Diplomatic Appointment - Consul-General in Mumbai
Media release
6 July 2010
Today I announce the appointment of Mr Stephen Waters as Australia's Consul-General in Mumbai, India's financial capital. Mr Waters replaces Mr Peter Forby, an Austrade officer who has served with distinction as Consul-General and Trade Commissioner since July 2006.
Mr Waters will head a post that is to be significantly expanded in recognition of the growth and importance of Australia's engagement with India. He is expected to take up his appointment in July 2010.
The expanded Mumbai Consulate-General is an important element in delivering on the Government's commitment to place Australia's relationship with India at the front rank of our international partnerships. A new Chancery is to be established and is expected to open in 2011.
In November 2009 Australia and India agreed to take the Australia-India relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership.
India is now Australia's third largest and fastest growing major export market. Two-way goods and services trade totalled $20.9 billion in 2009.
The Consulate-General in Mumbai has responsibility for the states of Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat. Mumbai is home to many of India's largest businesses and the Reserve Bank of India. An increasing number of Australian businesses are building their operations in Mumbai, including Australian banks.
Mumbai is also an increasing focus of Australian cultural exchange with India. It is the home of Bollywood, where more than 1000 films are produced every year. A number of Indian films are now being filmed in Australia (four in 2009), showcasing Australia and using Australian film production services.
Mr Waters is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Pacific Engagement Taskforce, a position he held since 2008. Mr Waters has extensive experience within the Department and has previously served overseas as High Commissioner, Vanuatu with other postings to the Australian Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Thailand, Venezuela, Pakistan and Nigeria.
Mr Waters holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with combined Honours in Oriental Studies and Political Science from Melbourne University.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555