New Ambassador to Germany announced

Today the Hon Julie Bishop MP announced the the appointment of Ms Lynette Wood as Australia's next Ambassador to Germany. In Canberra, Ms Wood was First Assistant Secretary, International Division with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C). She has served as Assistant Secretary, Middle East Branch and Executive Branch at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Ms Wood has also served overseas with postings in Canada and Germany.

I had the pleasure of discussing bilateral trade opportunities between Germany and Australia with the Ambassador on the 10th of August for a special German European Chamber of Commerce of South Australia Inc. lunch with Ms Wood via the South Australian State Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Here I provided a detailed brief of the Chambers activities, including our recent draft submission to the AU-EU Free Trade Agreement, to Ms. Wood and to DFAT Director of the South Australia State Office, Mr Dave Gordge.

Joining the Chamber were two of our newest members, Mr Ingo Jerke, Operations Manager, Orora Beverage – Closures and Michael Wehrs, Export Manager for Kay Brothers Winery-McLaren Vale. The Chamber was also represented by Corporate Sponsors Jeremy Shultz Partner, Finlaysons, Justin Boehm, Member Relationship Executive, Ai Group (Corporate Member) Kimberly Crossman (Board GECOCSA), Frank Lucks (Trustee GECOCSA) and our Vice Chairman Guneter Pratz.

The Chamber recognises the special work undertaken by DFAT in South Australia to keep International Chambers abreast of changing opportunities and environments in the International Diplomatic space. We wish the new Ambassador well in her new appointment in this key position.