Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA is off on his fourth overseas trip of the year. Having visited China in March, New Zealand and Fiji in June, and Japan in July, he leaves for Thailand and Singapore tomorrow to convince universities, airlines, and business groups that Canberra is worth investing in.
The week-long ASEAN trade mission is the ACT Government’s first trade mission to Thailand, and aims to promote tourism, hospitality, and higher education.
“This mission demonstrates the ACT’s ongoing commitment to enhancing international partnerships that bring direct investment to Canberra, and direct value to our economy and our community,” Mr Barr said.
Funded from the ACT Executive budget, it will cost $9,500 — which the opposition thinks is nine grand too much.
“Most Canberrans would be shocked that, after burdening them with 25 higher taxes, [Mr Barr is] heading overseas yet again,” Canberra Liberals leader MLA Leanne Castley said.
“Meanwhile, the ACT continues to face severe cost-of-living pressures, a shortage of GPs and specialists, and the worst bulk-billing rates in the country. We need to see the return on investment from these four trips.”
The mission is part of the ACT Government’s International Engagement Strategy, supported by the Australian Government and aligned with the national Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and the Thailand-Australian Free Trade Agreement.
In Bangkok, Mr Barr will meet senior government and tourism officials, including the Minister of Commerce and the Thailand Board of Investment; deliver a keynote address at a reception hosted by the Australian Ambassador; and attend a roundtable with Thai higher-education agents.
“Thailand is a key market we are seeking to strengthen ties with…” Mr Barr said. “We’ll be looking at opportunities to diversify investment and promote Canberra’s key strengths — particularly in our university and tourism sectors.”
The Singapore leg will coincide with the 60th anniversary of Australia-Singapore diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Mr Barr will meet the Australian Chamber of Commerce Singapore, Australian Alumni Singapore, and Singapore Airlines. He will deliver a keynote address at a tourism and aviation luncheon hosted by the Australian High Commissioner.
“The ACT has strong existing ties with Singapore, and we are looking at ways we can expand on these, through tourism and aviation partnerships, but also through trade opportunities,” Mr Barr said.
The ACT Government sent trade missions to Singapore in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
City of Design Project Fund opens
The ACT Government has opened applications for a new funding program to help Canberra’s artists and designers create projects that highlight the city’s design strengths, and support its ambition to join UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a City of Design.
The City of Design Project Fund will provide $300,000 a year for two years to artists, designers, arts and cultural organisations, and creative businesses.
Grants will be available through two streams: up to $50,000 for major projects which may be presented at the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival (5 to 15 November 2026), and up to $5,000 for smaller initiatives.
Major project applications close on 3 December, and smaller project applications until 1 April 2027 or funds are exhausted.
The festival’s theme is Dissent, encouraging artists to use design to challenge norms and foster critical dialogue. Eligible activities include exhibitions, public artworks, workshops, performances, talks, and tours.
Arts minister Michael Pettersson MLA said the fund was a strategic investment in Canberra’s creative future.
“Canberra is a city shaped by design, from its urban planning to its vibrant creative community. This fund is about celebrating that identity, supporting our talented designers and artists, and positioning Canberra on the world stage.
“This fund will support Canberra’s bid to become a UNESCO City of Design. This would not only boost our creative economy but also foster cultural exchange, community pride, and innovation across sectors.”
However, ACT Greens deputy leader Jo Clay MLA called for more government funding for creatives.
“To truly make Canberra an artistic, cultural, and creative capital city we need the Government to genuinely invest in our artists and organisations,” she said.
“The ACT Labor Government needs to increase funding for the whole sector to help artists refine their skills, provide more opportunities to showcase their work, engage with the local community, and increase participation in the arts across the city.
“If they don’t, historic and reputable arts organisations will be at risk of closing, artists will move out of Canberra, and we will lose our creative scene.
“While grants are welcome opportunities, they will only go so far to get Canberra recognised as a creative and cultural city.”
For more information and to apply, visit arts.act.gov.au/funding/city-of-design-project-fund.
