Home
Cables mirror and Afghan War Diary
Privacy
| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06MELBOURNE244 |
GUANTANAMO SUICIDES SPUR NEW CRIES IN AUSTRALIA [...] (SBU) Three detainee suicides at the Guantanamo Bay Detention facility on June 10 unsurprisingly have brought renewed calls for the release of Australian detainee David Hicks. An Australian Parliamentary motion calling for the closure of Guantanamo and the return of Hicks to Australia narrow [...] |
2006-06-20 01:34:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PROP PTER PREL PINS AS |
| 07MELBOURNE38 |
AUSTRALIAN REGULATOR SAYS TELSTRA DOMINANCE OF [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Australian government's anti-trust regulator, believes that the telecommunications giant Telstra is even better positioned to increase its market dominance following the final government share sell off (known as T3). [...] |
2007-03-08 06:13:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON USTR ECPS AS |
| 08MELBOURNE12 |
TOP VICTORIAN CIVIL SERVANT TO HEAD DEPARTMENT OF [...] (SBU) Terence "Terry" Francis Moran AO (born October 19, 1947) will replace Peter Shergold AC as Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) in early March. Moran has been Secretary of the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet since 2000, formally Victoria's top civ [...] |
2008-02-08 04:29:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PINR AS |
| 08MELBOURNE123 |
Melbourne Businesses See Tough Times Ahead [...] (SBU) Melbourne business leaders predict that Australian GDP growth will slow to approximately two percent in the coming three quarters. While most are not using the word recession, there is an expectation that jobs will be lost, commodity prices will fall and belts will have to be tightened. [...] |
2008-10-24 06:15:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON CH AS |
| 08MELBOURNE125 |
Australian Auto Industry Braces for Tough Times [...] (SBU) The Australian automotive industry, headquartered in Victoria, is in for tough times. With Toyota worried, GM/Holden pressed and Ford on the ropes, industry leaders are expressing concern over the future of Australia's biggest manufacturing industry. A perfect storm is brewing for an au [...] |
2008-11-03 00:04:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 08MELBOURNE136 |
Global Financial Crisis Claims Next Victim in Victoria [...] (SBU) The global financial crisis has found its latest victim in Victoria's building sector. A dearth of financing and sagging consumer confidence have put the brakes abruptly on Victoria's ten year construction boom. While the Rudd government will soon announce an AU $300 million (US $194 mi [...] |
2008-11-19 05:13:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 08MELBOURNE137 |
Global Financial Crisis Batters GM/Holden [...] (SBU) GM/Holden's Chairman, Mark Reuss believes that the Australian auto industry's largest foe is sagging consumer confidence. Reuss is pursuing alternative financing to help struggling dealerships and believes the Rudd government's recently announced car plan will help the industry adapt and [...] |
2008-11-28 03:24:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 08MELBOURNE141 |
Australian Counterterrorism Ambassador on Progress, [...] (SBU) During a November 26 address, Australia's Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism, Bill Paterson indicated that his country would maintain its focus on Southeast Asia by stepping up operational capacity there. Recounting his recent visit to the United States, Paterson said he had been struck by [...] |
2008-12-07 21:11:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER PGOV AS |
| 08MELBOURNE144 |
Tasmania Weathers Global Financial Crisis - So Far [...] (SBU) Tasmanians told Consul General during his first official visit on December 1-3 that Tasmania has weathered the global financial crisis so far, but there are already signs that the state may not escape unscathed. Declining real estate sales have cut into state revenue and tighter credit h [...] |
2008-12-12 01:11:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 08MELBOURNE145 |
Tasmania Weathers Global Financial Crisis - So Far [...] No summary [...] |
2008-12-12 01:17:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 08MELBOURNE147 |
Commodities Downturn Threatens Northern Territory [...] (SBU) The Northern Territory's (NT) economy remains healthy, but is showing early signs of slowing as the global financial crisis works its way through Australia. The Territory's key mining and tourism sectors have softened since September while the NT government continues to tout the US$20 bi [...] |
2008-12-15 20:54:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 08MELBOURNE149 |
