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Appointment Announcement Checklist
Responsible Department: DFAT
Official Contact name:
Phone number:
Date of submission to MO: 24 December 2024
Description of Appointment
Title: Head of Mission Appointment - Brussels
Type of appointment:
Position / board: Ambassador for Australia to the Kingdom of Belgium
Full-time / part-time: Full time
Appointment / reappointment / acting appointment: Appointment
Commencement date (dd/mm/yyyy): 13/01/2025
End date (dd/mm/yyyy): Approx 3 years
Type of Approval Required
Minister:
Yes
No
Date:
Prime Minister or Cabinet:
Yes
No
Date:
Executive Council:
Yes
No
Date:
Governor-General:
Yes
No
Date:
Appointment Announcement Checklist
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Authority
Legislative reference/authority for the appointment:
Who appoints:
Minister / Governor-General: Governor-General
Announcement
Is an early announcement ahead of Executive Council required:
Yes
No
Has approval for early announcement* been granted by the Governor-General:
Yes
No
Draft Release attached:
Yes
No
*Agreement for an early announcement may be arranged via the Exco Secretariat (
xxxx@xxx.xxx.xx).
The relevant Department must seek agreement at least 48 hours prior to any announcement being made.
Comments
Appointment Announcement Checklist
2
SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MEDIA RELEASE
APPOINTMENT OF AMBASSADORS AND CONSUL-GENERAL
Today I announce the appointment of three highly qualified individuals to lead Australian
posts in Brussels, Belgrade and Lae.
I am pleased to announce the following appointments:
• General (Rtd) Angus Campbell AO as Australia’s next Ambassador to Belgium
• Mr Peter Truswell as Australia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia
• Mr Brenton Kanowski as Australia’s Consul-General in Lae.
Australia's representatives overseas prosecute our national interests and through their
diplomatic engagement help uphold the norms and rules that have underpinned decades
of peace and prosperity.
General Campbell wil also serve as the Ambassador to the European Union (EU), the
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Luxembourg. His experience as Chief of
the Defence Force from 2018 until 2024 will help deepen Australia’s peace and security
cooperation with NATO, both in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific.
I thank the outgoing ambassadors and consul-general for their contributions.
Media Contact
Caitlin Raper:
+61 432 522 598
Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Af airs, Australia.
SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MEDIA RELEASE
AMBASSADOR TO BELGIUM
Today I announce the appointment of General (Rtd) Angus Campbell AO as Australia’s
next Ambassador to Belgium.
General Campbell has also been nominated as the Ambassador to the European Union
(EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Luxembourg.
Australia has warm relationships with Belgium, the EU, NATO and Luxembourg, founded
on a shared commitment to the global rules-based order.
Australia’s close ties with Belgium build on the legacy of those Australians who fought and
died in Flanders fields during the First World War. We also enjoy productive, contemporary
economic and political links.
Australia and the EU cooperate closely on a broad range of international issues including
trade, climate, human rights, energy and global rules and norms. We work together in the
Indo-Pacific to promote a peaceful, stable and prosperous region where international law
is upheld.
Australia remains committed to concluding a free trade agreement with the EU that is in
our national interest.
Australia and NATO have a longstanding relationship based on a shared commitment to
stability, peace and prosperity. This is demonstrated through regular political and defence
engagement.
General Campbell is a retired senior officer in the Australian Army, who served as the
Chief of the Defence Force from 2018 until 2024. He was previously posted as
Commander Operation Sovereign Borders from September 2013 until he was appointed
Chief of Army in May 2015.
I thank outgoing Ambassador Ms Caroline Millar for her contributions to advancing
Australia’s interests with the European Union, NATO, Belgium and Luxembourg since
2021.
Media Contact
Caitlin Raper:
+61 432 522 598
Ministerial Office: +61 2 6277 7500
Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Af airs, Australia.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE TO
THE EUROPEAN UNION, NATO,
BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG
Address: Mr Campbell
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE TO
THE EUROPEAN UNION, NATO,
BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
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PDR ID:
Senator the Hon Penny Wong Meeting with Ambassador-Designate to the European Union, NATO, Belgium and Luxembourg
02:00pm-02:30pm, Friday, 13 December 2024, Adelaide
Key points
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Prepared by:
A/g FAS EUD | DMG
Date cleared:06 December
2024
Consultation: EUD, EAD, DND, GPD, MAD, Brussels Post
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Biography
Angus CAMPBELL AO, DSC
Ambassador-Designate to the European Union, NATO, Belgium and
Luxembourg
AUSTRALIA
Form of Address:
Mr Campbel
English Ability:
Fluent
Year of Birth:
1963
Education:
University of New South Wales - Bachelor of Science (Hons) – 1985
Cambridge University - Master of Philosophy in International Relations
– 1993
Career:
2018-2024 Chief of the Australian Defence Force
2015-2018 Chief of the Australian Army
2013-2015 Commander Joint Agency Taskforce Operation Sovereign Borders, Department
of Home Affairs
2012-2013 Deputy Chief of the Australian Army
2011-2012 Commander Australian Forces Middle East Area of Operations, Defence
2010-2011 Head Military Strategic Commitments, Defence Headquarters
2009-2010 Deputy Secretary and Deputy National Security Adviser, Prime Minister and
Cabinet
2005-2009 First Assistant Secretary, Office of National Security, Prime Minister and Cabinet
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Page 3 of 3
From:
Sent:
Tuesday, 26 November 2024 10:26 AM
To:
Subject:
RE: HOM-Designate Brussels - Request for pre-posting consultation with the Foreign Minister
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Great, thanks
. Let’s do it.
