Australia–Barbados relations

Australian–Barbadian relations are foreign relations between Australia and Barbados. The Australian High Commissioner to Barbados is accredited from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados is represented in Australia through its High Commission in Ottawa, (Canada). Barbados maintains an honorary consul in Australia. Barbados and Australia established diplomatic relations on 7 January 1974. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, and comprised as former parts of the British Empire.

History
Barbados and Australia established diplomatic relations on January 7, 1974 with J. C. Ingram as the first High Commissioner. In 2001 Winfred Peppinck was appointed to the position. In 2004, due in part to the robust trade by Australian companies with Trinidad and Tobago's oil sector the Australian government moved the Australian High Commission from Bridgetown, Barbados to Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago. It now serves Barbados and 13 other Caribbean countries. The official opening of the new building was made on 14 December 2006. By 2010 Philip Kentwell held the position of High Commissioner, now renamed Plenipotentiary Representative of Australia to the Caribbean Community.

In 2009 Australia company BHP Billiton became the first company to be granted a concession to search for oil and gas in the maritime areas of Barbados. The company was awarded offshore blocks in Carlisle Bay and Bimshire.

In 2009 both nations have given some consideration for the signing of a double taxation agreement between their two nations. Maxine McClean, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade for Barbados said: "You will no doubt agree that the negotiation and conclusion of relevant agreements will result in increased foreign direct investment, trade and general co-operation to our mutual benefit. In this regard Barbados looks forward greatly to the enhancement of its relationship and co-operation with Australia."