Today I announce the appointment of Ms Amanda McGregor as Australia's next Special Representative on Afghanistan (SRA), based in Doha, Qatar.
Since Kabul fell to the Taliban on 15 August 2021, Australia has been working with the international community to support the people of Afghanistan.
We will continue to work with like-minded countries to call out the Taliban on its abuse of human rights, particularly its treatment of women and girls.
Afghanistan continues to face substantial humanitarian and economic challenges, compounded by natural disasters, such as the October 2023 earthquakes and flooding in recent months.
Australia has committed $71 million to assist the most vulnerable people in Afghanistan with humanitarian and basic needs assistance in 2023-2024. This support has been delivered by trusted partners and has a focus on helping women and girls.
Ms McGregor is a career officer with the Australian Public Service and was most recently Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Beirut. She has previously served overseas in Kuwait, Jordan and Afghanistan.
I thank former Special Representatives on Afghanistan for their contributions to supporting the people of Afghanistan.