Tasmania: Opposition Struggling to Find Foothold [...] (SBU) During a December 1-2 visit to Tasmania, political leaders told Consul General that the Labor party has maintained popularity despite recent political scandals due to a relatively weak opposition. The Greens continue to play a balance of power role in the state and are pushing to return [...] |
2008-12-16 22:43:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV AS |
| 08MELBOURNE150 |
FORD OPTIMISTIC EVEN AS AUTOMOTIVE SLOWDOWN [...] (C) Despite ongoing challenges in the Australian auto industry, Ford says it is holding its own. Handouts from the Rudd government have been well received by the industry and Ford Australia's CEO remains optimistic. However, Ford is reexamining its position in the highly competitive Australia [...] |
2008-12-18 00:08:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 08MELBOURNE151 |
Victoria Opposition Leader Remains Upbeat Despite Polls [...] (SBU) Ted Baillieu, Leader of the Victorian Opposition, believes that former Howard Treasurer Peter Costello will run for reelection in the next federal election, signaling a challenge to Malcolm Turnbull for national leadership of the Liberal Party. Baillieu says that he is optimistic about h [...] |
2008-12-22 04:56:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV AS |
| 08MELBOURNE22 |
SPECIAL ENVOY FOR MONITORING AND COMBATING [...] (SBU) Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Anti-Semitism Gregg Rickman and Foreign Affairs Officer Karen Paikin visited Australia January 21-28 to learn about the incidence of anti-Semitism in Australia. Interlocutors from government, law enforcement and the Jewish community acknowledge [...] |
2008-03-05 03:17:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV AS |
| 08MELBOURNE44 |
NEW GM HOLDEN CHIEF LOOKS TO ADAPT COMPANY TO [...] (SBU) Summary: Newly arrived General Motors (GM) Holden Managing Director (MD) and Chairman Mark Reuss told Melbourne Consul General and Commercial Officer on May 14 that he intended to increase his company's dwindling market share through changes in marketing and making vehicles that consume [...] |
2008-05-14 07:02:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ELTN ECON AS |
| 08MELBOURNE45 |
VICTORIAN LIBERAL PARTY IN DISARRAY [...] (SBU) A divided Victorian Liberal Party is in turmoil following the May 10 sacking of two senior Liberal staffers for their involvement in a web-site critical of Victorian Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu. In retaliation for the firing one of the staffers, who are from a different faction within th [...] |
2008-05-15 06:42:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PINR AS |
| 08MELBOURNE48 |
UNPOPULAR TASMANIAN PREMIER RESIGNS, SURPRISING COLLEAGUES [...] (SBU) Tasmania's beleaguered Premier Paul Lennon resigned suddenly May 26 in favor of his deputy, David Bartlett. Dogged by allegations of corruption over his four years as premier, the abrasive Lennon claimed he left on his terms believing it was time for a generational change. Particularly [...] |
2008-05-27 06:24:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PINR AS |
| 08MELBOURNE9 |
SPECIAL ENVOY FOR MONITORING AND COMBATING [...] No summary [...] |
2008-01-31 03:37:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV AS |
| 09MELBOURNE104 |
U.S. BUSINESSES ON AUSTRALIAN ETS AND THE ECONOMY [...] (C/NF) A number of executives from U.S. companies are concerned that murky details in Australia's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme may lead to unintended consequences. These executives told similar stories of cutting staff and tightening belts in 2009, but are increasingly optimisti [...] |
2009-09-10 05:54:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON ENRG ETRD EIND AS |
| 09MELBOURNE11 |
PM to Raise Container Security Initiative with President? [...] (SBU) According to Port Melbourne's CEO Stephen Bradford, Prime Minister Rudd may raise the logistics of DHS' Container Security Initiative with the President during their early interactions. Melbourne is Australia's busiest port and has seen a clear drop in container traffic since November. B [...] |
2009-01-23 05:19:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE111 |
AUSTRALIAN BANKS EXPANDING IN U.S. AND ASIA [...] (SBU) Australia's dominant "big four" banks have emerged from the global financial crisis healthy and looking abroad to expand. One bank has acquired a mid-sized U.S. regional bank and plans to purchase more, while the other banks are looking to China and Indonesia for growth. These banks are [...] |
2009-10-09 22:41:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE114 |
AUSTRALIAN BANDAID DIPLOMACY IN INDIA [...] (C/NF) Three high level visits to India by Australian officials have had only a limited impact on cooling tempers still hot from a spike in violence against Indian students in Melbourne. Despite recent troubles and a historically inconsistent relationship, both India and Australia are making [...] |
