied strategic victory in the Battle of the Coral Sea changed the course of history. Without Coral Sea, there could have been no Midway, no Guadalcanal, and ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 7 May, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery – May 10, 2016) It is a great pleasure to welcome all of you to my home. Why are you here? You are here because Albert Einstein was 26 when he published his Special Theory of Relativity. Because 26 was also the average age in the mission control room in Houston ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 7 May, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery – May 6, 2016) Veterans and Members of the Australian and the American Militaries; Distinguished guests; Ladies and gentlemen; On May 8, 1942, the Allied strategic victory in the Battle of the Coral Sea changed the course of history. Without Coral Sea, there could have been no Midway, no Guadalcanal, and ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 6 May, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery, April 29, 2016) It is an honor and a privilege to be back at the American Chamber of Commerce! One of the highlights of my time here as Ambassador has been our Embassy’s close, collaborative relationship with AmCham. Not only does AmCham play a pivotal role in the U.S.-Australia relationship, its ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 29 April, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery, April 21, 2016) The Paris Agreement is a testament to our tenacity in the face of complicated, interconnected global challenges. When countries work toward a common purpose, almost anything is possible. In the 1970s, the widespread use of chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs had rapidly depleted the ozone layer. In response, the countries ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 21 April, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery, April 13, 2016) As you all know, in the latter half of the twentieth century, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a Space Race. Each wanted to be the first to the moon. To this end, the United States put $100 billion in today’s dollars into the ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 13 April, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
(As prepared for delivery, April 11, 2016) I believe that today we are witness to a remarkable moment in history. U.S. companies are investing $100 billion U.S. dollars in Australia’s liquefied natural gas sector. This investment in LNG is equal, in terms of cost and importance, to what the United States put into the Apollo ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 11 April, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
Thank you Vice-Chancellor Schmidt. As an Australian-American astrophysicist and Nobel Prize laureate, I dare say that you are the embodiment of what brings us here today. Americans – particularly the three Americans standing here with me right now – and Australians share an innate desire to improve the world by improving our understanding of it. ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 8 March, 2016 | Topics:
Science & Tech, Speeches
(As prepared for delivery, March 7, 2016) As part of our countdown sequence for this evening, I invite everyone here to imagine traveling in outer space. Imagine the distance, the speed, the immense horizon. Imagine the silence. It is the stuff of fantasy turned reality. However, to travel the universe and to learn from it, ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 7 March, 2016 | Topics:
Science & Tech, Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
March 2016 – Remarks as Prepared Distinguished guests; Ladies and Gentlemen; Welcome and thank you for joining us on this important occasion. I invite you to reflect on some seminal dates in American history. September 17, 1862, the Battle Antietam; in the midst of the U.S. Civil War, it was the bloodiest single-day battle on ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 3 March, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador John Berry
Welcome friends. It is a pleasure to see so many familiar faces gathered together. Tonight, I invite you to imagine a world without HIV/AIDs. Incredible, right? More than that, imagine a world without health epidemics that threaten communities, countries, and regions with economic and social collapse. This world is the vision of the Global Fund ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 29 February, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
Welcome to each of you and thank you for spending your evening with us. To start, I propose a toast inspired by one of America’s foremost conservationists, and its 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. He said: “It is not what we have that will make us a great nation; it is the way in which we ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 26 February, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
In 1945, the horrors of World War II were still fresh in the minds of Americans, Australians, and the world. Men like my father were returning from the battlefields in Europe and in the Pacific. Victorious, yet battle weary. And, after two world wars, the entire world was weary of war and turmoil. Countries and ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 25 February, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
Welcome everyone to my home. It is an honor and a privilege to be your host. We have with us members of the oldest continuous culture on earth. For 70,000 years, Australia’s Aboriginal peoples have been shaped by their landscape. Their cultural and linguistic diversity is astounding, and is mirrored in the indigenous peoples of ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 18 February, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
The man I am about to introduce to you is one of the most well-known and well-respected American politicians of his generation. Barney Frank is, in short, a force of nature. First elected to the U.S. Congress in 1980, Barney Frank was re-elected 15 times, and served in Congress for 32 years. He is considered ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 17 February, 2016 | Topics:
Speeches
I am so excited to be here with all of you! The entrepreneurial spirit is truly alive and well in Perth. I am here today because President Obama has made entrepreneurship a key priority for achieving global economic prosperity. He recently announced that the seventh annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit will take place this June in ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 8 December, 2015 | Topics:
