History of the Council

The political exchange program was established to arrange visits of young political leaders between Australia and other countries. It was established in 1981 by the then Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH, with the support of the leaders of the major Parliamentary political parties. An Interim Committee was created with the leaders of the major federal Parliamentary parties as its Principals.

With the agreement of the Principals, the Interim Committee became the Australian Political Exchange Committee in August 1983 and subsequently the Australian Political Exchange Council in September 1991.

The first exchange took place in June 1982 when a delegation from Australia, led by Mr James Porter MP (Member for Barker) travelled to the United States of America. This was reciprocated in November 1982 when a delegation from the United States of America, led jointly by Mr T Ryan Jr (Republican) and Mr R Spencer (Democrat), travelled to Australia.

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