Prime Minister Julia Gillard today confirmed that Her Majesty The Queen will travel to Australia for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth later this year.
Her Majesty will be accompanied on her visit by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Queen's last visit to Australia was in 2006, when she opened the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Previously, in 2002, The Queen attended CHOGM in Coolum, Queensland.
Confirmation of the Royal visit is an important and exciting development in the preparations for CHOGM 2011.
CHOGM will be held from 28-30 October and is expected to attract as many as 3000 delegates from more than 50 nations.
CHOGM 2011 will be the biggest international event ever held in Perth and is a unique opportunity to showcase Perth and Western Australia as modern, world class destinations.
Commonwealth leaders meet at CHOGM every two years to discuss global and Commonwealth issues and to agree on collective policies and initiatives.
Around 1,000 representatives from the media are also expected to cover the event.
For more information visit the CHOGM 2011 website: www.chogm2011.org