From:
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 10:55 AM
To:
@dfat.gov.au>
Cc:
Subject: Re: HOM‐Designate Brussels ‐ Request for pre‐posting consultation with the Foreign
Minister[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Hi
‐
Yes ‐ 1130‐1200h on Friday 13/12 works perfectly.
Thanks so much for all of your assistance.
Kind regards,
From:
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024 at 10:36:58 am
To:
Subject: RE: HOM‐Designate Brussels ‐ Request for pre‐posting consultation with the Foreign Minister
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
OFFICIAL:Sensitive
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Hi
Thanks – can we do 1130‐1200h on Friday 13/12? The meeting will be in the FM’s office in the Adelaide CPO – 100
King William Street,
1
HOM‐des / accompanying staff can give me a call on arrival and I’ll escort you in –
@DLO FM – can we get a brief please?
Many thanks
OFFICIAL:Sensitive
From:
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 9:56 AM
To:
Subject: RE: HOM‐Designate Brussels ‐ Request for pre‐posting consultation with the Foreign Minister
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
OFFICIAL:Sensitive
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Hi
Thanks so much for your assistance thus far with this.
A meeting with the FM on Friday the 13th looks like it will work bet with HOM‐Des’ interstate program – any time
between 1130‐1300h works well.
Just confirming that the FM is still available for a meeting on the 13th in that 1130‐1300h time slot?
Thank you so much.
Kind regards,
_______________________________
Policy Officer | European Union Political Engagement
European Union Branch (EUB) | Europe Division (EUD)
OFFICIAL:Sensitive
From:
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2024 10:58 AM
To:
Subject: RE: HOM‐Designate Brussels ‐ Request for pre‐posting consultation with the Foreign Minister
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
OFFICIAL:Sensitive
2
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Hi
Thanks – can we avoid before 9am on both days; and between 1130‐1300h and after 1600h on Thurs 12 Dec?
Thanks
OFFICIAL:Sensitive
From:
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2024 10:32 AM
To:
Subject: RE: HOM‐Designate Brussels ‐ Request for pre‐posting consultation with the Foreign Minister
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Hi
Are there any time slots on the 12th or the 13th that the FM would prefer? And are there any time slots which would
not be workable for the FM?
Thanks
_______________________________
Policy Officer | European Union Political Engagement
European Union Branch (EUB) | Europe Division (EUD)
From:
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2024 6:40 PM
To:
Subject: Re: HOM‐Designate Brussels ‐ Request for pre‐posting consultation with the Foreign
Minister[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Hi
‐
Should be very possible ‐ the interstate program is pretty bare at the moment, but will have to run by HOM‐Des on
Monday.
The only other item on the agenda for Adelaide is a possible visit with the TTM (no date for that yet) but ideally we
could coordinate the two meetings.
Thanks so much for your assistance and speedy reply. Will have an answer for you on Monday.
3
Thanks,
From:
Date: Friday 22 November 2024 at 6:33:45 pm
To:
Subject: Re: HOM‐Designate Brussels ‐ Request for pre‐posting consultation with the Foreign
Minister[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Hi
a
thanks, it would be good if FM could meet with HOM‐des. Is 12 or 13 Dec in Adelaide possible?
Thanks
Executive Officer to the Foreign Minister
From:
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2024 5:13 PM
To:
Subject: HOM‐Designate Brussels ‐ Request for pre‐posting consultation with the Foreign Minister
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Dear FMO,
I hope you are well. I am the Liaison Officer for Australia’s Ambassador‐designate to Belgium, with
accreditation to Luxembourg, the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
(NATO).
It is customary to notify the office of the Foreign Minister of the appointment of Ambassador‐
designate and provide the opportunity to meet with them as part of their pre‐posting preparations.
This appointment is not yet announced and is to be kept in confidence. The Ambassador‐designate
is an SES Band 3 officer.
Australia’s Ambassador‐designate currently has availability on
Monday, 25 November, and the
week
commencing Monday 16 December for Canberra‐based consultations. Grateful for your
advice on interest in and availability for a meeting.
The Ambassador‐designate will also be travelling interstate as part of the pre‐posting program
during the week commencing
Monday 9 December. The Ambassador‐designate’s interstate
consultation program is yet to be finalised. Grateful for the Foreign Minister’s availability and
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interest in an Adelaide‐based meeting should she be unable to meet with the Ambassador‐
designate during the Canberra program.
For visibility, the pre‐posting consultation program concludes on Friday 20 December.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.
Kind regards,
_____________________________
Policy Officer | European Union Political Engagement
European Union Branch (EUB) | Europe Division (EUD)
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
dfat.gov.au | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney‐Lively (2024) We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, waters
and community. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples, their cultures and to their Elders, past, present and
emerging.
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