Science & Tech, Speeches
Innovation is about change. It is about seeking out the new and different instead of the tried and true. American founding father (and inventor) Benjamin Franklin once said “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” By this measure, the United States and Australia are just getting started. We have brought all of you together today for ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 7 December, 2015 | Topics:
Science & Tech, Speeches
This year we celebrate both the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Australia and the 10th anniversary of our free trade agreement. These milestones offer an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on our partnership and all its many facets. In the Asia-Pacific, U.S.-Australia cooperation has served as the bedrock for unprecedented stability ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 24 November, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
As the world prepares for World AIDS Day on December 1, I am reminded of the words of the esteemed Michael Kirby, “Nothing is impossible to the human spirit.” And that includes achieving the goal of an AIDS-free generation. We have reached a critical moment in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Scientific advances have ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 17 November, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
Distinguished guests; Ladies and Gentlemen; All who have served our nations, most especially our Marines; It is an honor to be here to celebrate the 240th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. For over two centuries, the United States Marines have been an integral part of our history as a nation. Today, Marines are ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 14 November, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
Thank you Consul General Griffin and welcome to everyone here. This year we celebrate both the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Australia and the 10th anniversary of our free trade agreement. These milestones offer an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on our partnership and all its many facets. In the Asia-Pacific, ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 9 November, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
Welcome to the U.S. embassy, welcome to my home. It is an honor to welcome each of you here today. As-Salam Aleykum, Shalom, Namaste, Allah-u-Abha, Sat Sri Akaal, Peace be with you. Thank you to BlueStar Intercultural Centre and Fethullah Erdogan for bringing us all together. Throughout time – people everywhere have asked important questions: ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 31 October, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
It is an honor and a privilege to be speaking with you here today. Tomorrow marks the two-year anniversary of my arrival in Australia. Over the last two years I have traveled all over this blessed country. I can say with certainty that it is an amazing, innovative place. When President Obama visited Australia in ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 18 September, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
Innovation lies at the very heart of what it means to be an American. From the beginning, our country was a grand experiment. We believed then – and now – that freedom plus sweat equals progress. And if you add creativity or innovation, you get progress squared. One of the United States’ greatest presidents, Abraham ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 10 September, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
This year we celebrate both the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Australia and the 10th anniversary of our free trade agreement. I think it’s a perfect time to reflect on our partnership. Part of what makes it so strong is our great trade and investment relationship. It is broad, deep, ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 9 September, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
I would like to start with a quote from Australian poet Kenneth Slessor’s poem “Beach Burial:” “Whether as enemies they fought, Or fought with us, or neither; the sand joins them together, Enlisted on the other front.” Slessor’s tribute to the soldiers of the Second World War is particularly poignant as we mark the 70th anniversary of ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 3 September, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Allied victory in the Pacific this month, it is a tremendous privilege to be able to speak before you today. One of my greatest honors during my time as Ambassador has been meeting Australian veterans of the Second World War. These men and women are inevitably humble ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 26 August, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
It is a real honor and a great pleasure to be here with you today. One of my priorities as Ambassador is working with people who care to protect the global environment. As a former director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Smithsonian National Zoo, I have been working on conserving our ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 16 July, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
Professor Calma – thank you so much for opening this historic conference and for hosting us here at the University of Canberra today. Thank you for your leadership on U.S.-Australia collaboration in so many areas. Professor Kelso – it’s an honor to be with you today in your new role at the NHMRC. I look ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 13 July, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
We are here to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. And those have been good years for both of our countries. I’m not going to go over all of those numbers – there are quite a few people here who will be more than happy to do that for you. All ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 2 July, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
We are gathered here to celebrate not only the birth of a nation, but more importantly, the birth of an idea: that all people are created equal, and that every individual is endowed with God-given freedoms and rights. This idea finds its metaphor in the Tree of Liberty, which our history proves only grows in ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 30 June, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
