WILL’S NEW JOB

Hodgman scores Singapore diplomatic post

FORMER Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman has been named Australia’s new high commissioner to Singapore.

The 51- year- old father of three and Tasmania’s 45th premier resigned from parliament in January.

Mr Hodgman’s new diplomatic role was announced on Sunday afternoon by Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

Mr Hodgman was most recently the inaugural chair of the Australian Business Growth Fund and as well as having served as Tasmanian premier held various portfolios, including attorney- general, minister for justice, tourism, hospitality and events, trade, prevention of family violence, advanced manufacturing and defence industries, parks, heritage, sport and recreation, the arts and aboriginal affairs.

Mr Hodgman holds a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of law degrees from the University of Tasmania. He was admitted as a barrister and solicitor and became a practitioner of the High Court of Australia in 1994.

Senator Payne said Australia had deep and longstanding ties with Singapore.

“Singapore is Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in ASEAN and our sixth largest trading partner. We look forward to growing our relationship in priority areas, and continuing our nations’ work together in responding to the health and economic challenges of the COVID- 19 pandemic,” she said.

Senator Payne thanked outgoing high commissioner Bruce Gosper for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Singapore since 2017.

Senator Payne did not provide details of when Mr Hodgman’s posting to Singapore would begin or the term of his appointment.

Mr Hodgman declined to comment on his new role on Sunday.

During his resignation speech on January 14, Mr Hodgman said his 17- year political career had an “undeniable impact” on his family.

His departure was viewed as a rare case of a politician leaving under his own steam at a time when the Liberals were in a reasonable position to win another term in government.

In April Mr Hodgman was named the inaugural chair of the Australian Business Growth Fund. He resigned from the role last month.