5 November: WEBINAR – First 100 Days: What Albanese’s Second Term Indicates for Business in Australia

The Australia-France Business Association (AFBA) is pleased to invite you to a special webinar exploring the critical implications of the Albanese Government’s first 100 days in its second term. Drawing on in-house research conducted by CT Group, this session will unpack early signals from the new government and what they may mean for business strategy, government engagement, and how companies can create social licence in Australia.

This is a unique opportunity to get ahead of emerging policy, trade, and regulatory shifts, as seen through the lens of leading political intelligence. The insights will inform how businesses both in Australia and France should plan, adapt, and collaborate in an evolving geopolitical and economic landscape.

Date: Wednesday 5 November

Time: 10.30am – 11.30am CET

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS WEBINAR

– In-depth presentation of CT Group’s private polling and policy analysis, specifically commissioned to assess the first 100 days of the Albanese Government’s second term

– Translation of policy signals into strategic implications for cross-border business, with a particular focus on the Australia–France corridor

– Thoughtful discussion on how companies can align investment, trade, and corporate strategy to a shifting political environment

– Q&A with the presenter, allowing attendees to delve into particular points of the research and how this can be applied to business operations in Australia.

PRESENTERS

Nathan Rath, Associate Director at CT Group, will guide participants through the research findings, drawing clear lines between evolving government stance and real-world business impacts. James Baxendale OBE, Managing Director of CT Group (France) will deliver opening and closing remarks.

CT Group is a global consultancy delivering information, actionable insights, and outcome-focused strategies for their clients around the world.

REGISTER HERE

 

 

AFBA x RMIT Business Roundtable: Industry-University Collaboration – Fostering Partnerships for Impact

To mark the visit to Europe by higher education leaders Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO and Professor Alec Cameron from RMIT University, the Australia France Business Association (AFBA) is hosting a business roundtable on ‘Industry-University Collaboration: Fostering Partnerships for Impact’. 

This high-level discussion will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and academics from Australia and France to explore how closer industry–university collaboration can unlock innovation and deliver impact across sectors.

At a time where international cooperation is being challenged, the roundtable will explore opportunities to enhance applied research, accelerate knowledge transfer, and equip students with industry-ready skills.

Questions which will be explored, include:

  • Why industry and university need to collaborate more than ever
  • What are the barriers and what makes a successful partnership for applied innovation
  • How student outcomes can be enhanced through industry-connected learning

The discussion will be facilitated by Prof. Marta Fernandez, Executive Director, RMIT Europe. 

When: 8.00am, Thursday, 9th October 2025

This event is by invitation only. Please contact AFBA Manager, Penelope Roth, if you would like to request more information. 

Autumn Drinks – 21 October, 2025

The Australia France Business Association (AFBA) invites you to join us for an evening of art and apéro at our seasonal autumn networking drinks at the Galerie Arts d’Australie . Stéphane Jacob. 

Australian Indigenous artist Niah Juella McLeod, a descendant of the Monero, Wandandian and Yuin peoples of south-east Australia, will present her latest solo exhibition DOONOOCH MABRA, Owl Eyes | Dans le sillage de la chouette.

When: Tuesday, 21 October from 6.30pm

Where: Galerie Arts d’Australie .Stéphane Jacob | 13 rue Chapon 75003 Paris

Price: Registration is free for AFBA members | 20 euros for non-members

RSVP by 14 October

REGISTER HERE

 

Thank you to our event sponsor ANZ

Australian Business in Europe (ABIE) 50th Anniversary Reception – London, 17 October, 2025

The Australia France Business Association is delighted to invite AFBA members to a special evening celebrating a major milestone for Australian Business in Europe (ABIE).

In 2025, ABIE marks 50 years since its founding in the UK – five decades of fostering stronger trade, investment, and diplomatic ties between Australia and Europe through a unique network of 14 not-for-profit organisations across the continent.

To commemorate this anniversary, ABIE will host a special event in London, bringing together members from across Europe alongside ambassadors, government officials, board members and senior business leaders from member companies. It promises to be a memorable gathering of those who have shaped and continue to positively impact Australia–Europe business engagement.

Friday, October 17th, 2025 

5:30PM – 7:30PM 

Australia House – Strand, WC2B 4LA, London

Tickets: £50 +VAT

AFBA Rentrée Dinner – 23 September

The President and Board of the Australia France Business Association are delighted to invite members and friends to our annual AFBA Rentrée Dinner 2025, one of the most anticipated events on the AFBA calendar.

Join us on Tuesday, 23 September from 7:00 pm at the prestigious Cercle National des Armées, Place Saint-Augustin, Paris, for an evening to connect, exchange ideas, and to celebrate the Franco-Australian connection.

