Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 4 July 2011:

(1)   What language is used for local websites in the various posts that Australia has around the world, for example, is the website that Greek people access in Greece in English or Greek.

(2)   Can advice be provided in relation to all international websites at Australia's various posts as to what language is used.

Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Foreign Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1)   There are currently 89 post websites hosted and maintained by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) at its posts overseas (http//:www.<country>.embassy.gov.au). Of these, 54 are in English only, 30 are dual language (a version in English and a translated version in the local language/s) and five are in the local language only.

  A list of the primary languages currently used on DFAT-managed post websites is at Attachment A. A list of posts with a small amount of bilingual content is at Attachment B.

(2)   In addition to the lists at Attachment A and Attachment B, Attachment C lists additional websites maintained at posts primarily aimed at reaching local audiences for event-specific or public diplomacy purposes.

Attachment A

Post websites.

Attachment B

Post websites that are primarily monolingual but with some other language content.

Attachment C

Public diplomacy or event specific websites