Ambassador to Italy

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Julianne Cowley as Australia’s next Ambassador to Italy.

The Ambassador to Italy is also accredited to Albania, Libya and San Marino.

Australia and Italy share a longstanding and forward-looking relationship, strengthened by historical ties, common values and a mutual commitment to addressing global challenges.

Australia and Italy are also growing our trade and investment ties, with Italian companies playing a valued role in Australia’s economy.

The Ambassador will also be Australia’s Permanent Representative to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Australia’s engagement in these international organisations demonstrates our commitment to the multilateral system, including on food security, humanitarian assistance and agricultural markets and sustainability.

Ms Cowley is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Pacific Development Branch.

She has previously served overseas as Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

I thank former Ambassador Margaret Twomey AM for her contribution to advancing Australia’s interests in Italy since 2020.