High Commissioner to Singapore

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Bruce Gosper as Australia's next High Commissioner to Singapore.

Australia and Singapore have developed a deep relationship across a wide range of areas. In 2015 a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) was announced, opening a new and dynamic chapter in our relationship. Under the Government's ambitious ten year Project 2025 vision for the CSP, our economies will become even more integrated. This includes exploring investment opportunities in Northern Australia and collaboration on the commercialisation of research between our agencies, academic institutions and private sectors.

Australia's longstanding defence and security ties with Singapore will strengthen under Project 2025. Australia will offer Singapore increased access to, and enhancement of, training areas. This will include joint development of military training facilities in Australia consistent with the interests and requirements of both countries.

Mr Gosper is a senior career public servant. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in 2013. He has served overseas as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Chair of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body and the WTO General Council. His previous overseas postings include Washington and Tokyo.

Mr Gosper has also served as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and First Assistant Secretary, Office of Trade Negotiations, DFAT, in addition to holding senior appointments at the departments of Trade and Resources, and Primary Industries and Energy.

Mr Gosper holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) from Macquarie University and a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy from the University of New England. He is expected to take up his appointment in January 2017.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner Mr Philip Green OAM for his contribution to advancing Australia's interests in Singapore since 2012.