PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

20 April 2026, MELBOURNE - Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Antonio Morales, joined a podcast interview with Maridel Martinez-Andanar, Senior Producer of the Filipino Language Program at SBS Filipino, where he discussed the evolving Philippines-Australia partnership and the vital role of the Filipino community.

Ambassador Morales highlighted the steady growth of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Australia, which are marking 80 years of formal diplomatic relations this year. He noted the expanding presence of Australian companies operating in the Philippines, alongside increasing Philippine investments in Australia.

The Ambassador emphasized that the strengthening people-to-people connections, particularly the Filipino diaspora, has been central in driving the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2023. Today, more than 400,000 Filipinos call Australia home, making them the fifth-largest migrant community and the third-largest Asian-Australian group in the country. Filipinos are highly active across key sectors, including healthcare, construction, skilled trades, and education, and represent one of the fastest-growing migrant populations, increasing by 65% over the past decade.

Building on this momentum, Ambassador Morales shared that Philippines-Australia relations will continue to focus on expanding trade and investment, strengthening defence and maritime security cooperation, advancing education partnerships, and upholding the rule of law.

Catch the podcast episode soon on SBS Filipino. - END

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