Punjab Newsline, Canberra (Australia)-
Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, held key meetings today with prominent Australian Members of Parliament at the Parliament in Canberra. Among those he met were Julian Hill MP, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs & Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education, along with MP Jason Wood and MP Mary Doyle.
During his discussions, Mr. Bajwa called for the establishment of an Australian Consulate in Chandigarh, stressing that it would greatly benefit the thousands of Punjabis who travel to Australia for education, work, and family reunification. He noted that this move would not only improve consular access but also deepen diplomatic and people-to-people ties between Punjab and Australia.
The meetings focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors. A key area of discussion was the agro-processing industry. Bajwa highlighted opportunities for Punjab-Australia collaboration in dairy, water management, and sustainable farming practices, urging Australian investment in Punjab’s agro-processing sector.
On education, Bajwa raised concerns faced by Punjabi students in Australia, including delays in visa processing, lack of awareness about legal pathways, and exploitation by some migration agents. He proposed the creation of a bilateral education task force to improve student support and cooperation between the education departments of both regions.
Mr. Bajwa also emphasized the value of cultural diplomacy, suggesting an annual Punjabi Cultural Festival in Australia to celebrate and strengthen the bonds between Punjabi and Australian communities. He applauded the contributions of Punjabi-Australians in sports, business, and media, calling them a bridge between the two societies.
Bajwa said that Punjabis are committed to building stronger ties between Punjab and Australia, rooted in shared values of inclusion, growth, and mutual respect. He expressed optimism that the discussions would lead to tangible outcomes benefiting the Punjabi diaspora, students, and farmers, while also advancing strategic interests for both Punjab and Australia.