MEDIA RELEASE

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ALEXANDER DOWNER

FA118

29 August 1998

Diplomatic Appointment: Ambassador To Ireland

I have pleasure in announcing the Government's intention to recommend to the Governor-General in Council the appointment of the Hon. Bob Halverson OBE, MP as Australia's ambassador to Ireland.

Mr Halverson has had a long distinguished career in the service of Australia, first in the Royal Australian Air Force until 1981 and then as a Member of the Federal Parliament since 1984. From 1996 until 1998, he was Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He is married with four children. As a Member of Parliament, he has served on many parliamentary committees and led many parliamentary delegations. He was Chief Opposition Whip from 1994 to 1996.

At the time that Mr Halverson announced his intention to resign as Speaker in March 1998, the Prime Minister said that he hoped that it might be possible at some time in the future for him to serve his country in yet another capacity. I am very pleased that will indeed prove possible.

Mr Halverson would replace Mr Edward Stevens who has been ambassador since January 1995.

For further information: 

Innes Willox: 04 1920 6890
Tony Melville (02) 6261 1555