Today I announce the appointment of Ms Emily Luck as Australia's next High Commissioner to Samoa. Ms Luck will also be accredited to American Samoa.
This year marks the significant milestone of 50 years of formal diplomatic relations between Australia and Samoa. Australia and Samoa share a strong and enduring partnership underpinned by people-to-people links and spanning security, economic, social, sport and cultural spheres.
Our development partnership is helping with Samoa's response to COVID-19, strengthening health systems, protecting vulnerable communities and supporting economic recovery. This partnership is estimated at $37.2 million (2020-2021).
Our security cooperation, including our defence and policing ties, is contributing to our regional security. We also work closely in disaster and climate resilience.
Ms Luck is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and most recently was Chief of Staff to the Secretary. She has previously served overseas in Port Moresby and Port of Spain and various positions in Canberra.
Ms Luck holds a Bachelor of Communications and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Canberra; and a Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Sydney.
I thank outgoing High Commissioner Sara Moriarty for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Samoa since 2018.
