Today I announce the appointment of Ms Megan Bainbridge as Australia's next Consul-General in Noumea.
As members of the Pacific Islands Forum, Australia and New Caledonia share a vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
Our longstanding relationship is built on enduring community, tourism, trade, and investment links.
Ms Bainbridge will also serve as Australia's Permanent Representative to the Noumea-headquartered Pacific Community, the largest scientific and technical regional organisation in the Pacific.
Ms Bainbridge is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has previously served overseas in Lebanon, including as Deputy Head of Mission, and in Afghanistan. She speaks French and Arabic.
I thank outgoing Consul-General Ms Annelise Young for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Noumea since 2022, and in particular, for her leadership during the State of Emergency in New Caledonia in 2024.