2009-10-20 02:22:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV IN AS |
| 09MELBOURNE116 |
AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY TO TRIAL PRIMARY SYSTEM [...] (SBU) Both of Australia's major political parties are tinkering with their candidate selection processes in an attempt to reverse a trend of declining grass roots participation. The ruling Australian Labor Party (ALP) will test trial a primary system in the November 2010 Victoria elections an [...] |
2009-10-29 04:46:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PINR AS |
| 09MELBOURNE119 |
AUSTRALIAN VA MINISTER TO MEET U.S. COUNTERPART [...] (SBU) Alan Griffin, Australia's Minister for Veterans' Affairs, informed us that he is planning to meet U.S. Secretary for Veterans' Affairs Shinseki in New Zealand in February 2010 along with the VA ministers from the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada. We provide bio notes on this left- [...] |
2009-11-12 23:46:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PINR PREL PGOV AS |
| 09MELBOURNE121 |
BHP BILLITON CEO ON NEGOTIATING WITH CHINA [...] (C/NF) The CEO of the world's largest mining company sees another difficult year ahead for ore negotiations with the Chinese. BHP Billiton, which provides China with a growing portion of its imported ores, expects a slow global recovery, with any pickup in the U.S. economy being offset by the [...] |
2009-11-17 22:15:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EIND ECON ETRD EINV CH AS |
| 09MELBOURNE123 |
GROWING TIES IN AUSTRALIAN-U.S. WATER COLLABORATION [...] Australia and the United States face many similar challenges in managing drought and bringing water to growing urban populations. Federal, state-to-state and commercial ties already exist between the two countries, but as Australia braces for another year of dry conditions, opportunities abound [...] |
2009-11-18 23:47:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EIND ECON AS |
| 09MELBOURNE127 |
AUSTRALIAN-U.S. WILDFIRE COOPERATION TO BE SYSTEMATIZED [...] (SBU) Two teams of U.S. fire experts will preemptively deploy to Victoria as the state braces for another tough fire season. With the devastating February 2009 fires still fresh in the minds of many locals, local politicians are sparing no expense to avoid a repeat of "Black Saturday." Austra [...] |
2009-11-27 23:46:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID SENV AS |
| 09MELBOURNE132 |
AUSTRALIAN BUSINESSES BULLISH ON U.S. GREEN ECONOMY [...] (SBU) Australian businesses are looking to the United States for investment opportunities in the green economy. At least three Melbourne-based firms are considering opening or expanding U.S. operations to take advantage of new markets and significant stimulus spending in clean energy, recyclin [...] |
2009-12-04 21:52:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV KGHG EIND ECON AS |
| 09MELBOURNE135 |
RECOVERY BEGINS FOR AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY [...] (SBU) General Motors (GM), Ford and Toyota, Australia's three remaining automobile manufacturers, have survived one of the toughest years in recent memory. Despite abysmal sales volumes, sagging consumer confidence and the specter of auto import tariffs dropping from 10 to 5 percent in early [...] |
2009-12-16 22:45:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE17 |
Cool Weather Eases Heat Threat in Victoria & South [...] (SBU) Cooler temperatures in Victoria have eased the burden of last week's heat wave (reftel). Though damage has been substantial, brushfires have been brought largely under control and the state's emergency response services are holding up well in the face of increased human health demands. [...] |
2009-02-02 05:44:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | TBIO SENV ENRG AS |
| 09MELBOURNE18 |
Terror Trial: Benbrika Faces 15 Years in Jail [...] (SBU) Abdul Nacer Benbrika and six accomplices convicted of terror related charges in September were sentenced on February 3 to jail terms ranging from six to 15 years. Public reaction to the sentencing has been negligible, with many Muslim communities seeking to distance themselves from Benbr [...] |
2009-02-04 00:47:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER PGOV KVPR AS |
| 09MELBOURNE19 |
Australian CEOs on US Economic Policy, Davos and the Coming [...] (SBU) During a CEO roundtable hosted by the Business Council of Australia on February 3, executives asked Consul General about potential changes to US trade, monetary and fiscal policy. An attendee who had just returned from Davos indicated that expectations are high for April's G20 meeting, a [...] |
2009-02-06 01:59:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE2 |
