Today I am pleased to announce the Honourable Jay Weatherill AO will be Australia's next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom is one of our closest friends and partners, and the appointment of Australia's High Commissioner to the UK is one of the most important international appointments we make.
Jay Weatherill served as South Australia's 45th Premier for over six years and championed national debate on sovereign defence capability, renewable energy targets and environmental protection issues.
As Premier, he was instrumental in establishing South Australia's leadership in the defence industry, including in construction of submarines. As a proud South Australian and as our next High Commissioner, Jay is well placed to take forward AUKUS in our nation's interests.
Mr Weatherill served in the South Australian Parliament for 16 years in portfolios including Treasury, State Development, Education and the Environment.
I thank outgoing High Commissioner, the Hon Stephen Smith, for his service. Mr Smith has done an excellent job representing Australia's interests in the UK across a range of security and defence matters. He has taken a leading role in Australia's work with the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine convened by Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron.
Mr Weatherill will begin his role in the new year.
