The Parliamentary Friends of Germany group reconvened again on the 15th of November 2022 for its first meeting since Covid 19 restrictions were lifted. The format originated from the “West Australian-German Enduring Friendship” initiative which was initiated by the former Honorary Consul of Germany Torsten Ketelsen OAM in 2019.

The West Australian-German Enduring Friendship group was formed with the intention of providing opportunities for Members of Parliament to establish and strengthen relationships with the wide German community in Western Australia, as well as advocating for active engagement with the West Australian-German Business community, and foster friendly social and cultural ties between Western Australia and Germany.

This year’s event at the courtyard of Parliament House was attended by WAGBA members, friends and supporters including the Hon Mark McGowan MLA - Premier of Western Australia, the Hon Tjorn Sibma MLC, the Hon Sabine Winton MLA, Ministers the Hon Bill Johnston MLA, the Hon Don Punch MLA, many other parliamentarians as well as the Honorary Consuls of Germany and Austria to Western Australia Dr. Gabriele Maluga and Wilfried Wimmler respectively.

In their speeches the Premier, the Hon Tjorn Sibma and the Hon Sabine Winton referred to their connections to Germany, to the many shared values between Western Australia and Germany, to cultural opportunities and to compelling business synergies.

WAGBA would like to express its gratitude to Parliament House, particularly the Hon Sabine Winton and the Hon Tjorn Sibma for hosting the meeting, as well as to all esteemed guests, dignitaries, the WAGBA committee and many WAGBA members for their contribution to this successful event.