Australia and Ireland share a historical connection and remained part of the British Empire until their respective independence.

[3][4] The Irish Free State secured substantial independence from Britain in 1922 as a result of the Anglo-Irish War, and was formally declared a republic in 1949.

In April 1948, Éamon de Valera travelled to Australia for a six-week tour seeking support for a united Ireland as six counties of Northern Ireland wished to remain part of the United Kingdom.

[9] However, de Valera's trip was unsuccessful as many Australian born Irish and migrants were not interested in the affairs of Ireland or had lost contact with their home nation.

The Melbourne Irish community has long argued for a full-time diplomatic base in the city.