Innovation lies at the very heart of what it means to be an American. From the beginning, our country was a grand experiment. We believed then – and now – that freedom plus sweat equals progress. And if you add creativity or innovation, you get progress squared. One of the United States’ greatest presidents, Abraham ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 28 May, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
I am deeply honored to be here with you today for the arrival of Hōkūle’a and her crew in Darling Harbor and the Australian National Maritime Museum. She will dock here for a few days before continuing one her 47,000 mile around the world voyage. One of the reasons Hokule’a’s journey brings her to Australia ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 15 May, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
It is a great pleasure to be here today for the opening of this state-of-the-art factory. I have known John and Adrienne since I was the Director of the Smithsonian National Zoo. Their generosity and dedication to conservation, to sustainable growth, and to the many organizations devoted to ensuring the health and well-being of all ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 14 May, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
There are turning points in history – where the Fates hold all in the balance – and test the mettle of each individual with blast furnace intensity. In May of 1942 – Japan was undefeated, and sought to secure its Pacific expansion by taking Port Moresby and destroying our Allied Naval forces. The anvil was ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 7 May, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
I’d like to thank Niels and everyone at the American Chamber of Commerce who worked so hard on my whirlwind trip around the United States. Over the course of five days, I visited Seattle, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and my old stomping grounds in College Park, Maryland. In each city, I spoke to American business people about ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 29 April, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
Vice Chancellor Kristjanson, thank you so much for that warm welcome! We are so delighted to be here and grateful to the Swinburne University of Technology for hosting us today! Federal Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson, we are honored that you could take time out of your busy schedule to be with us, as ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 26 February, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
This year, we are marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Australia. While this may not be one of our oldest partnerships, there is no doubt it is one of our most valued. We have no better friend than Australia. Together with Australia, we have ensured peace and stability in ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 26 February, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
I’d like to welcome everyone today for President Obama’s State of the Union address. This is more than just an annual tradition in the United States. It is a Presidential duty, mandated by the Constitution. The President isn’t required to give a speech, though. Both George Washington and John Adams gave speeches, but Thomas Jefferson ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 21 January, 2015 | Topics:
Speeches
Thank you all for coming. As one of the new kids on the block, I’ve been very grateful for the warm welcome Curtis and I have received from everyone here in Canberra and around Australia. I’m also grateful for the very useful advice I’ve gotten about how to be an Ambassador. I’m also learning the ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 11 December, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
It is an honor to be here with you all tonight. Curtis and I are really enjoying the concert. Music is one of the things that builds bridges between peoples, between cultures and countries. It’s one of those things that is universally understood, no matter where you were raised. I was reading an article the ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 29 November, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
The Honorable Stuart Robert, Assistant Minister for Defence, and Mrs. Chantelle Robert; Major General Gus Gilmore, Deputy Chief of Army, Representing the Chief of the Defence Force, and Mrs. Lisa Gilmore; Lieutenant General John E. Wissler, Commanding General III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Mrs. Sue Wissler; Mr. John T. Poirier; Distinguished guests; Ladies and Gentlemen; ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 21 November, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
It’s always good to be back in Melbourne. This city has special significance to me. This was where I came for my first official trip outside of Canberra after my arrival. This was also where my father came for his R&R after he fought at Guadalcanal. His stories about Australia led to my lifelong appreciation ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 29 October, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
I’m honored to be here today. Thank you to the staff and leadership of the Centre for opening your doors to the Canberra community. At the White House Iftar dinner last year, President Obama said: “Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see its results.” Clearly, there are more than a few atoms’ worth ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 25 October, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Secretary Richardson, Vice Admiral Griggs, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen; It is an honor to be here with you today to celebrate the restoration of this wonderful memorial. With its new facelift, it’s looking very good for sixty years old. I am grateful to the Australian-American Association – and to the Australian people – for ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 17 October, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Before I begin, I’d like to offer my congratulations and best wishes to all of the finalists in the QUT Innovation Challenge who will be presenting their ideas at the University this afternoon. Innovation lies at the very heart of what America is. From the beginning, our country was a grand experiment. We believed then ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 16 October, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
There are few regions in the world where as many opportunities exist as in the Asia-Pacific. About half the world’s population lives in the Asia-Pacific. It has some of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world. Nine of the world’s ten busiest ports are in Asia. It drives the world’s economy, comprising more than ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 15 October, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
