Today I announce the appointment of Mr Robin McKenzie OAM as Australia's next High Commissioner to Tuvalu.
Australia is dedicated to the stability, resilience and security of the Pacific region. We work closely with the Government of Tuvalu through our Pacific Step-up and as a partner in the Pacific Island Forum. We also continue to support Tuvalu's response to the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, including through the delivery of both Australian-manufactured and COVAX AMC vaccines and medical supplies.
Under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, Australia assists Tuvalu to secure its Exclusive Economic Zone. Australia works in partnership with the Government of Tuvalu to help meet the needs and aspirations of its people and promote resilience, including in the face of climate change and disaster events. We continue to strengthen our support for infrastructure, education, health and governance though our development program.
Mr McKenzie is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and was most recently a Director in DFAT's COVID-19 Coordination Unit. In Australia he served as Official Secretary and Chief of Staff to the Hon Gary Hardgrave, Administrator of Norfolk Island as well as in a number of trade and foreign investment review roles within DFAT. He has previously served overseas in Tokyo and Tarawa.
Mr McKenzie holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Asian Studies (Japanese) from Murdoch University; a Graduate Diploma of Foreign Affairs and Trade from Monash University and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Australian National University.
Mr McKenzie will be Australia's second resident head of mission in Funafuti, following the formal opening of our High Commission in 2019.
I thank former High Commissioner Karyn Murray for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Tuvalu since 2018.
