Tim Watts, Assistant Foreign Minister and MP for Gellibrand, is taking grassroots engagement to the next level with a WhatsApp channel designed specifically for Melbourne’s vibrant Indian-Australian community. Aptly named “Wattsapp in the West”, the initiative offers updates on cultural events, grants, government services, and the latest from Watts’ work in the community. “Feel free to share with your mates, family, and neighbours,” Watts posted, inviting locals to join the conversation and stay informed in a format that fits seamlessly into daily life.
While fostering connection at home, Watts is also busy advocating abroad. His packed itinerary this week takes him across four nations—Egypt, Mauritius, the UAE, and Bahrain—where he is championing Australia’s interests in peace, humanitarian efforts, and economic collaboration.
In Cairo, Watts will attend the Ministerial Conference to Enhance the Humanitarian Response in Gaza. With the region facing urgent humanitarian needs, Australia is doubling down on advocating for unimpeded aid and the protection of civilians.
Mauritius will host Watts for discussions on maritime security, the blue economy, and environmental security—areas where both countries share a vested interest. Mauritius, like Australia, plays a critical role in maintaining the stability of the Indian Ocean region, and the visit underscores the importance of collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
The UAE leg of the tour centres on economic growth, as Watts explores opportunities following the signing of the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in November 2024. With trade ties between the two nations poised for expansion, Watts is focused on identifying tangible benefits for Australians and Emiratis alike.
In Bahrain, Watts will participate in the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Manama Dialogue, addressing some of the Middle East’s most complex foreign-policy and security challenges. His engagement reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to working with global partners to promote peace and stability.
Watts emphasised Australia’s enduring dedication to international cooperation: “Australia will keep partnering with other countries to deliver aid, uphold international law, and drive towards peace.”
At home or abroad, Watts is clearly focused on forging connections and tackling global challenges. His dual roles—as a community representative in Melbourne’s west and a diplomat advocating for Australia on the world stage—show how local and global efforts often go hand in hand.
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