The Australian Government has announced the appointment of a career diplomat as Australia's new High Commissioner to Samoa.

Australian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, Senator Marise Payne announced in a statement late Tuesday evening that a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Emily Luck is the new High Commissioner.

Ms. Luck was until recently the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and previously served in Port Moresby and Port of Spain as well as various positions in Canberra.

As part of her posting to Apia she will also be accredited to Samoa’s neighbor, American Samoa.

Ms. Luck holds a Bachelor of Communications and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Canberra; and a Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Sydney.

Her appointment coincides with 50 years of Australia and Samoa establishing diplomatic relations according to Senator Payne.

“This year marks the significant milestone of 50 years of formal diplomatic relations between Australia and Samoa,” added the Minister. 

“Australia and Samoa share a strong and enduring partnership underpinned by people-to-people links and spanning security, economic, social, sport and cultural spheres.”

Health, economy, and security are the focus areas in the Samoa-Australia bilateral relationship with Senator Payne putting the value of their partnership at approximately $37.2 million for the years 2020–2021.

“Our development partnership is helping with Samoa’s response to COVID-19, strengthening health systems, protecting vulnerable communities, and supporting economic recovery.  This partnership is estimated at $37.2 million.

“Our security cooperation, including our defense and policing ties, is contributing to our regional security. We also work closely in disaster and climate resilience.”

The Minister then thanked outgoing High Commissioner Sara Moriarty for her contribution to advancing Australia’s interests in Samoa since her appointment in 2018.