The Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) was established on 23 March 2001 to help increase relations between Australia and Latin America, with a particular emphasis on commercial issues.

The Council is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and supported by a Secretariat based in the Americas Branch of DFAT. The Council meets around three times a year to discuss ways it can help to enhance commercial, political and social relations between Australia and Latin America and to decide on funding priorities.

COALAR members are drawn from various sectors of the Australian community and are appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs with the agreement of the Minister for Trade. The Council is currently comprised of members with mining and energy, banking, tourism, business, education and government backgrounds.