SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Today I announce the appointment of Dr Helen Cheney as Australia's next Ambassador to Portugal.

The Ambassador to Portugal is also accredited to Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Australia and Portugal share a warm bilateral relationship, based on close community links and demonstrated a shared commitment to international law and multilateralism.

Australia's trade and investment relationship with Portugal continues to grow. Two-way investment has tripled in the last three years to $1.6 billion.

2025 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Portugal.

Dr Cheney is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Australia's High Commissioner to Nauru. She has also previously served overseas in Thailand and Indonesia.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Ms Indra McCormick for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Portugal since 2022.

Media Contacts:
Foreign Minister's Office: +61 2 6277 7500

Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.