Posted on June 02, 2009
In Senate Estimates hearings yesterday, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) revealed that Peter Varghese, the current Director General of the Office of National Assessments, is to be Australia’s new High Commissioner to India.
The information was provided in answer to questions by Queensland Senator, Russell Trood. While Senator Trood welcomed the appointment of Mr Varghese at this sensitive time in Australia’s relations with India, he expressed concern about the way the information was released.
“Normally, the Minister for Foreign Affairs makes the announcement of a Heads of Mission appointment, not Department officials,” Senator Trood said.
News of the appointment came at a time when DFAT officials were being questioned about a long list of Heads of Mission appointments. Officials advised the Committee that a list of proposed appointees had been sent to the office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs on 6 November, 2008. Of the 18 positions on the list only 6 appointments have been announced as at today.
Senator Trood said it was disgraceful that it has taken over six months for decisions to be taken on these appointments. “It points to a breakdown in decision making at the highest levels of the Rudd Government.”
Senator Trood said he hoped that the Minister for Foreign Affairs would formally confirm Mr Varghese’s appointment in the very near future.