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

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Richard Feakes as Australia’s next Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism and Mr Brendan Dowling as Australia’s next Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology.

Australia’s Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism is responsible for leading our international engagement on counter-terrorism including at international fora and works closely with domestic agencies on counter-terrorism issues. Mr Feakes will also sit on the Commonwealth Joint Counter-Terrorism Board and the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee.

Terrorism is a global challenge, and working closely with our international partners in the region and beyond is critical to safeguarding Australia, our people and our interests from the harms of terrorism and violent extremism.

Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology leads Australia’s international engagement on cyber affairs and critical technology issues, while delivering cyber capacity building, crisis response and resilience across our region.

Cyberspace and critical technology is vital to international relations, including national security and international peace and stability, sustainable development, and the protection and realisation of human rights and freedoms.

Mr Feakes is a career diplomat with extensive counter terrorism experience. Mr Dowling has had a distinguished career in cyber affairs, most recently serving within the Department of Home Affairs.

I thank the former Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Dr Tobias Feakin, and the former Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism Major General (Rtd) Roger Noble AO DSC CSC, for their service.

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

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