Today I announce the appointment of Barry O’Farrell to the board of the Australia-India Council (AIC). Mr O’Farrell will take on the role of Deputy Chair. He will make a positive contribution to the work of the AIC at this important time in the bilateral relationship.

The Australian Government has placed our relationship with India at the forefront of our foreign and trade policy agenda.

Mr O’Farrell’s commitment to building deeper economic and community ties between Australia and India is well demonstrated.  As Premier of New South Wales, he led annual trade missions to India. He also initiated the sister State relationship between New South Wales and Maharashtra in 2012.

He joins the AIC as Australia further strengthens its people-to-people and institutional links with India.  The Council will build on the momentum established through the recent visits of Prime Minister Abbott to India and Indian Prime Minister Modi to Australia.

The AIC builds bilateral collaboration in education, science, sport, and the arts.  It also promotes Australia’s trade and investment interests with India through its programs and events.

Mr O’Farrell will commence his five-year term on the Board on 1 August 2015.