- Long-term public servant Kevin Skipworth CVO appointed to European office
- Focus to include developing relationships with African nations
- Previous Agent General thanked for her outstanding work
Premier Colin Barnett today announced the appointment of Mr Kevin Skipworth CVO to a two-year term from March as Agent General for Western Australia.
Mr Skipworth was previously Official Secretary to the last five WA governors and Mr Barnett said this extensive experience made the appointee well suited to the role.
"Mr Skipworth has had a distinguished career working within the WA public sector," he said.
"He has held senior roles within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, working closely with visiting dignitaries and was a key member of the team that helped co-ordinate last October's successful Royal Visit during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
"He also has direct experience of the important work done by our European office, having held the Director of Administration position there from 1986 to 1988."
The Premier said Mr Skipworth had been charged with building WA's links with African nations.
"Many African nations, particularly Commonwealth nations, have major diplomatic posts in London and this provides us with an excellent opportunity to forge additional links," he said.
"Mr Skipworth's experience means he will be extremely well placed at maintaining the State's relationship with Buckingham Palace and managing the planning of any future Royal Visits."
Mr Barnett thanked outgoing Agent General Kerry Sanderson AO for her outstanding work both in London and the public sector over many years.
"Ms Sanderson's achievements include attracting increasing numbers of companies to visit WA and forged new trade and investment links within the burgeoning Russian market," he said.
Fact File
- Mr Skipworth was born in Kalgoorlie-Boulder
- Began career in State Public Service, 1964. In 1986 started work in the State's European Office as Director of Administration in the Agent General's Office
- Appointed as Chief of Protocol in the Ministry of the Premier and Cabinet, 1988. Then served as Official Secretary to successive WA governors January 1991-December 2011
- Mr Skipworth's service to successive governors and the WA Government was recognised in April 2000 with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appointing him as a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO). During the 2011 Royal Visit, The Queen promoted Mr Skipworth to a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
- For further information about the European Office visit http://www.wago.co.uk
Premier's office - 6552 5000
