Key Dates

16 May 2007
Receipt of Abstracts
Before 7 June 2007
Standard Registration
After 7 June 2007
Late Registration
25 May 2007
Accommodation
Social Program

Expression of Interest

If you are interested in attending the Secure Trade in the APEC Region (STAR V) Conference and would like further information, please register your interest on-line. Please proceed by clicking the Register your interest button.

Organised by:

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Supported by:

Australian Customs Service

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Department of Transport and Regional Services

Latest news

More info coming soon.

 

 

Local Information

To find out more please click on the links below

 

 

Airport & Transport

Aviation Security Measures for Carry-on Baggage at International Airports
From 31 March 2007, the Australian Government will introduce enhanced security measures to limit the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that can be taken through the screening point for people who are flying to and from Australia.

All containers with drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste and similar substances will have to be carried in a re-sealable transparent plastic bag, no larger than one litre, and be inspected separately at the airport screening point.

Each container should not have a capacity greater than 100 millilitres and all containers should fit comfortably in the re-sealable plastic bag. Exceptions will be made for passengers with medical conditions and quantities of baby food required for the flight. However, these items may be subject to additional security checks. Passengers can still take on board items purchased after the screening point, including duty free.

Sydney: The central business district is located 10km north of the International Airport and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach by car. A taxi costs approximately A$35.00. A regular airport shuttle bus service to city hotels operates from approximately 06:00 to 21:00 hours (not recommended for those with large amounts of luggage). If you have any queries about transfers, please see the Travellers Information Desk at the Airport.

Taxis: Taxis in Sydney operate under two pricing structures. From 06:00 – 22:00 hours the standard fare applies. On the left hand side of the taxi meter, above the word ‘rate’ you should see the number 1. From 22:00 – 06:00 hours, a 20% night tariff applies, at these times the meter should be set on rate 2. Please check the meter is set correctly when you begin your journey.

Trains: There is a train station located at both the Domestic and International Terminals at Sydney Airport. Trains run on average every 10 minutes during the day on a weekday and every 15 minutes on weekends. From the Domestic Terminal, it takes 10 minutes to reach Central Station and 15 minutes to reach Circular Quay. From the International Terminal it takes a few minutes longer. It will then be necessary to take a taxi to your hotel. Elevators are available at both the International and Domestic Terminals for the easy transfer of luggage. Fares from the Domestic Terminal to the City start at $10 per adult for a single journey. For further information on the service that the Airport Link provides, please see: www.airportlink.com.au

Banking/Currency

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = $1). Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations. When paying by cash (i.e., not with a credit card), prices will be rounded to the nearest 5c.
Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.
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Business Hours

Banks generally open from 09:30 – 16:00 hours Monday - Friday. General office hours are 09:00 – 17:00 Monday - Friday. Post Offices operate during these hours, however stamps are often available from hotels.
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Car Hire/Parking

All major car hire companies, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty, operate in Australia and vehicles may be hired at Sydney Airport. Parking is available at the Conference venue for those delegates staying within the hotel.
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Climate & Clothing

June is the first month of winter and the temperature range is typically 7ºC to 17ºC (45ºF to 63ºF).
Generally, Australians are informal dressers. We suggest gentlemen bring a jacket and tie for evening functions and smart casual is suitable attire for women.
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Eating Out

Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called "BYO" restaurants, an abbreviation for "bring your own".
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Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.
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Goods & Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

Australia levies a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%. All prices quoted on the Conference website are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the GST (and also the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia and taken out of the country. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia. Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt. The receipt will be stamped "TRS sighted" and at that point you can check in the large item with your luggage. Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia. Goods which are to be exported can be used before departing Australia.
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Language

The official language for the conference is English.
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Passport & Visa

All travellers to Australia, other than New Zealand, require a valid entry VISA prior to travel to Australia. For many nationalities (29 in total) an Electronic Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can be obtained from your travel agent or airline when making your travel arrangements. Please see your travel agent or airline for further details.
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Planning Your Travel

Because of time change and jet lag, the Organising Committee suggests you consider arriving in Australia by 25 June 2007 or earlier. This will enable you to relax and familiarise yourself with your hotel, its surrounds and Sydney before the start of the Conference.
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Privacy

The Conference Managers comply with the Australian "Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000" which is designed to protect the right of the individual to privacy of their information. Information collected in respect of proposed participation in any aspect of the Conference will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Conference and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events. It is also usual to produce a "Delegate List" of attendees at the Conference and to include the individual’s details in such a list. Consent for publication of the individual’s information may be withheld when completing the Registration Form for the Conference. Individuals are also entitled to access the information held by written application to the Conference Managers.
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Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, including most food products, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted.
For more information see the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website.

Shopping

Sydney Shops are typically open from 09:00 to 17:30 hours during the week with late night shopping on Thursday. On Saturday, most shops open from 0900 to 1600. On Sunday Darling Harbour shops are open from 10:00 to 18:00 and major department stores in the centre of the city are open from 10:00 to 16:00.
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Time

Sydney is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
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Tipping

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters and a gratuity of about 10 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.
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Vaccinations

A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required if passengers come from, or travel through, infected areas. Check this carefully with your airline or travel agent.