Tasmania: Controversial Pulp Mill Granted Extension [...] (SBU) On January 5, federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett granted Gunns Ltd an additional 26 months to overcome ecosystem concerns surrounding its Tasmanian pulp mill. While financing the A$2.2 billion (US$1.57 billion) project is likely to be the more significant obstacle, the extension [...] |
2009-01-06 03:29:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV SENV AS |
| 09MELBOURNE20 |
Catastrophic Fires Claim 130+ Lives in Victoria [...] (SBU) Brush fires ignited by record temperatures on February 7 are being labeled as the "worst natural disaster in Australian history." At least 130 people have been killed, over 750 homes have been destroyed, and nearly one million acres have burned. Officials expect these numbers to jump sh [...] |
2009-02-09 05:07:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | TBIO SENV ENRG CASC AS |
| 09MELBOURNE21 |
AUSTRALIAN FIRES CONTINUE AS AFTERMATH LOOMS [...] (SBU) Australia's deadliest wild fire in memory continues to burn in many parts of Victoria. While most of these fires are under control at the moment, higher winds and temperatures are expected by the end of the week. The official death toll for the blazes has reached at least 173 and offici [...] |
2009-02-10 04:49:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID SENV CASC AS |
| 09MELBOURNE23 |
FIRES CONTINUE AS 60 U.S. FIRE EXPERTS PREPARE FOR [...] (SBU) The impact of Australia's deadliest natural disaster continues to be felt as the death toll from Saturday's inferno climbs to 181 with more victims expected to be discovered. Twenty-three major fires remain burning, but no new deaths have been reported. The Victorian government has reque [...] |
2009-02-11 05:34:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID SENV CASC AS |
| 09MELBOURNE24 |
FAVORABLE WEATHER AIDS FIREFIGHTERS [...] (SBU) Fire crews are making progress against the 20 active blazes in Victoria, though they expect less favorable weather by February 18. The death toll for Saturday's blazes stands at 181. Post has not received reports of any U.S. citizens injured or killed in the fires. While some parts of [...] |
2009-02-12 05:38:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID SENV CASC AS |
| 09MELBOURNE25 |
FIRES: OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FRONT; US FIREFIGHTERS EN [...] (SBU) Consul General traveled to the Whittlesea staging ground northeast of Melbourne on February 13. According to firefighters, the weekend will be critical as favorable weather conditions will continue to assist crews facing ongoing fires, none of which appear to be immediately life-threaten [...] |
2009-02-13 05:59:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID SENV CASC AS |
| 09MELBOURNE26 |
CEO OF AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST COMMERCIAL BUILDER ON CHALLENGES [...] (SBU) The CEO of Australia's largest commercial builder said that the GOA's controversial January 27 commercial property assistance plan will help give a much needed confidence boost to the sector. Money is still tight for commercial developers and many are looking gloomily ahead to 2011-2012 w [...] |
2009-02-16 21:58:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE28 |
US WILDFIRE EXPERTS ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE [...] (SBU) A team of 60 U.S. wild fire personnel arrived in Melbourne on February 15 and were met by Consul General and Victorian officials. The arrival received wide media coverage. Six large fires continue to burn, and while they have not crossed containment lines, the blazes continue to threate [...] |
2009-02-17 05:53:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID SENV CASC AS |
| 09MELBOURNE31 |
DEPLOYMENT OF U.S. FIRE EXPERTS GENERATES GOODWILL [...] (SBU) The deployment of 60 U.S. wildfire experts to Victoria has been well received by locals as well as the media. U.S. firefighters are deployed in four locations throughout the state as five major fires continue to burn, though none of the fires present an immediate threat to lives or prope [...] |
2009-02-20 04:55:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID SENV CASC AS |
| 09MELBOURNE33 |
VICTORIA ILL PREPARED FOR TERROR ATTACKS? [...] (C/NF) Victoria's Inspector General released an audit in mid-January criticizing the state government's preparation for a potential terrorist attack. The report found that a lack of cooperation between police and government agencies and a confusing tangle of legislation may slow the state's r [...] |
2009-02-26 22:14:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ASEC PTER PGOV AS |
| 09MELBOURNE34 |
