New Agent General appointed

Premier Alan Carpenter today announced the appointment of a new Agent General for Western Australia, Mrs Kerry Sanderson AO. 

Mrs Sanderson has been appointed for a two year term that will start in November 2008, based in London. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Fremantle Ports.

The Premier said Mrs Sanderson would be an excellent representative for WA in  Europe.

"I have every confidence that Mrs Sanderson's outstanding skills and experience will ensure the effective promotion of WA throughout Europe," Mr Carpenter said.

The Premier said the Agent General historically played an important role in maintaining and promoting business, government and cultural ties with Europe. 

"It is now more heavily focused on establishing business and trade opportunities," he said.

"Mrs Sanderson has had extensive experience within the public sector, formerly holding senior positions within the Departments of Transport (Deputy Director General) and Treasury (Director, Economic and Financial Policy)."

She has also held positions on numerous boards and associations including the Board of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), Ports Australia, the Council of Curtin University and the Australian Logistics Council.

Mrs Sanderson was named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours List for service to the development and management of the port and maritime industries in Australia, and to public sector governance in the areas of finance and transport. 

In 1996, Mrs Sanderson was named Telstra Businesswoman of the Year for Western Australia.  Mrs Sanderson holds Bachelors of Science and Economics and an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Western Australia.

Europe is one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment for WA and Australia.  Total trade between the European Union and WA for 2006-07 was $11.7billion.

The Premier praised the efforts of outgoing Agent General Noel Ashcroft who has forged new trade, investment and cultural links within the rapidly expanding Russian market.