Ambassador for Regional Health Security

Today I announce the appointment of Mr PeterVersegi as Australia's next Ambassador for Regional Health Security.

The Ambassador for Regional Health Securitychampions Australia's commitment to build our region's resilience to healthsecurity challenges. The role will promote Australia's contribution to addressinfectious diseases with the potential to cause harm on a regional or globalscale.

The Indo-Pacific is a key focus for theAustralian Ambassador. The Ambassador will advance Australia's interests infocusing global attention on the health security of the region to supportrobust health systems respond to existing and emerging health threats.

As the lead for the Australian Government's$300 million Health Security Initiativefor the Indo-Pacific region the Ambassador will deepen partnerships with other governments andpromote Australian expertise and investment in medical innovation for new drugsand diagnostics. This work contributes to strengthening of health systemsand cooperation to ensure a safe and prosperous region.

Mr Versegi is a seniorcareer officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) where heis currently First Assistant Secretary, Development Policy Division. He haspreviously served overseas as Minister-Counsellor, Australian Permanent Missionto the United Nations, New York; and Assistant, Executive Director's Office,Western Pacific Constituency, World Bank, Washington. In Canberra, he hasserved as First Assistant Secretary, Office of Development Effectiveness, DFAT;and Assistant Secretary, Office of Development Effectiveness, DFAT.

Mr Versegi holds aBachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Blair Exell forhis contributions to advancing Australia's interests in regional healthsecurity since 2017.