The Australian Government has announced the appointment of Ewen McDonald as the High Commissioner to Fiji.
He replaces John Feakes who served in the role from 2018 to 2022.
This appointment also comes with the additional responsibility of serving as Australia’s first Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs.
In a joint statement, Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy said that the role highlights the Albanese Government’s dedication to supporting Pacific priorities outlined in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
McDonald’s appointment they said would bolster Australia’s capacity to address common challenges and strengthen its engagement with regional organisations, particularly as a member of the Pacific Islands Forum.
A senior career officer who has spent several years working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, McDonald has held the position of heading the Office of the Pacific for the past four years. He previously served as Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, with accreditation to Cook Islands and Niue.
