Relations between Australia and New Caledonia

Australian diplomatic representation in Noumea began in August 1940 when Australia’s Minister for External Affairs, John McEwen, announced to the Parliament that the Australian Government had appointed Bertram Charles Ballard as Australia’s first official representative in Noumea, on 6 August 1940.

Ballard arrived in New Caledonia in late August 1940 and Australia’s diplomatic representation in Noumea was its fourth in the world, after London, Washington and Ottawa.

Shortly after Ballard’s arrival, the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Adelaide supported New Caledonia’s Ralliement to Free France of 19 September 1940 by escorting Henri Sautot to Noumea aboard Norwegian ship, the Norden. Following Ballard’s departure in 1943, more than 30 Australian diplomats have served as Consuls-General in Noumea, all working towards building bilateral and regional relations (List of Australian diplomats heads of post in New Caledonia).

In 2016, New Caledonia was granted full membership of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), alongside French Polynesia. New Caledonia is a long-standing member of the Pacific Community (SPC), which has its secretariat headquartered in Noumea.

New Caledonia is also a member of the South Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) and the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO). New Caledonia is also an associate member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie and has a non-voting seat on the World Health Organisation Western Pacific Regional Committee. Further information is available on the website of the Regional cooperation and External Relations Department (SCRRE) of New Caledonia.

The relationship between Australia, France and New Caledonia, is multifaceted and has grown and strengthened over the years. It covers a wide range of areas:

Education with the Australia Awards Scholarship program managed by the Australian Consulate-General, the SIA classes (Section Internationale australienne) and the Australian Mathematics Competition managed the Vice-Rectorate of New Caledonia, and the Southern Province university mobility scholarships. Several New Caledonian schools and colleges have also established relationships with Australian schools and colleges. A number of Australian graduates have also worked as Language Assistants in New Caledonia, teaching English to local schoolchildren, under the auspices of the English Teaching Assistant Programs | Campus France managed by the Vice-Rectortate’s DAREIC (Academic Delegation for European and International Relations and Cooperation), or have undertaken since 2018 placements in local companies or organisations through DFAT’s New Columbo Plan.
Trade and investment including with the Australasia – New Caledonia Business Council (CAANC) founded in 2003 on the initiative of the Australian Consulate-General and which maintains close relations with the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC).
Defence cooperation (visits and joint exercises) with the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC).
Cooperation in the event of regional or natural disasters with the French High Commission in New Caledonia and the Emergency Management Department of New Caledonia (DSCGRNC).
Medical treatment and care with special arrangements between CAFAT and relevant Australian and State authorities.
Fight against terrorism and organised crime.
Sports, tourism, and culture.
Cooperation agreements such as the declaration of intent on the development of trade cooperation between New Caledonia and the State of Queensland, agreements between provinces and States (North Province and Central Queensland), and twinning arrangements between municipalities (Noumea and Gold Coast, Boulouparis and Biloela, Mont-Dore and Maroochy-Sunshine Coast, Pouembout and Emerald).

Further information is also available on the DFAT website:

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