CANBERRA – In a significant move to strengthen Australia’s international engagement, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced the appointment of nine new heads of mission to key posts across Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Americas.
The diverse appointments, announced on Sunday, will see seasoned diplomats take up leadership roles in Tallinn, Lima, Kathmandu, Buenos Aires, Honiara, Nicosia, Noumea, and Alofi, reflecting the government’s focus on both traditional partnerships and emerging priorities.
“Today I announce the appointment of nine highly qualified individuals to lead Australia’s posts,” Senator Wong said, underscoring the depth of Australia’s diplomatic corps.
The new envoys and their postings highlight a range of strategic interests, from economic partnerships and security cooperation to deep people-to-people links.
Innovation in the Baltics, Strength in South America
Mr Edmund Mortimer has been appointed as Australia’s next Ambassador to Estonia, a relationship built on shared democratic values and cooperation on cyber security and trade. In an innovative approach, the embassy in Tallinn will operate at intervals to support high-level events while maintaining a virtual presence at other times.
In South America, Mr James Yeomans has been named Ambassador to Peru, with additional responsibility for Bolivia. The appointment comes as Australia and Peru leverage a strong Free Trade Agreement, with around 100 Australian companies operating in the mining, infrastructure, and energy sectors. 2025 will also mark 50 years of bilateral relations with Bolivia.
Deepening Pacific Ties
Reinforcing the government’s commitment to the Pacific family, several key appointments were made for the region.
Ms Megan Bainbridge will serve as Consul-General in Noumea, New Caledonia, and will also act as Australia’s Permanent Representative to the Pacific Community, the region’s largest scientific organisation.
Mr Jeff Roach OAM is set to become the next High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Australia’s largest development partner. “We are Pacific family and friends – we share a region, a future, and a history of partnership,” the announcement noted, highlighting cooperation on economic growth and a landmark police expansion partnership.
Mr Paul Harrington was appointed as High Commissioner to Niue, underscoring a “warm and friendly partnership.” Australia is one of only two countries with a permanent diplomatic presence on the island.
Celebrating Longstanding Partnerships
The appointments also celebrate enduring relationships with countries further afield.
Ms Emily Pugin will become Australia’s next High Commissioner to Cyprus, a nation with which Australia shares strong community ties and a commitment to a rules-based international order. The announcement acknowledged the contribution of the Cypriot diaspora to Australia’s multicultural fabric.
In South Asia, Mr Simon Ernst has been appointed Ambassador to Nepal as the two countries prepare to mark 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. The relationship is “underpinned by strong people-to-people links,” with almost 200,000 people of Nepalese heritage calling Australia home.
Finally, Ms Sarah Roberts was named Ambassador to Argentina, with non-resident accreditation to Paraguay and Uruguay. The growing trade relationship with Argentina, particularly in mining, was highlighted, as was long-standing cooperation with Uruguay and multilateral collaboration across the region.
