Ambassador to Brazil

Today I announce the appointment of Mr John Richardson as Australia's next Ambassador to Brazil.

2015 marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Brazil and our relationship continues to strengthen across areas including trade and investment, education, mining, science and technology, agribusiness, water management, the arts and fashion.

Brazil's hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games later this year will provide an opportunity for Australia to showcase its sporting talents. In the lead up to the Games, the Australia now cultural festival will be celebrated in cities across Brazil. The festival will promote Australia as culturally sophisticated, innovative and diverse, highlighting our country's attractiveness to business, investors and tourists.

Brazil is one of our major investment partners, with Australian investment in Brazil reaching $11 billion and over 100 Australian companies operating there. It is also our largest source of international students outside Asia and a significant market for tourism to Australia.

Mr Richardson is a senior career officer with DFAT. Most recently, Mr Richardson was Director of the Victorian DFAT Office. He has previously served overseas as Ambassador to Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay; and as Deputy Head of Mission in Australia's Embassies in Germany and Thailand.

In Canberra, Mr Richardson has served as Assistant Secretary of the Canada and Latin America Branch; the APEC Taskforce; the Diplomatic Security Branch; the North-East Asia Branch; and the Trade Strategy Branch.

Mr Richardson is expected to take up his appointment in February 2016. I thank outgoing Ambassador Mr Patrick Lawless for his contribution to advancing Australia's interests in Brazil.