GALLERY: Kildare Minister visits Australia for St Patrick's Day 2026

A TD based in North Kildare has detailed his recent visit to Australia, which coincides with St Patrick's Day 2026 celebrations.

Fianna Fáil politician James Lawless, who is also the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland, revealed what he got up in the Land Down Under on his official LinkedIn profile.

Minister Lawless explained: "This week, during my St Patrick’s Day visit to Australia, I’ve been fortunate to meet with a wide range of elected representatives across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.

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"Each engagement has been an opportunity to deepen the already-strong diplomatic ties and close friendship between our two countries."

He elaborated: "In Melbourne at our Embassy of Ireland, Australia & Consulate General of Ireland (New South Wales) Community celebration, I was pleased to meet the Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for Public and Active Transport, Pauline Richards MP, as well as John Mullahy MP.

"It was wonderful to connect with them and share in the celebrations.

"In Sydney, I was honoured to meet the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley AC KC, at our community event.

"I also had very productive discussions with the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan MP, and the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong MP, exploring shared opportunities and challenges in our respective briefs."

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Minister Lawless continued: "Later during my visit to Sydney, at the The Lansdowne Club St Patricks Day lunch, I had the pleasure of meeting the Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell - and was delighted to learn of his proud Irish heritage linked to County Clare.

"I also enjoyed speaking with Senator Deborah O’Neill, Chairperson of the Australia–Ireland Friendship Group, and Gurmesh Singh MP.

"In Brisbane, I was honoured to visit Government House and meet the 27th Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, accompanied by the Irish Ambassador to Australia, Fiona Flood.

"At the Brisbane St Patrick’s Parade, I had the chance to meet the Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli MP, a great friend of the Irish community.

"For my final engagement, I was pleased to have an insightful conversation over lunch with the Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Rosslyn Bates MP, particularly on our shared focus on skills and training."

Minister Lawless further said: "I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the representatives I met for their warm welcome, their engagement, and their longstanding support for the Irish community in Australia."

He concluded: "As we celebrate 80 years of formal diplomatic relations between Ireland and Australia this year, I have no doubt that this friendship will continue to strengthen and thrive in the years ahead."

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