A conference on public diplomacy has heard that Australia needs to do more to promote an international image that moves beyond narrow stereotypes. Opposition senator Russell Trood says the Department of Foreign Affairs lacks a coherent strategy to influence how Australia's seen by the rest of the world.

CPD Research Fellow Caitlin Byrne(2010-2012) is one of the keynote speaker's at Australian National University's conference on 'Public and Citizen Diplomacy.'

Australia will launch a new initiative to attract more visitors from China, as tourists from the U.S. and Japan stay put in the face of uncertain economies and the strong Aussie dollar. The campaign will focus on collecting research on China's emerging middle class and its main cities.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd is pressing ahead on a high profile public diplomacy campaign to secure support for Australia’s bid to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2013-14.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd is pressing ahead on a high profile public diplomacy campaign to secure support for Australia’s bid to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2013-14. There is much to be said about the public diplomacy value of political leaders in such campaigns. Kevin Rudd is a case in point. Previously Australia’s Prime Minister, Rudd is already well known and regarded among political and intellectual elite audiences across the globe.

Australia's image and influence in the world depends on the quality of its international strategic thinking, foreign policy making and actions. The dumbing down of democracy is having a detrimental impact on the quality of Australia's foreign policies.

''Geoff has been a first-class ambassador for Australia,'' Mr Rudd said in a phone interview in answer to a question about their personal relationship. Knowledge of a Chinese language was just one of many skills in the diplomatic ''tool kit'' that was needed to know about and deal with China, he said.

According to budget papers, the funds will also be used to support additional diplomatic positions in New York and Canberra and for small posts, special envoys and public diplomacy.