Consul-General in Los Angeles

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Chelsey Martin as Australia's next Consul‑General in Los Angeles.

The Consulate-General leads Australia's premier economic and public diplomacy program in the United States, G'Day USA.

G'Day USA showcases Australia's creative and innovative industries in the US market.

The Consulate-General's other responsibilities include promoting Australia's interests in business, tourism, entertainment, research and education, and advancing our robust cultural and people-to-people links.

The Consulate-General has responsibility for southern California and other south-western states including Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, parts of Nevada and Alaska.

Ms Martin is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). She has significant experience in the United States serving as Counsellor (Political), Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York from 2011 to 2014, and as Counsellor (Public Affairs) at the Australian Embassy in Washington from 2006 to 2009.

In Canberra, Ms Martin served until recently as the Director of the Ministerial and Executive Liaison Section and as Deputy Chief of Protocol and Director of the Diplomatic and Consular Accreditation Section. She has significant experience working in public affairs and economic diplomacy, including in DFAT's Media Liaison Section (2005-06); and the Trade and Advocacy Outreach Section (2004-05). She was seconded to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as Senior Adviser, Global and Regional Architecture, from 2009 to 2010.

Ms Martin holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from the Australian National University.

Ms Martin will take up her appointment in early November 2015. I thank outgoing Consul‑General Karen Lanyon for her contribution to advancing Australia's interests in Los Angeles since 2012.