High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Ewen McDonald as Australia’s next High Commissioner to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

As neighbours, friends and equals, the bonds between Australia and Papua New Guinea are deeply important. It is a relationship based upon common history, close geography and shared values.

Together our two countries are instrumental in shaping a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pacific.

Mr McDonald will commence his role as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence later this year.

Mr McDonald is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji.

He has also previously served overseas as Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, with accreditation to the Cook Islands and Niue.

Mr McDonald will continue his role as Australia’s inaugural Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner John Feakes for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Papua New Guinea since 2023.