Australia-Japan Foundation Board appointments
I welcome the appointment of Mr Adam Liaw to the Board of the Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) and congratulate Dr Bronwyn Evans, Ms Debra Hazelton and Professor Veronica Taylor on their reappointments.
The AJF brings together eminent Australians with public and private sector expertise to advise the Government on how to further strengthen cooperation with Japan.
Japan is our closest strategic partner in Asia, and our second largest trading partner.
Mr Liaw has strong ties with Japan having worked in the country for several years prior to his writing, culinary and media career. Mr Liaw is currently UNICEF Australia's Ambassador for Nutrition, and in 2016 the Japanese Government appointed him as a Goodwill Ambassador of Japanese Cuisine.
I thank outgoing AJF Board member Mr Peter Cleary for his commitment and dedication to deepening the bilateral relationship between Australia and Japan during his time on the AJF Board.
I look forward to continuing to work with the AJF Board, which includes Chair Murray McLean AO, Mr Chris Saines and Mr Mark Connors.