The evening will begin with a networking apéritif of champagne and canapés, followed by a three-course dinner with fine winesSpecial guest speakers will be announced shortly, promising interesting insights to complement the evening.

This elegant soirée brings together our members, partners and friends to mark la rentrée in style, and we are pleased to acknowledge the generous support of our event partners, the Victoria State Government (Global Victoria) and RMIT Europe.

RSVP by 12 September
AFBA Members €80 | Non-members €95

For queries, please contact our AFBA Manager at contact@australiafranceba.org.

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a very special evening.

AFBA Summer Drinks and Qantas One-Year Paris-Perth Anniversary – 25 June

The Australia France Business Association in partnership with Qantas Airways, is pleased to invite you to a special Summer Drinks to mark the one-year anniversary of the direct Qantas Paris–Perth flight.

Join us for an elegant evening of drinks and canapés at Bibie located in Le Jardin de Verre by Locke, the stylish new hotel bar created by AFBA Corporate Members, the Coolangatta Group.

Let’s raise a glass to summer in France and to Qantas for bringing France and Australia closer than ever.

Date: Wednesday, 25 June
Time: From 6:30 PM
Venue: Le Jardin de Verre by Locke, Paris – 7 Rue Lacépède, 75005 Paris
RSVP by: Friday, 20 June

Price: Free for current AFBA members | Non-members: €20

Registration is essential. Places are limited. 

We look forward to celebrating with you!

REGISTER HERE

Special Event: In Conversation with France’s Ambassador to Australia Pierre-André Imbert – 10 June

The Australia France Business Association had the privilege of hosting His Excellency Pierre-Andre Imbert, France’s Ambassador to Australia, for an exclusive Q&A event in Paris.

This special gathering offered AFBA members unique insights into the Ambassador’s mission with The Embassy of France in Australia and France’s vision to further deepen its dynamic partnership with Australia.

Ambassador Imbert highlighted the importance of the Australia-France Roadmap, with one of its objectives to strengthen economic and commercial ties, and shared his belief in the vast potential for greater research and development cooperation and the business opportunities that this could foster.

Moderated by AFBA President Frank Ribuot, the warm and candid discussion also reflected AFBA’s ongoing commitment to building bridges between Australian and French businesses, helping foster meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and long-term collaboration.

The French Ambassador noted his personal commitment to engaging with Australians from all regions and sectors, and saying yes to as many invitations as possible. It’s through these local connections that he has come to truly understand the value of Australia’s diversity.

The evening also featured a timely economic update from NAB Europe Senior Market Strategist Gavin Friend, providing expert insights on global trade trends and tariffs.

AFBA extends its sincere thanks to Ambassador Imbert for his time during a busy official visit, and to Nicola Jolley, NAB Europe CEO and AFBA Secretary, for graciously hosting the event at NAB’s Paris office.

Cross-Chamber Networking Reception – 22 May

Frank Ribuot, President of the Australia France Business Association

Natacha Rafalski, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in France

Gacia Kazandjian, President of the France Canada Chamber of Commerce

Françoise Rausch OBE, President of the Franco-British Chamber

and

Richard Dujardin, President of NetworkIrlande

are delighted to invite you to the 2025 Cross-Chamber Networking Reception on Thursday 22 May from 6.30pm-8.30pm. 

Address: The Franco-British Chamber
22 rue de Londres
75009 Paris

Dress code: Lounge Suits

This event will be a wonderful opportunity to network with members from other Anglophone chambers of commerce in France.

Tickets are available for €30, appetizers and beverages provided.

Cancellations within 48 hours of the event are non-refundable. If you are unable to participate, you may nominate another representative from your company.

REGISTER HERE 

 

The Australian federal election and what it means for business – 3 April

The Australia France Business Association (AFBA) partnered with CT Group to host an exclusive political briefing for its members in Paris last night.

The discussion provided AFBA members with a comprehensive view of the key issues shaping voter sentiment, the potential impact on businesses, and actionable steps to prepare for upcoming outcomes.

The presentation additionally touched on a more global view, looking at the driving political factors and sentiment in western Europe.

The session featured expert insights from James Baxendale OBE, Managing Director, Jean-Christophe Thiery President of CT Group France, Maria Hadzhieva, Research and Campaigns Manager
Mark Gorter, Head of Research (live from Sydney), with opening remarks from AFBA President Frank Ribuot.

Following the presentation, guests enjoyed a networking cocktail, where they had the opportunity to engage directly with CT Group experts and deepen the conversation.

A big thank you to CT Group for their invaluable contributions to this successful event.

 

AFBA Annual General Meeting – 10 February