Career officer Adrian Morrison has been appointed Australia’s next High Commissioner to Tonga.
Mr Morrison’s appointment was announced by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Marise Payne in a statement today.
“Australia and Tonga enjoy a warm and productive relationship,” Sen Payne said.
“Both countries are committed to security, stability and prosperity in the Pacific. Our relationship is underpinned by extensive people-to-people links and strong partnerships in defence, policing and development. Over 32,000 Australians identify as having Tongan ancestry. Since 2012 more than 14,500 Tongans have participated in the seasonal worker program, supporting Australia’s agricultural sector.”
Mr Morrison is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is currently Director, Mentoring, Diversity and Performance Management Section.
He has previously served overseas as Deputy Head of Mission in Ottawa, Kabul, Baghdad and Riyadh in addition to postings in Suva and Seoul. In Canberra, he has served as Director, North Africa and Arab League Section; and Director, Korea Section.
Mr Morrison holds a Master of Arts (International Relations), Australian National University; and a Bachelor of Economics (Hons), University of Queensland.
Sen Payne thanked outgoing High Commissioner Andrew Ford for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Tonga since 2016.
Photo file. Caption: Australian High Commission in Nuku'alofa