AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2011
FED:Rudd finally names new Japan envoy
By Adam Gartrell, AAP Diplomatic Correspondent
CANBERRA, April 7 AAP - The federal government has finally named its new ambassador to Japan.
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has announced Bruce Miller will take up the critical post in July.
Mr Miller is currently the Deputy Director-General of intelligence agency the Office
of National Assessments.
"He will take up his position at a time when Japan will be working hard on the enormous
rebuilding task following the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami," Mr Rudd said.
Mr Miller will replace the long-serving Murray McLean, who has been in Tokyo since November 2004.
Prior to his time at ONA, Mr Miller was a senior career officer with the Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
He has served in Australia's Tokyo embassy twice before and speaks Japanese. He has
also served in Iran.
Mr Rudd has taken his time announcing the appointment, but it is believed the decision
was made several months ago.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary Dennis Richardson recently admitted
Mr McLean had been in his role "much longer" than was usual.
Japan is Australia's second largest export market and trading partner, making the ambassadorship
one of Australia's most important.
The nations are currently working on a Free Trade Agreement.
The announcement has come just weeks after Mr Rudd announced Australia's new envoy
to China, another critical position, with career diplomat Frances Adamson winning that
post.
It also came as Mr Rudd launched a new website to guide Australians who want to help
Japan in the wake of last month's natural disasters.
"Through this site, the Australian government and the Australian community can band
together to show the people of Japan that we are here for the long haul," he said.
It can be found at www.australiahelps.gov.au/japan.
AAP ag/psm/
KEYWORD: JAPAN AUST
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