Ambassador to the Netherlands

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Matthew Neuhaus as Australia's next Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is one of Australia's closest European partners. We share more than 400 years of history, common values, and extensive people-to-people links. The Netherlands is our fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment and our third largest export market in Europe. The Netherlands is also a multilateral hub, home to the International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court and Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons – all institutions where Australia is active in pursuing a global rules-based order.

Our countries cooperate closely on international security issues. We are committed to securing accountability and justice for those who died in the downing of MH17. Australia appreciates the Netherlands' leadership in the MH17 joint investigation, and our broader cooperation on holding to account those responsible.

Mr Neuhaus is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade where he most recently headed the Middle East and Africa Division. He has previously served overseas as Ambassador to Zimbabwe; Director, Political Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat, London; and High Commissioner to Nigeria. In Canberra, Mr Neuhaus has also served as Assistant Secretary, Africa Branch and Senior Adviser, International Division, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Mr Neuhaus holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney and a Master of Philosophy in International Relations from the University of Cambridge.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Brett Mason for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in the Netherlands since 2015.