Today I announce the appointment of Ms Jane Duke as Australia’s new Consul-General in Los Angeles.
The Consulate-General has responsibility for southern California, Alaska and south-western American states including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and parts of Nevada.
These states collectively account for approximately US$7 billion in two-way trade with Australia. This area is host to a large Australian population, including over 40,000 Australians in the greater Los Angeles region – reflecting our extensive community links.
In addition to providing consular services, the Consulate-General supports Australia’s strong trade, tourism and investment interests in the United States, including in the defence and space industries. The Southwestern United States is home to important hubs for scientific research and for the entertainment and creative industries.
The Consulate-General plays a key role in supporting Australia’s premier public diplomacy activities in the United States, including the G’Day USA program.
Ms Duke is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN in Jakarta. She has also served overseas as Deputy High Commissioner, Malaysia, and has held senior positions in the immigration portfolio.
Ms Duke holds a Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies); and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Australian National University; and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Technology Sydney.
I thank previous Consul-General Chelsey Martin for her contribution to advancing Australia’s interests in Los Angeles since 2015.
