Foreign relations exist between Australia and Barbados. Neither country has a resident ambassador. The regional Australian High Commissioner to Barbados is accredited from Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Barbados is represented in Australia through its High Commission in Ottawa, (Canada). Barbados maintains an honorary consul and a tourist office^[1] 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.

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Australia–Barbados relations

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Barbados and Australia established diplomatic relations on 7 January 1974 with J. C. Ingram as the first High Commissioner.^[2] In 2001, Winfred Peppinck was appointed as High Commissioner.^[3] From 1994 to 2004 Australia's High Commission in the Caribbean was resident in Bridgetown, Barbados. At that point the regional mission moved to Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago; due in part to the robust trade by Australian companies with Trinidad and Tobago's oil sector. It now serves Barbados and 13 other Caribbean countries.^[4][5] The official opening of the new building was made on 14 December 2006.^[6] By 2010, Philip Kentwell held the position of High Commissioner, now renamed Plenipotentiary Representative of Australia to the Caribbean Community.^[7] Kentwell remarked to the media that a new resident consulate was presently being planned for Barbados awaiting an official appointee to that post.^[8]

In 2018, the Freundel Stuart-led administration celebrated Australia Day in Barbados to highlight the 44-years of diplomatic relations between both nations.^[9]

In 2021, the Barbadian Mia Mottley administration held talks with the government of Australia with the aim of furthering ties following Barbados transitioning to a republic as well as discussions on climate change.^[10][11][12]

In 2009, multinational BHP Billiton, headquartered in Melbourne, became the first company to be granted a concession to search for oil and gas in the maritime areas of Barbados.^[13][14][15] The company was awarded offshore blocks in Carlisle Bay and Bimshire.^[16][17] In 2011, the Barbados government minister of Finance stated that various legislation was remedied to allow the Australian energy company to begin exploration in the near-term.^[18]

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."^[19]

• Garfield Sobers, Barbados born cricketer playing in Australia
• Arthur Windsor (1833–1913), Australian publisher born at sea on a trip to Barbados
• Caribbean Australian