Fed: trade expert is next Environment Ambassador

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2004
Fed: trade expert is next Environment Ambassador

CANBERRA, Dec 10 AAP - The federal government today appointed a trade expert as Australia's
next Ambassador for the Environment.

Jan Adams will take up the role in January, replacing Justin Brown who has been ambassador
since February this year.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the Ambassador for the Environment promoted
Australia's national interests and policies on bilateral, regional and multilateral environment
issues.

The ambassador also represents the government at international conferences and negotiations
and provides policy advice.

"Reflecting these responsibilities, Ms Adams will report to the Foreign Affairs and
Trade portfolio ministers and the Environment and Heritage Minister, Senator Ian Campbell,"

Mr Downer said in a statement.

"Australia is a committed and effective contributor to international efforts on a range
of environment issues.

"During Ms Adams' appointment, Australia will work to set the agenda for a viable Beyond
Kyoto framework to more effectively address climate change, respond to the challenges
of biodiversity loss and promote sustainable development."

He said Ms Adams was particularly well qualified for this position, given her strong
trade and environment policy background.

She was most recently head of the trade branch at the Australian Embassy in Washington
and played a major role in the negotiation of the Free Trade Agreement with the United
States.

Among other roles, Ms Adams has worked as an adviser to the Minister for Industry,
Science and Technology (1994-96) and Minister for Trade (1993-94), in the Trade Directorate
of the OECD in Paris and at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

AAP dep/bes/jlw

KEYWORD: ENVIRONMENT

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