During your time in Australia, there may be occasions when you need assistance from your own country’s government. For example, you may need a new passport or assistance organising your return home.

No matter the circumstance, it’s important to know where to find the help and support you require.

Consular bodies in Australia

A consul is an official governmental or diplomatic representative of a country residing overseas. Consular services exist to help citizens of a country access vital services and support while they’re living abroad.

There are several different types of consular bodies in Australia, including:

• Consulates
• Embassies
• High Commissions

Consulates are offices that provide general public administration to its citizens. If your country has a consulate, it will likely be in a state capital city. For example, Melbourne is home to consulate offices for Greece, India, the Philippines, Portugal and Spain, to name a few.

An embassy, on the other hand, is a country’s main representative and diplomatic office. In Australia, all embassies are based in the national capital, Canberra.

Countries in the Commonwealth - such as India, Canada and Great Britain - have a High Commission instead of an embassy. High commissions are typically based in Canberra.

It’s helpful to remember that your consular offices will be closed on state and federal public holidays in Australia, as well as over the holidays observed in your home country.

What can my consulate help me with?

Passport assistance

If your passport is lost, stolen or damaged, or it expires during your stay in Australia, you can contact your consulate to arrange a replacement.

They can even assist you with arranging replacements for other important documents like birth certificates and marriage certificates.

Updating your details

Advise your consulate of any changes to your circumstances or those of your family.

For instance, you may need to notify your home country’s government of any births, deaths, marriages, divorces or adoptions that occur during your time in Australia.

Urgent consular assistance

If you are in distress or need help that cannot be provided by Australian authorities, your consulate may be able to assist. This includes if you are arrested, seriously injured, or are the victim of a crime.

In these circumstances, your consulate can provide you with information and advice, such as a referral to a lawyer who speaks your language.

You can even use your consulate to contact your family in case of an emergency, such as in the event of a natural disaster.

Advice

Your consulate is the best place to go for information or advice on government services in your home country.

They can provide you with accurate, up-to-date information on things like social security, national service obligations and travel advice.

What can my consulate not help me with?

It’s also important to understand what your consulate or embassy cannot assist you with. Some examples include:

• Providing legal advice or intervention in private court or legal matters
• Paying any fines, legal expenses or medical bills you may incur
• Arranging travel, banking, shipping or postage on your behalf
• Providing translation, interpretation, telephone, and/or internet services
• Loaning you money