I’m very pleased to be with you as we celebrate this major milestone in the Alliance 21 project. The scope and ambition of this initiative reflect the depth and diversity of the U.S.-Australia relationship. I thank the U.S. Studies Centre and the Government of Australia for investing significantly in this project. Some of you have ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 1 October, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Distinguished guests; Ladies and gentlemen; Curtis and I are very pleased to welcome you to our home. We are fortunate that some of the artists whose work is on display have joined us tonight. We welcome Victoria Beresin who loaned us Shoal of Shame, Nicola Dickson who loaned us Nouvelle Femme and Nouvelle Venus, and ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 30 September, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Our enduring friendship with the people of Australia – founded on shared sacrifices and common values – has ensured peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region since World War II. This is a region of enormous opportunities and great challenges. As partners, we are dedicated to the idea that regional peace and security are a ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 23 September, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Tonight, we celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Fulbright Treaty with Australia – one of the earliest formal agreements between our two countries. It predates even the ANZUS Treaty, which speaks to the nature of the relationship between our two countries. Even as we emerged from the devastation of World War II, our impulse was ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 14 September, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
It is a pleasure to be here with you tonight. The Asia-Pacific is a region that represents both enormous opportunities and great challenges. Together with our allies and partners, we have ensured security and stability here since World War II. We have worked with our partners to establish the rules of the road for trade ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 4 September, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
My thanks to Todd Creeger for sponsoring this breakfast… and Gordon Flake—from the USAsia Centre—for moderating. Former Secretary Clinton launched the Centre when she was here in 2012 and Gordon has done a tremendous job with it since then. I’d also like to thank author, Penelope Williamson and Ambassador Kim Beazley. It’s a pleasure to be ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 15 August, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Innovation lies at the very heart of what America is. From the beginning, our country was a grand experiment. We believed then – and now – that freedom plus sweat equals progress. And if you add creativity or innovation, you get progress squared. One of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, was not just a tremendous ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 30 July, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Some of you may know that I lost my first partner, Tom Leishman, to AIDS. When I met Tom in 1985, this terrible disease barely had a name. On our second date, over dinner, Tom told me that he had “It.” I knew what “It” was. Everyone knew what “It” was, even if they didn’t ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 22 July, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
We are all deeply saddened by the deaths suffered on MH17. Let us each resolve that – whether their lives were ended by the violence of this week or by the scythe of this terrible illness over many decades – their deaths shall not have been in vain. Their passion must now fire our persistence. ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 21 July, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
When I met my first partner, Tom Leishman in 1985, this terrible disease barely had a name. On our second date, over dinner, Tom told me that he had “It.” I knew what “It” was. Everyone knew what “It” was, even if they didn’t like to talk about it. We also knew people were dying ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 21 July, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
For more than a century, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been looking out for the interests of American businesses. And, in some cases U.S. Chamber members have been investing in Australia for more than a century as well. JP Morgan –represented here tonight by Derek Berlin and Luke Palmerlee – has been in Australia ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 15 July, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Curtis and I would like to welcome you to our home. It means a lot to us that you were able to join us for our first Fourth of July celebration here in Canberra. A student recently asked me: “Why is America making so much progress on civil rights?” And I told her that it ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 2 July, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
It’s a pleasure to be here with you today. I’d like to congratulate the U.S. Studies Centre for lining up such a star-studded cast for today’s proceedings. The diversity and caliber of those in this room today is a true reflection of the depth of our alliance, and the many ties that make our relationship ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 18 June, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Thank you, Lyndal. And my thanks to the National Press Club for inviting me to speak today. It is a great honor and privilege to be here today. I want to thank you – and all the Australians we have met for the very warm welcome we have received. Curtis and I feel very much ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 15 June, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Thank you, Representative Pelosi, for the kind introduction. And thank you, Secretary Jewell and Director Jarvis, for allowing me to join you at this special event. Colleagues and friends — it’s a pleasure to be here with you today. I’ll be honest: I never dreamed I would be in a position to represent our country ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 10 June, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Not long after I arrived in Australia, I was given a copy of a little book: Instructions for Servicemen in Australia. During