VICTORIA BRACES FOR MORE FIRES [...] (SBU) Hot weather and high winds on February 27 threaten to spread the five major ongoing fires facing emergency personnel in Victoria. The state is taking precautionary measures by advising against unnecessary travel and closing schools. Charge visited the Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) [...] |
2009-02-27 02:14:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID SENV CASC AS |
| 09MELBOURNE35 |
Ethiopians Rally at Consulate Seeking Release of "Political [...] (SBU) Approximately 55 Ethiopian nationals rallied in front of the U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne protesting against the "despotic" regime of Prime Minister Meles Zenawai and calling for the release of "political prisoners." The rally was peaceful and organized by "Australian Ethiopians f [...] |
2009-03-02 05:13:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ET AS |
| 09MELBOURNE37 |
COSTELLO AND OTHERS ON NEXT STEPS FOR [...] (C/NF) Consul General hosted former Treasurer Peter Costello and other prominent Victorians at the first of a series of focus group lunches on the future of U.S./Australian relations. Participants agreed that the United States' credentials as a center for world finance had been damaged and th [...] |
2009-03-09 21:55:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EFIN ECON AS |
| 09MELBOURNE38 |
Business Leaders: We're Only at the Beginning of the [...] (SBU) During a series of meetings in Melbourne on March 11, business and political leaders told Charge that the Australian economy is only experiencing the early effects of the global slowdown. Rio Tinto's Managing Director predicts a rough ride for commodities until late 2010 and ANZ's deputy [...] |
2009-03-17 02:37:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE42 |
RIO TINTO EXECUTIVE: GOA LIKELY TO APPROVE CHINESE [...] (C/NF) Rio Tinto Managing Director Stephen Creese told Charge that concerns over increasing unemployment will likely lead the GOA to conditionally approve a proposed $19.5 billion investment by Chinese state-owned Aluminum producer Chinalco. Although the deal would grant Chinalco two of Rio's [...] |
2009-03-30 05:29:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE46 |
EXPANSION OF WORLD,S LARGEST URANIUM MINE TO [...] (C) Despite turmoil in the global commodities market, BHP Billiton is proceeding with plans, albeit at a reduced pace, to expand its Olympic Dam facilities into what will become the largest uranium mine in the world. Lower copper prices have forced BHP to shelve several capital investment prog [...] |
2009-04-07 02:09:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL | EIND ECON ENRG ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE47 |
BUSINESS LEADERS STILL WORRIED ABOUT U.S. PROTECTIONISM [...] (C/NF) Melbourne based business leaders are worried that global economic conditions are still ripe for protectionist policies in the guise of stimulus packages. During a luncheon at Consul General's residence, business leaders asked if the U.S. Congress would backtrack on free trade. They hai [...] |
2009-04-14 01:06:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EFIN ECON ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE56 |
MELBOURNE BASED AFGHAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ON [...] (C) Abdul Khaliq Fazal, former Afghan Minister for Public Works (2001-2004) and declared presidential candidate in the August election, shared his initial policy platform with Consul General on April 27. If elected, Fazal says he will strengthen political parties and introduce a Prime Minister [...] |
2009-04-28 05:14:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL AF AS |
| 09MELBOURNE58 |
BANKING CHIEFS CONCERNED ABOUT AUSTRALIA CREDIT [...] (C/NF) The CEO of Australia's largest bank and J.P. Morgan's Chairman for its Australia and New Zealand business see Australia losing its AAA credit rating as one of the worst case recession scenarios. While both characterized the downgrade as unlikely, they expressed concern that the impact [...] |
2009-04-29 05:07:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON ETRD EFIN AS |
| 09MELBOURNE6 |
Anti-Israel Protests in Melbourne and Adelaide [...] (SBU) Melbourne-based "Women for Peace" intends to hold a small vigil in front of the consulate building on January 9 to protest events in Gaza. So far, protesters have organized four rallies elsewhere in Melbourne and Adelaide over the past ten days condemning Israeli airstrikes and ground at [...] |
2009-01-08 04:15:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER PGOV PREL IS AS |
| 09MELBOURNE65 |
Indian Students Protest "Racist Attacks" [...] (SBU) Indian international students staged a large protest in Melbourne on May 31-June 1 claiming that they are being disproportionately targeted in a recent spike of robberies and assaults in Victoria and that police are not doing enough to stop the crimes. Police forcibly removed some protes [...] |
