FOR PRESS 9 FEBRUARY 1978
AUSTRALIAN. AMBASSADOR TO UNESCO
The Prime Minister announced the appointment of Sir John Kerr
as Australian Ambassador to UNESCO.
Sir John, former Governor-General of Australia, retired in
December and is at present on a private tour overseas.
The position of Ambassador to UNESCO was created during the
administration of the former Government. The Ambassador was
withdrawn in September 1976 and his functions reverted to the
Ambassador to France, His Excellency Mr H. D. Anderson, O. B.. E.
Since then, the commitments to Australia arising from its
membership of UNESCO, coupled with our growing relations wiLth
France, have led the Government to conclude that the two functions
should again be separated.
The Prime Minister said that he regarded Sir John Kerr as
admirably qualified for the post of Ambassador. Apart from his
distinguished career in the law and as Chief Justice of New
South Wales, his knowledge of Australia and Australians, together
with his wide experience of educational, cultural and other-aspects
of public life, would be valuable assets to him in representing
Australia in this important international organisation.
Sir John's appointment will be for three years. He will bE!
based in Paris. AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR TO UNESCO
4314