Frances Adamson
Honorific prefixHer Excellency The Honourable
Office36th Governor of South Australia
Term start7 October 2021
MonarchElizabeth II
Charles III
PremierSteven Marshall
Peter Malinauskas
Lieutenant governorBrenda Wilson
James Muecke
Richard Harris
PredecessorHieu Van Le
Office 1Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Term start 122 July 2016
Term end 125 June 2021
1blankname 1Foreign Minister
1namedata 1Julie Bishop
Marise Payne
Predecessor 1Peter Varghese
Successor 1Kathryn Campbell
Office 2Australian Ambassador to China
Term start 2August 2011
Term end 2February 2016
Prime minister 2Julia Gillard
Kevin Rudd
Tony Abbott
Malcolm Turnbull
1blankname 2Foreign Minister
1namedata 2Kevin Rudd
Bob Carr
Julie Bishop
Predecessor 2Geoff Raby
Successor 2Jan Adams
Birth nameFrances Jennifer Adamson
Birth datec. 1961
Birth placeAdelaide, South Australia, Australia
OccupationDiplomat · public servant
MotherJennifer Cashmore
FatherIan Adamson
SpouseRod Bunten
Relations
EducationWalford Anglican School for Girls
Alma materUniversity of Adelaide (BEc)

Frances Jennifer Adamson (born c. 1961) is an Australian diplomat and public servant who has served as the 36th governor of South Australia since 7 October 2021. Before assuming the vice-regal office, she had a long career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), including appointments as Australia's ambassador to China from 2011 to 2015 and secretary of DFAT from 2016 to 2021, becoming the first woman to serve in both positions.

Adamson was born in South Australia and brought up in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide as a sixth generation South Australian. She is the daughter of former South Australian parliamentarian Jennifer Cashmore as well as the stepdaughter of journalist Stewart Cockburn. She is the older sibling of Supreme Court of New South Wales judge Christine Adamson. Adamson attended Walford Anglican School for Girls but undertook a year's study at the Netherlands on an exchange program before completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Adelaide where she graduated with a Bachelor of Economics degree in 1985. She was the first female to be elected captain of the Adelaide University Boat Club in 1984.

After joining DAFT in 1985 during the Hawke–Keating economic reforms, Adamson undertook diplomatic postings in Hong Kong, New York, London, and Taipei, specialising in Asian affairs and international economics. She later served as head of the Australian Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei, Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and chief of staff to Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, briefly following him into the defence portfolio while remaining a career diplomat. In 2011, she became the first woman appointed as Australia's ambassador to China, serving in Beijing during a period that included China's leadership transition and the negotiation of the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement, while also engaging on issues such as Tibet and Xinjiang. After returning to Canberra as foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in 2015, she was appointed secretary of DFAT in 2016, again becoming the first woman to hold the position. During her five-year tenure, she oversaw the development of the 2017 Australian Foreign Policy White Paper, promoted Australia's Indo-Pacific strategy, supported greater representation of women in diplomacy and national security, managed relations with the Pacific and China, and coordinated major consular and diplomatic responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the repatriation of Australians overseas.

In May 2021, Premier Steven Marshall revealed that Adamson will be appointed as the next Governor of South Australia, becoming the third female governor of the state. Adamson retired from the public service in June and took the oath of office as governor on 7 October in Government House, after being appointed by Queen Elizabeth II. During her term, she administered the swearing-in of Premier Peter Malinauskas after the 2022 state election, presided over various ceremonies related to the coronation of King Charles III, and supported various reconciliation efforts. She assented to the First Nations Voice Bill 2023, making South Australia the first Australian state to establish a First Nations Voice to Parliament. In April 2026, she stated that she would end her term as governor on 6 October 2026 and that she would not accept Malinauskas' invitation to continue her term past five years.

Early life and education

Adamson was born in either 1960–61[1] in South Australia[2] and was brought up in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide. Adamson is the sixth generation of South Australian descendants.[3] While her mother is Jennifer Cashmore, former member of parliament and minister of the government of John Tonkin, her father Ian Adamson was a management consultant and company general manager. Her siblings include Christine Adamson, judge of Supreme Court of New South Wales and Stuart Adamson, Anglican Chaplain of Prince of Wales Hospital.[4] Moreover, she is the step-daughter of South Australian journalist Stewart Cockburn.[5]

Adamson attended Walford Anglican School for Girls in Hyde Park, where she was elected vice president of the Student Representative Council in Year 12.[5] After graduating, she spent a year in the Netherlands on a student exchange program[3] before studying at University of Adelaide, where she completed a Bachelor of Economics in 1985.[6] During her university studies, she worked part-time at The Cork and Cleaver in Glenunga and, in 1984, was elected the first female captain of the Adelaide University Boat Club.[3] As a final-year economics student, she participated in the Economists in Action government program, during which she visited Canberra and observed the work of public sector economists.[7]

Diplomatic career

Early career (1985–2010)

