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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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; …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …