Consul-General in New York
Media release
14 February 2014
Today I announce the appointment of the Honourable Nick Minchin as Australia's next Consul-General in New York.
Given the strength and size of New York's financial sector, a primary role for the Consul-General is influencing key individuals and companies across a range of sectors particularly business and politics. By promoting Australia as a major player in the finance sector, the Consul General also raises awareness of Australia's resilient economy and our competitive advantages in our region. The Consulate-General is actively engaged in encouraging two-way investment and commercial links, including through the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement.
The Consul-General has a high profile in New York and can use it to influence perceptions of Australia for example, through links with think tanks, educational and cultural institutions, the G'Day USA events and the media. It also provides essential consular and passport services to Australians working in or visiting New York and surrounding areas.
Nick Minchin is a former Federal Cabinet Minister. He was elected to the Australian Senate for South Australia in July 1993 and served until June 2011.
From 1994 to 1996, Mr Minchin was a member of the Opposition Shadow Ministry and then held the position of Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister from 1996–1997. He went on to become the Special Minister of State and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister 1997–1998, and Minister for Industry, Science and Resources 1998–2001. Significantly he was Minister for Finance and Administration from November 2001 until 2007. While in office, he held the posts of Leader of the Government in the Senate, and Vice-President of the Executive Council.
Mr Minchin resigned his Opposition portfolios when his Senate term ended in June 2011. He is expected to take up his appointment in April 2014 succeeding Mr Phillip Scanlan AM.
Mr Minchin holds degrees in Law and Economics from the Australian National University in Canberra and was a Hawken Scholar in Cleveland, Ohio.