The New Colombo Plan 2014 pilot program was launched at Parliament House on 10 December 2013 by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Julie Bishop MP, in the presence of the Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, who is Patron of the initiative.
The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo Pacific in Australia and strengthen people-to-people and institutional relationships, through study and internships undertaken by Australian undergraduate students in the region. Internships will be integral to the New Colombo Plan, with the aim of ensuring students are work ready, have professional connections in the region and can link their study experience directly to career opportunities.
The New Colombo Plan is intended to be transformational, deepening relationships with the region, both at the individual level and through expanding university, business and other stakeholder links. Over time, the Australian Government wants to see study in the Indo Pacific region become a “rite of passage” for Australian undergraduate students, and as an endeavour that is highly valued across the Australian community. Read more