Former Commanding Officer of HMAS Kuttabul, Christine Clarke CSC, has been appointed Australia’s next Ambassador for Women and Girls.
She will replace the outgoing Julie-Ann Guivarra, who was Australia’s first Indigenous woman to become an Australian Ambassador in an appointment made on International Women’s Day in 2020.
Clarke has served as Head of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office at the Australian Defence Force, the director of the Navy People Policy at Royal Australian Navy, director of the Royal Australian Navy Central Canteens Fund, and commanding officer of the Royal Australian Navy’s largest operational base on the Eastern seaboard, HMAS Kuttabul.
“This was a career in which I was privileged to work with and lead the amazing women and men of the ADF and the Defence organisation with strength founded in humanity and compassion,” Clarke wrote in a statement, published on LinkedIn.
“I am grateful for the many experts who have graciously shared their knowledge in this important field and I will continue to learn from my expanding network of colleagues in the pursuit of enhancing gender equality and empowerment of women and girls by keeping this as a central focus in Australia’s diplomatic, development, and regional security efforts.”
Minister for Women and Foreign Affairs Senator Marise Payne announced the appointment last night, noting Clarke’s capabilities in ensuring gender equality, and empowerment of women and girls is a central focus of Australia’s diplomatic, development, and regional security efforts.
“Promoting gender equality, the rights of women and girls, is a priority for Australia,” the Minister wrote in her statement.
“Gender equality transforms economies and is a human right. In the shadow of the impact of the pandemic, active and sustained leadership on gender equality is more important than ever.”
“The Ambassador raises the importance of addressing sexual and gender-based violence, increasing economic opportunities for women, promoting women’s leadership, the critical importance of promoting positive social norms and the rights of girls.”
Payne also thanked Julie-Ann Guivarra for her contributions in the role.
Clarke said she will “apply my personal framework” for addressing some of the challenges and opportunities the role will present.
“We need to ensure that gains are not lost; that we are making space for women to step into leadership roles; and that women are ready, willing and able to take their place where decisions are made.”
She will now step down from her latest role as Defence Adviser and Attache to New Zealand, Cook Islands and Chile.
“I look back on my 3 years in New Zealand with a sense of pride on what we achieved,” she wrote. “Many friends started out as work colleagues and our shared passion and values cemented our friendship for evermore. Not enough of us get to work in our place of passion, daily living to, and demonstrating, the values we hold dear.”
“Changing attitudes, influencing policy, influencing behaviours and communicating across cultures and nations requires a special combination of skills.”
“I look forward to sharing the important work we will be doing in the region and invite you all to join us in making a positive contribution to our collective future.”
In 2013, Clarke was awarded her CSC (Conspicuous Service Cross) by then Governor of NSW Marie Bashir.