Appointment of Ambassadors, High Commissioner and Consul-General

Today I announce the appointment of four career diplomats to lead Australian overseas posts, in Solomon Islands, Cambodia, Guangzhou and in our newly established Embassy in Bern, Switzerland.

Ms Elizabeth Day will be Australia’s new Ambassador to Switzerland. She will also be accredited to Liechtenstein.

The opening of an Australian Embassy in Bern is a significant milestone in our bilateral relationship with Switzerland – it is testament to our enduring relationship and close cooperation for over 60 years.

I am also pleased to announce the following appointments of three other experienced Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officers:

Mr Rod Hilton as Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.

Mr Justin Whyatt as Australia’s Ambassador to Cambodia.

Mr Anthony Aspden as Australia’s next Consul-General in Guangzhou.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner Lachlan Strahan, Ambassador Pablo Kang and Consul-General Michael Sadleir for their contributions to advancing Australia's interests during their respective tenures.

I also thank our Ambassador to Germany, Philip Green OAM, who has advanced Australia’s interests in Switzerland and Liechtenstein since 2020 as non-resident Ambassador. Ambassador Green will remain Australia’s Ambassador to Germany.