Today I announce the appointment of the Hon Mitchell Fifield as Australia's next Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York.
Australia is a founding member of the UN and has been an active participant in its institutions for over 70 years. Since its founding in 1945, the UN has played a central role in maintaining international peace and security, and addressing global issues such as the environment, development, human rights and gender equality. Australia is a strong supporter of the Secretary General's reform agenda to ensure that the UN is transparent and accountable into the future.
Australia held the first Presidency of the Security Council in 1946 and provided the first military observers under UN auspices a year later. Australia's five terms of service on the UN Security Council reflect our long-term commitment to the UN.
Mr Fifield served for 15 years in the Australian Senate in roles including Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate; Manager of Government Business in the Senate; Minister for Communications; Minister for the Arts; Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Digital Government; and Assistant Minister for Social Services.
Mr Fifield holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney.
I thank outgoing Ambassador and Permanent Representative Gillian Bird PSM for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests at the United Nations in New York since 2015.
