Appointment of Australian Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consuls-General

Today I announce the appointment of seven career diplomats to head Australian overseas posts.

Australia's ability to advance our interests abroad is dependent on the capability of our foreign service.

The appointment of experienced Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officers underscores my commitment to enhanced Australian diplomatic capacity.

I announce the following diplomatic appointments of career DFAT officers:

Ms Berenice Owen-Jones as Australia's next High Commissioner to Ghana.

Ms Katie Smith as Australia's next Ambassador to Mongolia.

Mr Neil Hawkins as Australia's next High Commissioner to Pakistan.

Ms Hae Kyong (HK) Yu PSM as Australia's next Ambassador to the Philippines.

Mr Paul Stephens as Australia's next High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.

Dr Angela Macdonald PSM as Australia's next Ambassador to Thailand.

Ms Annelise Young as Australia's next Consul-General in Noumea.

I thank outgoing ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls-general for their contributions to advancing Australia's interests in these countries during their respective tenures.