Today I announce the appointment of Ms Rachael Moore as Australia's next High Commissioner to Tonga.
Australia and Tonga have a strong and enduring partnership, established over 50 years of formal diplomatic relations and underpinned by deep personal, historical and cultural ties.
We have a shared interest in a secure, inclusive and resilient Pacific, reflected in our close cooperation in maritime security, fisheries management, law enforcement and community policing through the Defence Cooperation Program and Tonga-Australia Policing Partnership.
Through our development partnership we work towards a shared vision of a prosperous and resilient Tonga, with a particular focus on strengthening health systems, reinforcing a strong health and economic recovery from COVID-19, building resilience to natural disasters and climate change, and supporting gender equality and social inclusion.
Ms Moore is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has previously served overseas in Dili, Jakarta and Port Moresby.
Ms Moore holds a Master of International Development degree from Deakin University; and a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Queensland.
I thank former High Commissioner Adrian Morrison for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Tonga since 2019.
