MEDIA RELEASE
23 April 2007
For immediate release
AUSTRALIA UNVEILS NEW ‘SMARTRAVELLER’ CAMPAIGN
The Australian Government has launched a new campaign to help Australian travellers prepare for their trip overseas and return home safely. The campaign urges Australians to visit the Smartraveller website at www.smartraveller.gov.au before going abroad.
In the last four years millions of Australian travellers have found vital information about their destination on the Smartraveller website.
The site contains information about entry and exit requirements, local laws, health risks, where to get help, and security situations in more than 150 countries. It also provides travel tips and information on consular support.
The Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, said: “Registering with the High Commission is beneficial and easy and we encourage all Australian citizens and permanent residents to register.”
“As the new campaign makes clear, you can register online at the Smartraveller website. You can also call the High Commission on 325 9333 or send an e-mail to [email protected].”
Each month up to half a million Australians travel overseas and most trips are trouble-free and positive experiences. The Smartraveller campaign aims to provide Australians with information to ensure that their travel remains a safe and positive experience, by understanding and taking into account risks such as ill health, natural disasters, civil unrest, terrorist attack or even simple mishaps which can mar a holiday.
The four-year $13 million campaign is aimed at all travellers, but has a particular focus on adventure travellers who are prepared to take greater risks.
It asks Australians to take simple steps before they travel: Check out the website before travelling for information about the countries they are visiting and sign up to get free travel advice updates; register travel on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website either on-line or at an Australian embassy or high commission when they arrive so that consular officials, your family and friends back home will be able to contact you in an emergency and take out travel insurance.
Notes to editor
- Registration information helps the High Commission to find Australian citizens and permanent residents in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family emergency.
- It may also be used to pass other information such as new Travel Advisories, notice of elections, and information relevant to travellers and expatriates.
- Registration is voluntary and any information held in the register is strictly protected under the Privacy Act 1988.
- Registration must be self-motivated. There is no automatic registration when Australian citizens and permanent residents get a passport, a visa or a job in PNG.
- Long term residents should regularly check to see if their registration is current.
- Australian citizens and permanent residents can register or check if their registration has lapsed by calling the High Commission in Port Moresby on 325 9333 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected] to request a registration form. They can also register online at www.smartraveller.gov.au and select email as the preferred method of contact.
Media Inquiries: Leigh Arnold, Public Diplomacy Manager, Ph: 325 9333 ext 275