World War II, American military personnel were given copies so they would understand a little bit about this exotic new land when they came for R&R or were stationed here. It’s an interesting ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 28 May, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Health is a central theme of President Obama’s global development agenda, which calls for new and collaborative approaches to preventive medicine, combating disease, and working towards an AIDS-free generation. U.S. and Australian engagement in health bolsters stability and growth around the world. Investing in better health care – and working to prevent, detect, and respond ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 23 May, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Thanks to Peter Castellas and his staff for organizing this conference. Minister Hunt, Professor Thwaites, Mr. Bovnagri, I’m honored to be in this session with you all. I’m very pleased to be here today. When I testified before the U.S. Senate last year, I said that among my top priorities would be promoting economic growth ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 5 May, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
The United States has no better friend and partner than Australia. Since the Philadelphia arrived in Sydney Harbor in 1792 bringing rum, meat, and tar, we have been doing business together. Since we first fought side by side in World War I, we have been working together to keep the world safe. Since the night ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 30 April, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
I am pleased to welcome all of you to our home to celebrate World Health Day. Professor Jane Halton, Secretary of the Department of Health, was able to join us today. I’d like to offer a special welcome to the students from Forrest Primary School. They are responsible for the beautiful cow you saw outside. ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 7 April, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Thanks, Ed (Kruzins) for that introduction. I’m very pleased to be here with you and Meghan Clark and so many of the Center’s former directors to celebrate 50 years of this remarkable network. I’m especially glad that Charlie Bolden and Charles Elachi were able to make the trip to Australia to join us here today. ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 19 March, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
For years, it seemed like Australia was ahead of the United States on matters of LGBT policy. Whether it was serving openly in the military, employment non-discrimination, or partner benefits, we all looked longingly toward the Lucky Country. While the United States still has a way to go, we are doing much better in the ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 28 February, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Curtis and I are very pleased to welcome you to our home this evening. As you no doubt know, we’re in the midst of focusing more of our attention than ever on the Asia-Pacific. In the grand scheme of things, this means more diplomacy as we work to improve the ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 26 February, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
When I heard that Tom was being installed as Chancellor of the University of Canberra, I wanted to offer him a few words of congratulations. I also want to say congratulations to outgoing Chancellor John Mackay for his excellent leadership over the years. I’m thrilled to be here with all of you today. As you ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 20 February, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
I’d like to thank FM Bishop for inviting me to speak to you today. I’m not sure it’s entirely necessary, however. I recently read the excellent speech she delivered in Washington last month. So, I guess all I have to say tonight is: Ditto what the FM said. Thank you. I look forward to your ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 12 February, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Like President Obama, I am looking forward to 2014 as a year of action. Whether it is supporting Australia’s leadership of the G20, moving forward on trade negotiations, deepening our historic alliance, or conserving the world around us, I have no doubt that the U.S.-Australia partnership will emerge from 2014 stronger than ever. Back in ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 30 January, 2014 | Topics:
Speeches
Prime Minister Hawke, Your Excellencies, distinguished guests. On behalf of President Obama, and the people of the United States of America, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to President Mandela’s family, to the people of South Africa, and to everyone who today enjoys the freedoms he spent his life fighting to achieve. I ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 12 December, 2013 | Topics:
Speeches
I’d like to offer a very warm welcome to: Her Excellency the Honorable Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and His Excellency Mr. Michael Bryce; The Dean and members of the Diplomatic Corps; Members of Parliament; Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen; I’m very pleased to welcome you today as we celebrate the visit ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 4 December, 2013 | Topics:
Speeches
Thank you, Staff Sergeant for that introduction. On behalf of everyone here, I’d also like to thank you and the rest of the Marine detachment for your hard work in putting this evening together. Rear Admiral Mark Campbell, representing the Chief of Defence Force, Mr. Michael Pucci, State Member for Logan, QLD, Air-Vice Marshall Peter ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 8 November, 2013 | Topics:
Speeches
You may have heard we recently had some internal disagreements back in Washington. For better or for worse, this is sometimes the way our political system and separation of power works. Those of you who regularly deal with Americans know that we can be opinionated. Some Americans might disagree with me on that. However, while ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 31 October, 2013 | Topics:
Speeches
Thank you, Nicole, for that wonderful introduction. And thank you to the Canberra International Film Festival for inviting me to this highlight of Canberra’s cultural calendar. The U.S. Embassy is a proud sponsor of this festival, and it is a pleasure to be here with you and open this amazing series of international films that ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Canberra | 30 October, 2013 | Topics:
Speeches
