Role of the Embassy & Consulates
The Australian Ambassador represents the Australian Government in China.
The present Ambassador to China is Ms Frances Adamson. Ms Adamson took up her appointment in August 2011.
The Deputy Head of the Mission, who acts as Charge d'Affaires in the absence of the Ambassador, is Mr Justin Hayhurst. His local designation is Minister. Mr Hayhurst took up his appointment in December 2012.
Ambassador Adamson and her staff deal with a range of matters -- including politics, economics, commerce, investment, culture, defence, development cooperation -- with the objective of promoting Australia's interests in its relationship with China.
The Australian Embassy is also responsible for passport handling, entry clearances and visas.
The work of the Embassy has also been expressed in terms of a mission statement. According to this statement, the Embassy seeks to understand China and to work with the Chinese to further Australia's interests. The Embassy is also charged with striving to grow and diversify trade and investment; to enhance an understanding of China in Australia; to help China's development and contribute to its regional and global integration; to build links between Australia and China, and to help Australians in China.
In addition to the Australian Embassy in Beijing, the Australian Government is represented by Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, and with "outrigger" offices of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) in Dalian, Qingdao, Xi’an, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Ningbo, Chengdu, Kunming and Shenzhen.
