The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Lynda Tabuya received an introductory call from the new Australian High Commissioner to Fiji and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs – HE Ewen McDonald this afternoon (16/08/2023).
Accompanying Mr. McDonald was the Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Stuart Watts and Counsellor – Development Ms. Sophie Temby.
Minister Tabuya congratulated Mr. McDonald on his appointment and stated that, “the Ministry looks forward to continuing and furthering its longstanding partnership in addressing the needs of our women, children and the most vulnerable in our communities”.
Minister Tabuya also said that, “Amongst other things, the Government of Australia has been a key partner in the Ministry’s strive towards finding interim solutions towards improving its social protection programs”.
“Most recently the Ministry launched the Fiji National Action Plan (NAP) to Prevent Violence against All Women and Girls, with the Government of Australia mobilising significant funding amounting to $FJD6 million for the implementation of the Fiji NAP.”
Mr. Mcdonald noted his excitement to carry on the good work undertaken by his predecessor, and looks forward to strengthening bilateral relations between Fiji and Australia and also the region.
Prior to his appointment to the role, Mr. McDonald was a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has headed the Office of the Pacific for the last four years.
He has also previously served as Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand with accreditation to Cook Islands and Niue.