Stephen Smith to be Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK

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Penny Wong announces Labor appoints one of her former colleagues as High Commissioner of Australia in the UK

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Former Labor Secretary Stephen Smith has been announced as Australia’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Mr Smith was Secretary of State for Defense and Secretary of State under the Rudd and Gillard administrations.

Mr Smith was elected to the House of Representatives in 1993 and retired from politics in 2013.

He will take up his new position in early 2023 as the successor to interim commissioner Lynette Wood.

Former Secretary of Defense and Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith (left) will take over

Former Secretary of Defense and Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith (left) will take over

This was announced by Secretary of State Penny Wong.  Pictured a week ago at the United Nations General Assembly

This was announced by Secretary of State Penny Wong.  Pictured a week ago at the United Nations General Assembly

This was announced by Secretary of State Penny Wong. Pictured a week ago at the United Nations General Assembly

Foreign Secretary Penny Wong said Mr Smith’s appointment reflects the importance of Australia-UK relations.

“There is also a clear advantage for Australia to be represented by people who have had distinguished careers outside of public service, such as businessmen and former parliamentarians,” she told reporters in Adelaide on Friday.

A replacement for Australian Ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos will be announced at the end of his term in February 2023.