Today I announce the appointment of Ms Lucienne Manton as Australia’s next Ambassador to Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste and Australia share a long history based on the close friendship between our peoples. In January 2026, Prime Ministers Albanese and Gusmão signed the Parseria Joint Declaration, which sets out priorities for our future development, security and economic cooperation.
Australia and Timor-Leste continue to work closely together to advance our shared interests, including Timor’s integration into ASEAN, and the development of the Greater Sunrise gas fields consistent with the 2018 Maritime Boundary Treaty.
Ms Manton is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Mainland South and Central Asia Branch.
She has served as Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking, overseas in the United Kingdom and on a short-term mission as Special Representative on Afghanistan.
I thank outgoing Ambassador Caitlin Wilson for her contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Timor-Leste since 2024.