NO.025

Nomination of Australian Alternate Director to the Asian Development Bank

The Treasurer today announced the nomination of Mr Dereck Rooken‑Smith, a senior official with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), to the position of Alternate Director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila.

Mr Rooken‑Smith will fill the position of Alternate Director at the ADB from August 2007.  His salary and allowances will be paid by the ADB.

As Alternate Director, Mr Rooken‑Smith will assist the Director, Mr Phil Bowen, in representing a constituency of countries within the ADB comprising: Australia; Azerbaijan; Cambodia; Hong Kong, China; Kiribati; Federated States of Micronesia; Nauru; Palau; Solomon Islands; and Tuvalu. 

Mr Rooken‑Smith currently holds the position of Assistant Director General, Initiative Support, in AusAID’s Thematic and Research Group.  With over 20 years experience as a senior AusAID official, which has included periods in the Philippines, Fiji and Vietnam, Mr Rooken‑Smith has considerable expertise on the development challenges facing countries in the Asia Pacific region. 

Australia has been a member of the ADB since it was established in 1966 to assist the economic and social development of countries of the Asia and Pacific region.  Australia remains one of the most significant shareholders in the Bank and attaches considerable importance to its work within the region.

LONDON

11 April 2007

Contact:

David Gazard –

0428 405 107