Frances Adamson announced as new DFAT Secretary

Prime Minister Turnbull has announced the appointment of Ms Frances Adamson as the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Ms Adamson is currently the International Adviser to the Prime Minister. From 2011 to 2015 Ms Adamson was Australia's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China. She has also served in the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong, as Representative to the Australian Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei and in the Australian High Commission in London. She was Chief of Staff to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and then the Minister for Defence from 2009 to 2010.

She has had a distinguished career as a diplomat and brings a depth of experience and understanding of international affairs.

Ms Adamson is the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Her appointment is for 5 years commencing on 22 July 2016.

• Prime Minister's media release: Ms Frances Adamson appointed Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 20 July 2016
• Minister for Foreign Affairs media release: Frances Adamson announced as new DFAT Secretary, 21 July 2016
• Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment media release: New Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 21 July 2016