New Consuls-General in key Canada, Brazil posts

The Australian Government is pleased to announce the appointment of new Consuls-General in Canada and Brazil, with a focus on strengthening trade and investment ties with these commercial centres of global importance.

Mr Josh Riley takes up the role of Consul-General and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner in Toronto, and Mr John Prowse will take up the role of Consul-General and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner in São Paulo.

The appointments demonstrate the Australian Government’s commitment to promoting Australian exports and attracting foreign investment critical to the nation’s continued economic growth and prosperity.

The Government thanks outgoing Consuls-General and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioners, Grayson Perry and Greg Wallis, from Toronto and São Paulo respectively, for their service.

Mr Riley, a proud Wiradjuri man, brings a depth of corporate, not-for-profit and policy experience gained across Australia and Canada. Formerly Director, Corporate Citizenship at the Business Council of Australia, Mr Riley led the launch of Raising the Bar, a joint initiative with Supply Nation that saw 17 of Australia’s largest companies commit to spending over $3 billion with Indigenous suppliers.

As Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business in Toronto, Mr Riley was also involved in the creation of the Australia-Canada Indigenous Economic Partnership.

Mr Riley will lead Australia’s trade promotion and investment attraction priorities in Canada and oversee the Consulate-General in Toronto and Consulate in Vancouver.

This appointment will provide opportunities for Australia and Canada to work together on clean energy solutions, such as green hydrogen, which is expected to create local jobs in Australia and help economies around the world achieve their emission-reduction goals.

Mr John Prowse takes up his new role in Brazil, bringing broad experience from government and the private sector.

Prior to joining Austrade, Mr Prowse worked in government relations in the energy sector, including time in Canberra and as country manager in Timor-Leste. He has considerable experience in negotiation between governments and the resources sector.

In government, Mr Prowse has worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with postings to Brazil and Egypt.

Mr Prowse is looking forward to returning to South America, where he anticipates his commercial experience will assist in showcasing Australia as a premium supplier of goods and services and as an attractive investment destination.