Australian Aid To Brunei: What's The Deal?

Australia and Brunei have a long-standing relationship that can be traced back to World War II when Australian forces played a crucial role in liberating Brunei from Japanese occupation in 1945. The two countries have enjoyed a warm relationship since 1959 when Brunei achieved self-government, and Australia became one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Brunei in 1984. The relationship between the two countries is focused on defence, security, education, and trade. Australia has a high commission in Bandar Seri Begawan, and Brunei has a high commission in Canberra. In this context, it is relevant to explore whether Australia provides aid to Brunei and the nature of any such aid.

Australia-Brunei diplomatic relations

Australia and Brunei have enjoyed a warm and longstanding relationship since establishing diplomatic relations in 1984, when Australia became one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Brunei. However, their historical links stretch back to World War II, when Australian forces played a crucial role in liberating Brunei from Japanese occupation in 1945. Australia and Brunei have erected a permanent memorial at Muara Beach to commemorate the landings of Australian forces in 1945.

Both countries have embassies in each other's capitals, with Australia having a high commission in Bandar Seri Begawan, and Brunei having a high commission in Canberra.

In recent years, the relationship between the two countries has been elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership (CP), with three pillars of cooperation: Economic, Climate Change and Food Security; Defence, Security and Maritime; and Social-Cultural. Australia and Brunei also hold annual Senior Officials Talks to discuss and advance their respective and shared bilateral priorities, including those set out in the CP.

The two countries share a common interest in a free and open trading system and are party to several trade agreements, including the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). In 2012-2013, Brunei was ranked as Australia's 39th largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade reaching US$1.026 billion. Australia was also Brunei's largest export market in 2023.

Defence and security relations are also strong, with both countries engaging in military exercises, strategic dialogue, and cooperation through ASEAN frameworks. Australia and Brunei have signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding on defence and counter-terrorism cooperation, reflecting their shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

Additionally, Australia and Brunei have a robust education relationship, with more than 12,000 Bruneian students having studied in Australia, and Australia being a destination for Bruneian students. There are also Australian teachers and professionals working in Brunei.

Trade agreements between Australia and Brunei

Australia and Brunei have a warm and longstanding relationship focused on regional cooperation and bilateral defence, trade, and education links. Both countries have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1984 when Australia became one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Brunei after it gained full independence from the United Kingdom.

Both countries are committed to open, rules-based markets and are members of several regional trade agreements, including:

• The Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), which eliminates tariffs and other barriers to trade and services between ASEAN countries, Australia, and New Zealand.
• The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), an ASEAN-led trade agreement between ASEAN countries and six other countries, including Australia.
• The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which aims to promote economic growth and development among its members.
• The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), of which Australia and Brunei are founding members.

In addition to these formal trade agreements, Australia and Brunei have taken steps to strengthen their economic partnership. In March 2024, Australian Prime Minister Albanese appointed Dr Nur Rahman as a Business Champion to promote two-way trade and investment between the two countries. Dr Rahman has held meetings with senior business and government leaders in Brunei to advance this agenda.

Trade Statistics:

Australia and Brunei have a significant trade relationship, with Australia being Brunei's largest export market in 2023, totalling approximately B$4 billion. The main exports from Brunei to Australia include oil and gas, fertiliser, and seafood. In 2012-2013, Brunei was ranked as Australia's 39th largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade reaching US$1.026 billion, including US$978 million in crude petroleum exports from Brunei.

Other Areas of Cooperation:

In addition to trade, Australia and Brunei have strong defence and security ties, with a history of cooperation dating back to World War II when Australian forces played a crucial role in liberating Brunei from Japanese occupation. Both countries engage in bilateral military exercises, strategic dialogue, training, and maritime domain awareness activities. They have also signed Memorandums of Understanding on defence and counter-terrorism cooperation, reflecting their shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

Education is another key area of cooperation, with over 12,000 Bruneian students having studied in Australia, including senior government officials and successful business people. Australia is also a popular destination for young Bruneians through the New Colombo Plan, which supports cultural exchange and education.

