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Agent-General for South Australia
Government representative of South Australia in the UK From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Agent-General for South Australia is the official representative of the State of South Australia to the United Kingdom. The position is a quasi-diplomatic representative responsible for representing the State to the Crown and promoting South Australia's trade and economic interests in the United Kingdom and Europe.[2][3] In 1858, South Australia was the first Australian colonial government to appoint an Agent-General.[4][5]
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History
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Pre-Responsible government in 1857
Before responsible government was achieved in the Province of South Australia in 1857, the Province was represented in the United Kingdom by the Colonial Agent Edward Barnard.[6]
Barnard was appointed by the British Secretary of State for the Colonies to work within the Office of the Crown Agents for the Colonies; this meant that Barnard was not appointed or paid by the Province, and in addition, Barnard was the representative of various other colonial governments around the world, particularly in Australia.[6][4]
The growing dissatisfaction with the ability of the appointed Agent and the conflict with their role representing multiple governments, coupled with the Province obtaining response government, brought calls by the Parliament for South Australia to appoint its representative to the Crown and Empire one responsible government had been achieved.[4][5][7]
Post-Responsible government in 1857
In June 1856, the Constitution Act 1856 (SA) was granted Royal Assent, which established responsible government in the Province, allowing for democratic self-governance.
This allowed the Province to dispense with the Barnard and the Office of the Crown Agents for the Colonies so that an appropriate representative could be appointed by the Provincial government that could better serve the interests of South Australia with both the Crown and the greater British Empire.[5][7]
Planning the new role
In 1856, the Provincial government sought applications for the role of new Agent-General for South Australia, with 27 applications being received from various people.[8] However, the role was not immediately filled because a Parliamentary Select Committee was appointed in 1856 to investigate the future purpose of the role; however, at the expiry of the Parliamentary session, the committee was dissolved and not reinstated.[9] However, the Parliament generally agreed that someone should fill the role with the sole interest of representing the Province, rather than a representative of multiple governments.[10]
Appointment of the first Agent-General
In May 1858, it was announced that the role had been offered and accepted by Charles Seale Walters. In September 1859, Walters' appointment was confirmed by the government in September 1858 by the Chief Secretary, and instructions on the role were tabled in the Parliament; Walters was set to take his post in London in early 1859, and Barnard would continue to represent the Province in London until this time.[11][12]
South Australia was the first Australian colonial government to appoint an Agent-General, with Gregory Seale Walters taking the post in January 1859.[13]
In 1889, the Parliament of South Australia passed The Agent-Generals Act, 1889 (SA), creating the post of Agent-General as a statutory body, setting the salary and tenure length of the position and directing the position would report to, and be directed by, the Treasurer of South Australia to perform their duties "the interests of the province".
Post-federation in 1901
On 1 January 1901, as part of the Federation of Australia, the Province became the State of South Australia; however, it maintained its Agent-General in London and passed updated legislation to guide the role Agent-General Act, 1901 (SA). South Australia continues to maintain its Agent-General in London with the current Agent-General being former South Australian Minister for Industry and Trade, David Ridgway.[14]
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Modern role
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Whilst the national interests of Australia are now represented by the Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, South Australia maintains the role of Agent-General to:[15]
- Encourage European companies to invest in South Australia;
- Seek opportunities and provide support for the export of South Australian products and services to Europe;
- Assist South Australian investors seeking investment opportunities in Europe;
- Encourage people to move to South Australia under the Skilled and Business Migration Schemes;
- Assist the State's Tourism Commission in attracting tourists to South Australia.
The Office of the Agent-General also assists in the:[15]
- Promotion of South Australia, particularly in investment attraction, trade development and as a destination for business migrants and European tourists;
- Support and assistance to Ministers and government officials visiting the region;
- Work with South Australian businesses, industry associations and other agencies in establishing contacts in Europe to increase trade, financial and commercial activities of benefit to the State of South Australia; and
- Providing assistance in planning and preparing trade and investment missions from Europe to South Australia.
In 2015, the then Agent-General and advertising executive, Bill Muirhead established the South Australia Club in London as a means for South Australian expats and businesses to network with British and European businesses to leverage South Australia's trade and tourism opportunities.[16] Since 2015, the club has grown across many countries around the world; with hopes of expanding further in the future.[17]
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Diplomatic and legal status
Status in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Agents-General (and their Staff) are granted the same Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities held under international law by virtue of the "Consular Relations Act 1968", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, 1978 c. 30, this privilege is granted under "The Commonwealth Countries and Republic of Ireland (Immunities and Privileges) Order 1985", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, SI 1985/1983, these privileges including the right to freedom from arrest and exemption of duties and taxes.
Status in Australian and international law
Under international and Australian federal law, however, Agents-general have no diplomatic or legal status, privileges or immunities under international or Australian Federal laws but are generally granted the privilege of an Australian Diplomatic or Official Passport during their commission.[18][19]
Agents-General for South Australia
British appointed
South Australian government appointed
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See also
References
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