A black and white head shot of Mathias Cormann, who is smiling and wearing a dark jacket, shirt and tie.

Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

Minister for Finance

18 September 2013 to 30 October 2020

Australia Germany Advisory Group Report Release

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP
Prime Minister

The Hon. Julie Bishop MP
Foreign Minister

Senator the Hon. Mathias Cormann
Finance Minister

Date

In a significant milestone in the relationship between our two countries, the Australia-Germany Advisory Group released its final report today. 

The Co-chairs of the Advisory Group, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and German Minister of State Dr Maria Böhmer presented their report and recommendations to the Prime Minister and Chancellor Merkel, which will broaden and strengthen the relationship between Australia and Germany.

The Advisory Group focussed on identifying opportunities for strategic cooperation, building on the existing relationship between the two countries.

The initiatives in the report are designed to support partnerships in innovation and enable Australian businesses to unlock opportunities in the world’s fourth largest economy.

The report contains 59 recommendations across five key themes, including:

  • Increased trade and investment;
  • Improved strategic dialogue and collaboration;
  • Strengthened cooperation on science and education;
  • Exchange on diversity, migration, integration and refugees; and 
  • Enhanced cultural and sporting links and cooperation on wine making.

Key initiatives in the report include a commitment of German support for negotiations towards an EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement and annual ‘2+2’ strategic dialogue between Australia and Germany, involving Foreign and Defence Ministers from both countries.

The Australia-Germany Advisory Group also comprised Australian and German leaders in science, culture and business.

For a full list of the report’s key initiatives visit http://dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/international-relations/Documents/australia-germany-advisory-group.pdf

Media Contact(s)

For the PMO – Matt Moran – 0438 929 264
For the Foreign Minister – Rachel Obradovic – 0478 488 874
For Minister Cormann – Angus Capel – 0455 069 184