Defence and security cooperation

Australia and Brunei have a long-standing defence and security relationship, with both nations cooperating to enhance their bilateral defence ties and explore further cooperation opportunities. This relationship dates back to 1945 during World War 2 when Australian forces played a crucial role in liberating Brunei from Japanese occupation.

The two countries have a history of collaboration in military exercises and training, with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces working together during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024 (IPE24). A series of workshops on international law, maritime security, and gender, peace, and security were held, as well as a faith-based engagement program. The importance of maritime collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region was highlighted during these interactions, with a focus on enhancing cooperation and addressing challenges and opportunities.

In 1999, Australia and Brunei solidified their defence relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Defence Activities, acknowledging their shared interest in regional peace and stability. This was further strengthened in 2005 with the signing of another Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism, providing for collaboration across various sectors, including customs, finance, immigration, intelligence, law enforcement, security, and transport.

High-level visits and meetings have also played a significant role in fostering defence and security cooperation between the two nations. In August 2023, the former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, visited Brunei and met with His Majesty the Sultan and other leaders to advance defence cooperation. This was followed by a visit from the former Chief of the Australian Air Force and current Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Robert Chipman, in May 2024, who engaged in discussions on defence capability and regional stability.

The establishment of a Defence Adviser position in 2021 further underscores the deepening engagement on security-related issues between Australia and Brunei. Both countries closely collaborate on security threats facing the region and maintain strong connections between their police, security, counter-terrorism, and immigration authorities.

The elevation of their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership (CP) in June 2023, with Defence as a core pillar, highlights the importance both nations place on their defence and security cooperation.

Education links

Education is a key aspect of the Australia-Brunei relationship. The two countries have strong people-to-people links, with a significant number of students from Brunei choosing Australia as their study destination. Over 12,000 Bruneian students have studied in Australia, including ministers, senior government officials, and successful business people. This has contributed to the warm relationship between the two countries.

Australia's education sector is a partner of choice for several Southeast Asian countries, with a focus on supporting systems-based approaches for quality education. Australia is committed to promoting lifelong learning opportunities and evidence-based education and skills investments, especially for girls, women, and people with disabilities.

Brunei, on the other hand, has implemented a free education system for all levels of schooling, which is completely funded by the government. This has resulted in a remarkable increase in the adult literacy rate, from 92.67% in 2001 to 97.65% in 2015.

The two countries have expressed their intention to strengthen their educational ties further. Australia has welcomed the contribution of the New Colombo Plan, the Australia for ASEAN Scholarships, and vocational scholarships under the Australia for ASEAN Digital Transformation and Future Skills Initiative in strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

Additionally, Australia and Brunei plan to increase the links between their education authorities and providers, including for the purposes of increasing two-way student mobility, joint academic research, and dialogue on early childhood education. These initiatives will not only benefit the students and educational institutions but also contribute to the overall development and strengthening of the relationship between Australia and Brunei.

Travel advice for Australians in Brunei

This travel advice is to help Australians avoid difficulties when travelling to Brunei. It is important to research your destination and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities, and any emergencies.

COVID-19 Travel Advice

As of September 7, 2024, it is mandatory for travellers arriving in Brunei to fill in an Arrival Declaration Form through the 'BruHealth' application. All guests must also comply with the latest requirements set forth by the Australian government and state/territories. Please check the latest requirements to confirm your eligibility before booking your trip. A physical Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) must be filled out by guests entering Australia. This can be completed on behalf of the traveller by a responsible individual such as a parent or guardian.

General Travel Advice

• Australia has a high commission in Bandar Seri Begawan, and Brunei has a high commission in Canberra.
• Australia and Brunei have enjoyed a warm and longstanding relationship, focused on regional cooperation, bilateral defence, trade, and education links.
• Brunei Darussalam was ranked as Australia's 39th largest trading partner from 2012 to 2013, with total bilateral trade reaching US$1.026 billion.
• There are close links between Australian and Bruneian police, security, counter-terrorism, and immigration authorities.
• Australia and Brunei signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism in 2005, providing for cooperation on customs, finance, immigration, intelligence, law enforcement, security, and transport.
• More than 12,000 Bruneian students have studied in Australia, and there are a number of Australian teachers and professionals working in Brunei.
• Brunei participates in the New Colombo Plan as a host country.

Frequently asked questions