The council would have an independent board representing, on a rotating basis, all major sectors and stakeholder groups involved in Australia-China relations.
The Australia-China Council Chair's commitment, guidance and leadership has been invaluable in developing, furthering and maintaining the successful bilateral relationship that Australia and China hold today.
The council's strategic objectives for 2014-18 are: ACC helps to kick-start a wide range of innovative, high‑impact projects across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and Australia that enhance Australia-China education, business and cultural connections.
Its grant-making and program activities for 2014–2018 are centred on education, economic diplomacy, arts and culture and underpinned by the three cross-cutting themes: mobility, capabilities and new areas of engagement.
The chair also provides academic leadership to a network of more than 30 Australian studies centres in Chinese universities, which has been supported by the Australia-China Council for two decades.
ACC runs a robust outreach and advocacy program with the aim to promote diversity, depth and strength of the bilateral relationship among its vast network of partners, grantees, alumni, supporters and friends and broad Australian community.
The visits focus on engagement with the Australian Studies Centres network, Chinese government, think-tanks, business, arts, media and education stakeholders.
Mr Smith spoke about the role of the Australia-China Council in the bilateral relationship and importance of institutions of 'soft power' in Australia's engagement with China and the Indo-Pacific region.