Cockburn Council Pauses International Business Delegation Over Global Risks
The City of Cockburn, located in Perth's southern suburbs, has temporarily halted a planned international trade delegation intended to foster business opportunities in Southeast Asia. This decision comes despite significant interest from local businesses eager to participate in the trip.
Delegation Details and Council Vote
City staff had requested council approval for two employees to travel to Vietnam, Surabaya in Indonesia, and Singapore from May 17 to 29, 2026. Additionally, the mayor and a councillor were slated to join a separate delegation focusing on Vietnam and Surabaya. The goal was to build on previous visits and identify new trade prospects, with over ten businesses already expressing interest in attending.
However, at a council meeting on March 10, 2026, members voted against booking any tickets until more details about the itinerary and budget were provided. Councillor Chontelle Stone proposed deferring the trip, leading to a tied 5-5 vote. Mayor Logan Howlett broke the tie with his casting vote in favour of the deferral.
Concerns Over Global Uncertainty and Lack of Information
Councillor Stone highlighted concerns about the timing of international travel during ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, stating that it posed a risk to have elected officials and leadership abroad during a period of global insecurity. She emphasised that the council was not outright cancelling the delegation but sought more comprehensive information before proceeding.
In contrast, Councillor Tarun Dewan warned that withdrawing from the delegation could damage both the city's and Australia's reputation. He argued that the war had not impacted the Asian countries involved and that last-minute cancellations might harm diplomatic relations. Dewan also suggested that investors from conflict-affected regions might be interested in Cockburn as a stable area for investment.
Potential Impacts and Previous Successes
Daniel Arndt, the City's planning and sustainability director, noted that considerable time and resources had been invested in planning the delegations. He acknowledged a risk to the city's reputation, as expressions of interest had already been sent out, potentially causing embarrassment with Vietnamese and Indonesian officials. However, he believed any damage could be repaired if the trip did not proceed.
The council report indicated that travel plans would be adjusted based on Australian government advisories to ensure safety. The itinerary included visits to industrial hubs like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as a presentation in Singapore, with costs estimated at around $7,500 per representative.
Past delegations have yielded positive results; for example, a visit to Surabaya in March 2023 led to six local businesses engaging in trade projects with Indonesian counterparts. Additionally, an economic development officer's trip in September 2024 aimed to uncover opportunities in the same regions.
Broader Implications and Future Steps
The deferral has also put on hold a memorandum of understanding for economic exchange with Hai Phong City in Vietnam. According to the council report, Vietnam is Western Australia's 13th largest trading partner, underscoring the potential economic significance of the delayed trip.
Councillor Stone reiterated that the expressions of interest were only recently distributed, and she believed staff should have awaited council approval before proceeding. The council plans to review the delegation proposal again once more detailed information is available, balancing global risks with the need for international business engagement.
