Ambassador to the Republic of Chile

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Andrew Martin as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Republic of Chile. The Ambassador to Chile is also accredited to the Republic of Ecuador.

Australia and Chile share a close partnership, cooperate on shared priorities, and have strong people to people ties. Over 41,000 Australians are of Chilean descent and nearly 30,000 Australians were born in Chile. 

Our trade and investment links continue to grow, with around 200 Australian companies operating in Chile, including across mining, infrastructure, education and energy. Two-way trade between our countries was worth $1.6 billion in 2022-23.

Australia has a positive relationship with Ecuador, with growing commercial links especially in the mining and education sectors.

Mr Martin is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Indo-Pacific Economic and Supply Chains Branch.

He has previously served overseas in Australia’s mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, as well as in Fiji and Venezuela, and has been a senior negotiator and ministerial adviser on multiple Australian trade agreements.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Todd Mercer for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Chile since 2020.