2009-06-02 04:24:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL IN AS |
| 09MELBOURNE66 |
BHP PREVIEWS SCUTTLING OF CHINESE INVESTMENT [...] (C/NF) According to its CEO Marius Kloppers, BHP Billiton played a role in quashing Chinalco's bid to invest $19.5 billion in Rio Tinto. This meeting took place one day prior to Rio Tinto's decision to walk away from the Chinalco deal (septel from Embassy). BHP, however, still has its eye on [...] |
2009-06-05 05:16:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EIND ECON ETRD EINV CH AS |
| 09MELBOURNE68 |
MELBOURNE BASED AFGHAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE [...] (C) Abdul Khaliq Fazal, former Afghan Minister for Public Works (2001-2004), confirmed to post that he has withdrawn his candidacy for President of Afghanistan due to President Karzai's "dominant" position in the upcoming polls. End Summary. Candidate Withdraws ------------------- 2. ( [...] |
2009-06-10 22:14:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL AF AS |
| 09MELBOURNE69 |
BIOGRAPHY - BILL SHORTEN MP [...] (C/NF) Consul General met with Melbourne-based Member of Parliament Bill Shorten, Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction. Widely touted as a future Prime Minister, we provide bio notes on this young, ambitious Parliamentarian. End summary. [...] |
2009-06-12 05:08:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PINR PREL PGOV AS |
| 09MELBOURNE71 |
GENERAL MOTORS SUBSIDIARY LEFT TO FEND FOR ITSELF [...] (C/NF) General Motors' (GM) Australian subsidiary and one of the country's largest manufacturers, Holden is scraping by in the competitive Australian automotive market even though financing from its parent company has all but dried up. While Holden is looking forward to opportunities such as th [...] |
2009-06-16 03:34:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE72 |
MAJOR CHANGES TO AUSTRALIAN PRUDENTIAL REGULATION [...] (C/NF) The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA) senior banking regulator said that changes to Australia's regulation infrastructure will be minor and in line with global consensus. While Australia's major banks remain healthy, there is still substantial debate about whether the [...] |
2009-06-19 00:33:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EFIN ECON ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE8 |
Desalination Plant Approved as Drought Continues [...] (SBU) The Victorian government has given the green light to a controversial desalination plant that will help alleviate the effects of a decade-long drought and furnish about one-third of Melbourne's water needs by 2011. Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has not yet granted the projec [...] |
2009-01-13 23:12:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON SENV KGHG AS |
| 09MELBOURNE81 |
Standard and Poor's Bullish on Australian Economy [...] (SBU) Analysts at Standard and Poor's Melbourne headquarters predict a mild and short recession in Australia. The country's states remain among the best rated in the world despite the February downgrading of Queensland from AAA to AA. While Australia maintains a substantial current account de [...] |
2009-07-15 05:29:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE87 |
BIO NOTES - RICHARD MARLES, MP [...] (SBU) Consul General met with Richard Marles, federal Member for Corio and Australia's new Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry on July 13. A rising star in the Australian Labor Party (ALP), we provide bio notes on this recently promoted Parliamentarian. End summary. Bio Not [...] |
2009-07-27 03:53:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PINR PREL PGOV AS |
| 09MELBOURNE88 |
U.S. DAIRY SUBSIDIES HURTING VICTORIAN FARMERS? [...] (SBU) The Managing Director of Australia's largest dairy producer claims that U.S. subsidies are driving down Australian dairy prices. In addition to managing the effects of a 12-year drought, Victorian dairy farmers are also worried that Australia's proposed emissions trading scheme will sign [...] |
2009-07-29 01:21:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR ETRD ECON AS |
| 09MELBOURNE89 |
THE BUSINESS OF EDUCATION HITS ROADBLOCKS IN VICTORIA [...] (SBU) The international education sector is Australia's third largest export, behind only iron ore and coal. In Victoria, providing higher and vocational education to foreign students is the state's largest export, worth approximately A$4.5/US$3.6 billion each year. The GOA is actively seekin [...] |
2009-07-30 02:13:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD SCUL AS |
| 09MELBOURNE9 |
