Signs of strength for a cherished relationship

A FADING sign in Woobys Lane stands testament to the long relationship between Tasmania and the US – one the new US Consul General Michael Kleine is keen to foster during his time in Australia.

The sign advertising the long-closed US Consulate off Salamanca Square attracted the eye of Mr Kleine on his first visit to Hobart yesterday.

The Melbourne-based career diplomat’s consular responsibilities cover Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

He pointed to increasing interest in Tasmania from the US and said growing tourist numbers reflected that.

“Over 40,000 Americans came here last year – more than ever before,” he said.

“I see my job as Consul General is to spotlight an incredible relationship that goes back more than 100 years, to promote it and celebrate it.”

“For a lot of Americans, myself included, Tasmania has something of a mystique to it, it is so far away from where we are from.

“To be able to get down here is really something special, in particular to learn a little bit more about what we’re hearing about Tasmania, with its world-class wines, it’s farmto-table food culture and its outdoor lifestyle – there is a lot going on here that really makes it a special place.”

The US is Tasmania's top trade partner outside of Asia, accounting for between $150 million and $300 million of the state’s annual exports in recent years. Last year $85 million worth of Tasmanian meat and seafood ended up in the US.

Mr Kleine said there were many opportunities for greater co-operation, tourism and trade, and mentioned Antarctica as one area of interest.

“Looking at Hobart as one of the gateways to Antarctica, there might be a lot of opportunities to bring people together who are working in that sector,” he said.

Premier Will Hodgman met Mr Kleine yesterday.

“The US is a longstanding friend to our nation, and a very important partner for Tasmania,” he said.

“Visitor numbers from the US have grown, and we exported $196 million in goods to the US, which is up 7.1 per cent on the previous year.”

Mr Hodgman said this year the Government had led a defence industries and manufacturing trade mission to the US.

Next year nine Tasmanian fellowship recipients will study culturally responsive practices and indigenous knowledge systems in education in the US.

The US Consulate in Hobart appears to have operated from around 1842 to 1906.