Australian Trade Discussions

[Jamie]

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Security Classification: SECRET

To: Senator Penny Wong, Owen
Cc:
Subject: Invitation to Bilateral Trade Discussions

Dear Senator Wong,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to formally invite you to participate in bilateral trade discussions between the United Kingdom and Commonwealth of Australia. These discussions are intended to focus on strengthening economic ties, explore new opportunities and to review the existing Trade Agreement to maximise the mutual benefit it offers.

We would be pleased to host the initial meeting at a mutually convenient time and location. Please let me know your availability or if there are any specific topics you would like to be included in the agenda and I will get this written up and included in the itinerary.

Kindest Regards,
Charlotte Baker

Charlotte Baker | Business Secretary |

 

[Owen]

​

MINISTER FOR TRADE​

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: SECRET ​

2 December 2006

Dear Secretary Baker, We are delighted to hear that the United Kingdom has decided to move forward with a formal and truly free trade agreement with Australia. Australia and the United Kingdom share a deep economic history, starting as a fledging colony for the Empire and supplying it with much necessary goods such as wool, gold, wheat, beef and other items to becoming an advanced 21st century economy with a strong financial system and a powerhouse with deep trade relations across the Asia-Pacific region. We propose that this meeting be held in Middlesbrough, as the home town of Captain James Cook, it holds a significant place in Australia's history. On the agenda we would like to include discussions about specific industries that need protection from free trade, scientific and defence industry collaboration, re-establishment of the Commonwealth and a potential wider free trade area within that, labour mobility, environmental protections, competition and consumer policy and financial services. There is a lot of specific detail that goes into a free trade agreement, but rest assured I will come prepared to discuss all of these. Yours sincerely, Penny Wong.

Parliament House, CANBERRA, ACT 2600 Telephone: (02) 6277 7700​

Protective Marking:	Business Impact Level:	Compromise of Information Confidentiality:	Required to be Encrypted:
UNOFFICIAL	No Business Impact	No damage. This information does not form part of official duty.
OFFICIAL	Low Business Impact	No or insignificant damage. This is the majority of routine information.
OFFICIAL: Sensitive	Low to Medium Business Impact	Limited damage to an individual, organisation or government generally if compromised.
PROTECTED	High Business Impact	Damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals.
SECRET	Extreme Business Impact	Serious damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals.
TOP SECRET	Catastrophic Business Impact	Exceptionally grave damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Security Classification: SECRET

To: Senator Penny Wong, Owen
Cc:
Subject: Re: Invitation to Bilateral Trade Discussions

Dear Senator Wong,

Thank you for your prompt response and enthusiasm for collaborating on a Trade Agreement, this presents an invaluable opportunity to reflect on those deep historical ties and develop new ones that can lead us into the future, together. I am pleased to confirm that the proposed meeting will be taking place in Middlesbrough as suggested.

For ease of travel, I would recommend delegates arrive via Teesside International Airport (MME), which is the closest airport to Middlesbrough. We will arrange private transport from the airport to your accommodation, which will also serve as the meeting venue to minimise travel during the visit.

Meeting Venue Leonardo Hotel, Middlesbrough
Security Two private floors will be allocated for the delegation. Dedicated access points and secure meeting rooms will be provided. Cleveland Police will ensure enhanced security coverage, including armed response units on-site throughout the visit.
Proposed Itinerary

Day 0, Evening Arrival at Teesside International Airport.

Private vehicle transport arranged to take attendees to the Leonardo Hotel
Check-in at Leonardo Hotel, welcome materials and itinerary provided upon arrival.​

Day 1, Breakfast, 08:00-09:30

Transport arrives to take attendees to Acklam Hall for breakfast and to meet the British Delegation.
Private room booked for delegation, opportunity for any press photos optional.
Opportunity for informal dialogue before formal talks begin.
Historic venue that is tied to Middlesbrough's heritage.
Delegates return to hotel for main trade discussions.​

Day 1, Main Meeting, 10:15-16:00

Private meeting room provided by Leonardo Hotel reserved for discussions.
Refreshments and lunch provided on-site.
Main Trade Discussions and planning for the initial draft.​

Day 1, Post-meeting, 16:00

Delegates may depart or remain overnight.
Optional local tours and cultural visits available upon request.
Draft summary to be prepared following the meeting and circulated to both governments for review and refinement prior to ratification.​

We are happy to schedule the meeting in the coming days, depending on your availability. Should that not be feasible, my next available window would be mid-January.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Kindest Regards,
Charlotte Baker

Charlotte Baker | Business Secretary |