CATERPILLAR GLOOMY AS COMMODITIES DOWNTURN [...] (C/NF) Tamera Nelson, Caterpillar's Managing Director for Melbourne and Tasmania, expects to lay off nearly one third of her workforce this year (strictly protect) due to sagging commodities prices and complex new industrial relations legislation. As the commodities slump continues to drag on [...] |
2009-01-14 23:28:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON EIND ETRD AS |
| 09MELBOURNE90 |
4 ARRESTED IN MORNING TERROR RAIDS ACROSS VICTORIA [...] (SBU) Four men were arrested and 19 homes were raided in Victoria this morning by federal and state police as a result of an ongoing terror investigation. The four men were allegedly planning suicide attacks against Australian targets. Victorian Chief of Police Simon Overland praised the effor [...] |
2009-08-05 07:19:00 | Consulate Melbourne | SECRET//NOFORN | PTER PINR PREL AS |
| 09MELBOURNE92 |
VICTORIA'S MUSLIM COMMUNITIES [...] (SBU) The Muslim population represents a very small percentage of the Victorian community, yet it spends a disproportionate amount of time in the news due to events like the August 4 arrests of six terror suspects in Melbourne and the 2008-2009 Benbrika terror trial. In Victoria, it is not fai [...] |
2009-08-08 05:02:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PTER PINR AS |
| 09MELBOURNE93 |
4 ARRESTED IN MORNING TERROR RAIDS ACROSS VICTORIA [...] (SBU) Four men were arrested and 19 homes were raided in Victoria this morning by federal and state police as a result of an ongoing terror investigation. The four men were allegedly planning suicide attacks against Australian targets. Victorian Chief of Police Simon Overland praised the effor [...] |
2009-08-08 05:21:00 | Consulate Melbourne | SECRET//NOFORN | PTER PVPR PREL PGOV AS |
| 09MELBOURNE94 |
TERROR SUSPECTS CHARGED IN COURT [...] (SBU) Following the August 4 terror arrests in Melbourne (Ref. A), five men have been charged with conspiring to prepare a terrorist act. Melbourne's Muslim communities are bracing for public backlash in the wake of the arrests, but there have been no confirmed incidents to date. While the a [...] |
2009-08-08 05:47:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PTER PINR PREL KVPR AS |
| 09MELBOURNE95 |
RIGHT OF CENTER UNIONS DOMINATE IN VICTORIA [...] (C/NF) Unionized workers represent almost twenty percent of the Australian workforce, yet hold disproportionate political influence in federal and Victorian politics. Victorian right-of-center unions maintain a powerful sway over federal and state Ministers by engaging in backroom diplomacy, f [...] |
2009-08-12 03:56:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PINR PREL PGOV AS |
| 09MELBOURNE96 |
OPERATION NEATH CONTINUES [...] (S) Australian authorities continue to investigate additional suspects in Operation "Neath" which led to the arrest and subsequent charging of five Melbourne-based men on terror charges (refs. A-C). At least one more arrest will be forthcoming as law enforcement agencies close the net on Aust [...] |
2009-08-14 01:54:00 | Consulate Melbourne | SECRET | PTER PINR PREL KVPR AS |
| 09MELBOURNE97 |
BUSHFIRE ROYAL COMMISSION INTERIM REPORT RELEASED [...] (SBU) A Royal Commission into the deadly February 7 wild fires which cost 173 lives released its interim report on August 17. We provide a snapshot of key recommendations. The Victorian government has informed post that it will likely ask for another U.S. wild fire liaison officer to facilita [...] |
2009-08-19 01:08:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID SENV CASC AS |
| 10MELBOURNE10 |
ANGRY CUSTOMER INJURES 13 IN DARWIN WITH IED [...] (SBU) A disgruntled customer ignited an improvised explosive device (IED) at an insurance office in Darwin on February 3, injuring 13 people. Police confirm that the attack was not terrorist related and no U.S. citizens were injured. End Summary. Disgruntled Customer Attacks Insurance Offic [...] |
2010-02-04 00:46:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC PGOV AS |
| 10MELBOURNE11 |
NEW AUSTRALIAN-U.S. FIREFIGHTING AGREEMENT IN THE WORKS [...] (U) U.S. and Victorian fire authorities are preparing a new draft of an agreement which permits the routine exchange of fire experts. The updated agreement will contain language that will allow exchanges to take place independent of emergency needs and focus to a greater extent on research and [...] |
2010-02-05 00:34:00 | Consulate Melbourne | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID SENV AS |
| 10MELBOURNE14 |
VIOLENCE AGAINST INDIAN STUDENTS: A PERSISTENT [...] (C/NF) Nerves are still raw in Melbourne over an ongoing series of attacks on Indian students. What was initially a student issue is now causing concern for Melbourne's better established Indian communities. Recent changes to Australia's immigration policy have not, however, sparked major pr [...] |
2010-02-12 04:38:00 | Consulate Melbourne | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PHUM IN AS |