In the United States I will attend the American Australian Leadership Dialogue (AALD).

 

I will attend AALD sessions in both Washington DC and New York.

 

My visit to the United States will also include an address to the Heritage Foundation on the Australia-U.S. Alliance and its significance in the Asian Century. 

 

2012 marks the twentieth year of the AALD and the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with China.

 

In Beijing I will meet senior Chinese government representatives and members of the Australian business community operating in China.

 

This visit to China will be my first as Leader of the Opposition. As Minister for Health, I twice visited China and worked closely with the Chinese government on issues facing the region, such as preparations for the avian influenza.

 

The Hon. Warren Truss MHR will be the acting Leader of the Opposition for the duration of my visit.

 

 

13 July 2012