Agent General appointment extended for 12 months

The Palaszczuk Government has extended the appointment of Mr Ken Smith, Agent-General and Trade and Investment Commissioner for Europe and Africa, for 12 months.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Mr Smith’s appointment was extended beyond the original five-year term in the wake of referendum for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union last week.

“The role of Agent General and Trade and Investment Commissioner is to represent Queensland interests, particularly promoting trade,” the Premier said.

“My Government has decided it’s in Queensland’s interests to maintain continuity in the role following the referendum result.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade Jackie Trad said given current global conditions, maintaining stability was important for Queensland’s trade interests.

“Over the coming months and years there will inevitably be a shift in dynamic in the European market.

“We also anticipate that we will see talks beginning around an Australia-European Union free trade agreement.

“Having an experienced and stable voice representing Queensland’s interests during this time is crucial.”

Queensland exports to the United Kingdom increased by 18% over the last 12 months (to April 2016) to $833 million.

Prior to his appointment in the London-based role in 2011, Mr Smith headed the Queensland Public Service as Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet for approximately four years. He has held a number of Departmental Chief Executive Officer positions in Queensland since the early 1990s.

Mr Smith served as Coordinator-General and Director-General of the Department of Infrastructure, and has been the Director-General of a range of large Queensland Government departments including Education, Employment and Training, Family Services, Disability Services Queensland and Housing Local Government and Planning.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0417 263 791