Today I announce the appointment of Ms Lynn Bell as Australia’s next Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking.
The Ambassador plays a leading role in driving international cooperation, including through Australia’s work as Co-Chair of the Bali Process, which is crucial to addressing the abhorrent crimes of people smuggling, human trafficking and related transnational crime.
The Australian Government is committed to eradicating all forms of modern slavery. The Ambassador will work with partners in our region to strengthen their responses to modern slavery, and will work closely with the Operation Sovereign Borders Joint Agency Task Force.
Ms Bell is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Crisis Preparedness and Management Branch. Ms Bell has previously served as a Senior Adviser at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and overseas in Papua New Guinea.
I thank former Ambassador Lucienne Manton for her contribution and commitment to Australia’s mission to counter modern slavery, people smuggling and human trafficking.