New Australian ambassadors to France and Italy were among a host of diplomatic appointments announced today.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong also announced new High Commissioners to Canada, Niue and Tuvalu.
The appointments announced today were:
Lynette Wood: Ambassador to France.
Minister Wong said:
Australia and France have a strong, enduring and forward-looking partnership underpinned by shared values and interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
We are enhancing our cooperation through the ambitious Australia-France Roadmap and its three pillars – defence and security, resilience and climate action, and education and culture – which are delivering practical outcomes.
The Ambassador to France is also accredited to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Principality of Monaco.
Ms Wood is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She was most recently First Assistant Secretary in the Strategic Planning and Coordination Group.
She has previously served overseas as Ambassador to Germany and Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. She has had earlier postings to Canada and Germany.
Julianne Cowley: Ambassador to Italy.
Minister Wong said:
The Ambassador to Italy is also accredited to Albania, Libya and San Marino.
Australia and Italy share a longstanding and forward-looking relationship, strengthened by historical ties, common values and a mutual commitment to addressing global challenges.
Australia and Italy are also growing our trade and investment ties, with Italian companies playing a valued role in Australia’s economy.
The Ambassador will also be Australia’s Permanent Representative to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Australia’s engagement in these international organisations demonstrates our commitment to the multilateral system, including on food security, humanitarian assistance and agricultural markets and sustainability.
Ms Cowley is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Pacific Development Branch.
She has previously served overseas as Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Kate Logan: High Commissioner to Canada.
Minister Wong said:
Australia and Canada have a close and enduring relationship, underpinned by shared values and institutional ties.
Our two countries work closely together in a range of international forums, including the United Nations, G20, APEC, WTO, OECD, CPTPP and the Commonwealth. We are also close partners in the Five Eyes group.
We cooperate across a range of shared priorities, including upholding the multilateral system, taking greater action on climate change, advancing gender equality, and achieving meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Australia welcomes Canada’s increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, and is committed to working together to shape a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.
Ms Logan is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently First Assistant Secretary, Pacific Strategy Division.
She has previously served overseas as Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, and on postings to Australia’s missions in Paris and Colombo.
Olivia Phongkham: High Commissioner to Niue.
Minister Wong said:
Australia and Niue have over 50 years of friendship. We work closely together to advance regional priorities on climate change and the environment, and acknowledge Niue’s leadership on ocean preservation and conservation.
Australia will continue to work in partnership with Niue to support its development goals and economic resilience, and strengthen climate-resilient critical infrastructure, including through our new water and sanitation program.
Australia is one of only two countries with a permanent diplomatic presence in Niue, demonstrating the strength of our relationship.
Ms Phongkham is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently posted as an adviser to the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in Samoa.
David Charlton: High Commissioner to Tuvalu.
Minister Wong said:
Australia and Tuvalu are longstanding partners with shared interests in a peaceful, safe and prosperous Pacific.
The historic entry into force of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty in August 2024 demonstrates a momentous step in the elevated partnership between our two countries.
Mr Charlton is currently working in the Pacific region as Executive Director of the Australia – Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program (P4A).
In the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Charlton was most recently Director, Pacific Aviation Section. He also served as Acting Head of Mission at the Australian High Commission in Kiribati in early 2023.
