Ms Rachael Moore has been announced as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Tonga.

She is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade having previously served overseas in Dili, Jakarta and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.

Ms Moore holds a Master of International Development degree from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Queensland.

The date for her arrival in Tonga has yet to be announced.

Foreign Minister

Australia and Tonga have a strong and enduring partnership, established over 50-years of formal diplomatic relations and underpinned by deep personal, historical and cultural ties, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator Hon Marise Payne said on August 4.

“We have a shared interest in a secure, inclusive and resilient Pacific, reflected in our close cooperation in maritime security, fisheries management, law enforcement and community policing through the Defence Cooperation Program and Tonga-Australia Policing Partnership.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s former High Commissioner to Tonga Mr. Adrian Morrison completed his term at the end of June.