DELEGATION REPORTS
Senator POLLEY (Tasmania) (18:35): by leave—I present the report of the Australian parliamentary delegation to Belgium and Norway, which took place from 1 December to 6 December 2024. I seek leave to move a motion to take note of the document. Leave granted.
Senator POLLEY: I move: That the Senate take note of the document. I seek leave to incorporate the tabling statement into Hansard. Leave granted.
The statement read as follows— I rise to table the Australian Parliamentary Delegation to Belgium and Norway Report which took place from the 1st to the 6th of December 2024. This delegation was an opportunity for us to strengthen our bilateral relationships with these two significant European nations and to explore avenues for further cooperation on various fronts.
Our delegation consisted of a diverse group of parliamentarians and officials, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table. I acknowledge the delegation leader Anne Stanley, Member for Werriwa, The Hon Michelle Landry MP from Queensland, The Hon Warren Entsch MP from Queensland, and Senator Tammy Tyrrell from Tasmania. We were supported by Ms.
Charlotte Fletcher, our delegation secretary, whose diligent efforts ensured the smooth execution of our itinerary. Our primary objectives for this delegation were twofold. In Belgium, we aimed to visit the European Parliament and its institutions as part of Australia's biennial commitment, attend the 43rd Australia-EU Inter-Parliamentary Committee Meeting, and further strengthen Australia's connections with the European Union.
In Norway, our objective was to continue enhancing our ties with this strategically significant Nordic nation. Our journey began on the 1st of December, as we travelled to Brussels. The following morning, we met with Her Excellency Caroline Millar, the Australian Ambassador to the EU, NATO, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Her Excellency provided us with a comprehensive briefing on Australia's bilateral relationship with Belgium and highlighted key issues likely to arise during our visit, including free trade negotiations, challenges faced by European farmers, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Our visit to the European Parliament was an enlightening experience. We received a private tour of the facility, followed by an official lunch hosted by Vice President Sophie Wilmes on behalf of President Roberta Metsola.
This lunch was attended by several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including Ms. Gabriele Bischoff, Mr. Kris Van Dijck, and Mr.
Charlie Weimers. The discussions during this lunch were insightful and underscored the mutual respect and collaboration between our nations. One of the highlights of our visit was the 43rd Australia-EU Inter-Parliamentary Committee Meeting, led by Mr.
Seán Kelly MEP, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand (DANZ). The meeting provided a platform to discuss a range of critical issues, including the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement negotiations, climate change, renewable energy, and political and security developments. I emphasised Australia's commitment to progressing free trade negotiations and our solidarity with the EU in protecting Ukraine and supporting Ukrainian refugees.
Our day concluded with an official dinner hosted by Mr. Seán Kelly MEP, Chair of DANZ, at a nearby restaurant. This dinner was a testament to the warm hospitality and camaraderie that characterized our visit.
On the 3rd of December, we visited the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, where we met with President Marcos Perestrello de Vasconcellos, Secretary General Ruxandra Popa, and other key officials. The discussions centred around strategic developments in the Indo-Pacific region, tensions in the South China Sea, and Australia's provision of support to Ukraine. We also highlighted the importance of listening to Australia's Pacific neighbours on issues such as climate change.
Our engagement with the Belgian trade sector was facilitated through a working lunch at the Australian Embassy, moderated by Deputy Ambassador David Brightling. We received briefings from senior representatives of Belgian foreign trade agencies, who outlined their roles in supporting exports, attracting foreign investors, and fostering international business expansion.
Our visit to the Belgian Parliament included a private tour and meetings with Senator Marie-Claire Mvumbi and Ms. Darya Safai MP. The discussions focused on migration and support for women, reflecting the shared values and social priorities of our nations.
In the evening, we travelled to Ieper (Ypres) and attended the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. This daily ceremony, honouring fallen soldiers of the former British Empire and its allies during World War I, was a profoundly moving experience. I had the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the delegation and reciting The Last Post.
On the 4th of December, we departed Belgium for Oslo, Norway. Our activities in Norway commenced with a visit to 'The Salmon,' an education centre and restaurant dedicated to Norway's farmed salmon industry. We enjoyed dinner with key business personnel, discussing Norway's significant contributions to the global seafood industry.
The following day, we visited Bastøy prison, an open prison for adult male sentenced prisoners. The delegation was impressed by the humane and rehabilitative approach of the facility, which includes training and educational opportunities for inmates. Norway's restorative justice system and low recidivism rates are exemplary models for other countries.
Our visit to Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace provided valuable insights into Norway's defence and aerospace sectors. We received an extensive briefing on Kongsberg's operations and toured their production facilities, highlighting the technological advancements and strategic capabilities of the company. On the 6th of December, we engaged with Norwegian cybersecurity agencies, including the National Security Authority (NSM), Norwegian National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and National Cybercrime Centre (NC3).
The discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening digital resilience and mitigating cyber threats. We also met with OKOKRIM, Norway's National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime, to discuss organized crime and economic exploitation. At the Norwegian Parliament, we attended a working lunch with representatives of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, hosted by Committee Chair Ms.
Ine Eriksen Søreide MP. The discussions covered trade, regional security, international relations, and renewable energy transitions, reflecting the shared interests and collaborative spirit of our nations. Our visit concluded with a meeting at Equinor, Norway's largest energy supplier.
We received a comprehensive overview of Equinor's operations, including investments in renewable energy projects in Australia. The parallels between Equinor's offshore wind power projects and current discussions in Tasmania were particularly noteworthy. I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for their informative briefing prior to our departure.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to Her Excellency Caroline Millar and her team at the Australian Embassy in Belgium, as well as Her Excellency Kerin Ayyalaraju and her team at the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen. Their comprehensive briefings and logistical assistance were invaluable. We are also grateful to Mr.
David Brightling, Ms. Angela McGrath, Mr. Jurre van Dijk, Lieutenant Colonel Carney Elias, Mr.
Pierre Bougeois, Mr. Steven Gardner, Ms. Ariana Carvalho, Colonel Lisa Weston, and Ms.
Catherine Hill for their support and contributions during our visit. Finally, I would like to express our appreciation to all the individuals and organizations who graciously met with us and extended their warm hospitality. Their insights and generosity made our visit both productive and memorable.
The Australian Parliamentary Delegation to Belgium and Norway was a resounding success. It provided us with valuable opportunities to strengthen our bilateral relationships, discuss critical issues, and explore avenues for future cooperation. The insights gained and connections made during this delegation will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of our nation.
Question agreed to.