Today I announce the appointment of Mr Neil Hawkins as Australia’s next Ambassador to Israel.
Australia was proud to cast the first vote at the UN in 1947 in favour of the plan that led to Israel’s creation in 1948.
Strong people-to-people links are central to Australia-Israel ties today. Our relationship is enhanced by a large, vibrant and diverse Jewish community, many of whom also share a connection to Israel.
We continue to enhance cooperation in areas such as innovation and technology, supported by strong trade, investment and commercial links.
Mr Hawkins is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan.
He has also served overseas as Ambassador to Egypt and Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
I thank former Ambassador Dr Ralph King PSM for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Israel since 2023.