Australia has a long and complex relationship with the Philippines. Bilateral relations were established formally in May 1946 when Australian official Herbert Peterson, established the Australian Consulate General office in the Manila Hotel. Economic relationships have become stronger in recent decades, supported by research into social, economic and agriculture. 'The Philippines is now a significant trading partner for Australia ranking 20th. The Philippine economy is one of the fastest growing in Asia.
Filipino students have been a vital part of the university’s research community, as have others studying issues related to the Philippines.Research into the Philippines and higher degree by research students is a significant element in fulfilling the university’s founding mission for supporting knowledge and education in the Asia. Our commitment to research has evolved significantly based in no small part on the outstanding research conducted over the decades at the university.
From the 1940s debate in the Australian Parliament demonstrated the nation’s interest in trade, defence, science, primary production, sustainability and migration. The capacity building and sharing of knowledge achieved through research recorded in theses by students at the University has provided insights that have supported development of more complex research and policy development informed by a deep understanding of issues generated by these students. In the last 6 years the University Library has digitised all ANU PhD theses and most Masters by Research theses undertaken over the past 76 years. Opening up access to these theses has through the Open Research repository has resulted in significantly increased dissemination of knowledge and supported further research and policy development around the globe.