Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Miles Armitage as Australia's next Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism. The position, established in March 2003, is key to the coordination and promotion of Australia's international counter-terrorism efforts.

Despite successes achieved in some parts of the world, dispersed and unpredictable attacks are on the increase, therefore reducing the threat to Australia's national security and to the safety of Australians remains a priority and requires strong international cooperation.

As Ambassador for Counter Terrorism, Mr Armitage's role will be to promote and pursue Australia's international counter-terrorism efforts with governments, international fora, academia and the private sector. Bilaterally, Australia has memoranda of understanding on counter-terrorism with 17 nations which provide frameworks for sharing information and facilitating counter-terrorism activities. Multilaterally, Australia engages in fora such as the United Nations (UN) and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF).

Mr Armitage will be based in Canberra and replaces Mr Bill Fisher.

Mr Armitage is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is currently Assistant Secretary Counter-Terrorism Branch. He was most recently Ambassador to Timor-Leste. He has also served as Assistant Secretary Parliamentary and Media Branch and Maritime South-East Asia Branch, and in International Division, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Overseas, Mr Armitage has served in Manila, New York and Islamabad.

He has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Foreign Affairs and Trade from the Australian National University.