Australia appoints new ambassador to Chile

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Todd Mercer as Australia’s next Ambassador to Chile. Mr Mercer will also be accredited to Ecuador.

Australia and Chile enjoy a strong relationship based on common values and long-standing community links. Our trade and investment continues to grow, with over 200 Australian companies operating in Chile across various sectors, including mining, infrastructure, health, logistics and agriculture.

We also cooperate closely through APEC, the United Nations, the Pacific Alliance and the WTO, including on regional security, agricultural trade and the environment.

Australian investment in Ecuador is also increasing, including in the mining sector.

Mr Mercer is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has previously served overseas as High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam and as deputy head of mission at the Australian Embassy in Chile.

Mr Mercer holds a Master of International Studies from the University of Sydney; a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Sydney; and a Graduate Diploma of Arts from Monash University.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Robert Fergusson for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Chile since 2017.

/Public Release. View in full here.