After finishing her undergraduate education, Adamson looked forward to going to Roseworthy Agricultural College to undertake applied science and oenology, hoping to be a winemaker.[3] However, instead of that in 1985 she enrolled into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) at a time when economic reforms were being undertaken by the Hawke–Keating government, resulting in an increase in the demand for economists in Canberra, due to the openness of the Australian economy. In May 1985, after having spent three months in the department, she returned back to Adelaide in order to receive her economics studies.[8] Despite having Paris as her first choice as foreign post, she got posted to Asia and started studying Chinese.[3]

Adamson served as an economist at the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong from 1987 to 1991. After returning to Canberra for a year, she undertook a brief posting at the Australian Mission to the United Nations in New York. During the tenure of Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, she testified during the investigation into the AWB oil-for-wheat scandal.[9] She subsequently took maternity leave and later served for four and a half years as political counsellor at the Australian High Commission in London.[3] Following a further period in Canberra between 1998 and 2000,[10] she was posted to Taipei, where she headed the Australian Commerce and Industry Office from 2001 to 2005.[1] She later returned to London and served as Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from July 2005 to January 2009.[11]

Adamson became chief of staff to Foreign Minister Stephen Smith under the Gillard–Rudd governments from January 2009 and December 2010.[12][11] She accepted the role on the condition that she could manage her family responsibilities and that, as a career diplomat, she would not be involved in party politics.[10] According to a report by the DFAT, she was made aware of the death of Ben Zygier sometime after February 2010. In subsequent interview, Julie Bishop stated that it was not credible that Adamson had not informed Smith of Zygier's incarceration.[13] When Smith was moved to the defence portfolio, Adamson briefly followed him in the same capacity.[10]

Ambassador of Australia to China (2011–2015)

On 21 March 2011, Adamson was appointed as Australia's ambassador to China, succeeding Geoff Raby[9][11] and becoming the first woman to hold the position.[14] She arrived in Beijing on 8 August 2011 and presented her credentials to President Hu Jintao on 16 August.[15] She was received by Yang Jiechi on 25 August.[16]

In March 2012, Foreign Minister Bob Carr stated that Adamson would seek to visit Tibet to engage with local communities and assess concerns regarding Tibetan self-immolations. Despite repeated requests over nearly a year, she did not obtain approval from Chinese authorities for the visit.[17] On 12 November 2012, Adamson reported that then-Vice President Xi Jinping was familiar with Australia and had visited all Australian states and territories.[18] Adamson participated in negotiations leading to the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Australia following leadership transitions in China in early 2013 and continued engagement with Chinese counterparts alongside other Australian diplomats.[19] She also noted the release of Australia's 2013 Defence White Paper on 23 May 2013 in the context of broader policy announcements.[20] Later that year, on 16 October, she hosted Michael Bryce and Governor-General Quentin Bryce at the Ambassador's Residence in Beijing.[21] From 31 August to 2 September 2014, she visited Xinjiang and met with Zhang Chunxian.[22]

During her tenure, the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement was negotiated and concluded, and she was involved in promoting the concept of a broader partnership with then newly appointed General Secretary Xi, with the aim of aligning political and diplomatic relations with existing economic ties between the two countries.[10] The agreement was signed in June 2015.[23] On 22 October, Foreign Minister Bishop announced that Adamson would conclude her term as ambassador to China and be succeeded by Jan Adams.[23] Her return to Canberra was linked to her appointment as foreign affairs adviser to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.[24]

In November 2015, Adamson was appointed foreign policy adviser to Turnbull.[25] During Turnbull's visit to Antalya following the November 2015 Paris attacks, she was part of his advisory team and participated in national security briefings of the National Security Committee of Cabinet.[26] Her earlier appointment as chief of staff to Foreign Minister Smith under a Labor government had attracted attention within sections of the Liberal Party.[27]

Secretary of DFAT (2016–2021)

Following the announcement of the retirement of Peter Varghese in November 2015, Adamson was considered among candidates for the position of Secretary of DFAT.[28] She was appointed to the role by Turnbull for a five-year term commencing on 22 July 2016, becoming the first woman to serve in that position.[29][12] Her appointment followed her previous service as ambassador to China and advisory roles to governments from both major political parties.[30]

On 6 April 2017, Adamson stated that the absence of women in senior diplomatic and national security roles was "not good enough", noting that Australia had not nominated a female head of mission to posts including Jakarta, Tokyo, Washington, D.C., and London.[31] The 2017 Australian Foreign Policy White Paper was developed during the early period of her tenure as Secretary of DFAT and was confirmed by Bishop on 14 December 2016.[32] Adamson was accountable for and managed DFAT's contribution to the document's development.[33][34] The paper described changes in the global system and referred to strategic, political, and economic shifts[35]. It also addressed tensions in the South China Sea, including references to China's actions in the region.[36]

On 22 February 2018, Adamson made her maiden trip to Papua New Guinea and was appointed co-chair of the Bilateral Security Dialogue with that country.[25] Adamson stated in a June 2018 interview that she felt "personally most gloomy" about the rise of global protectionism, claiming that nations like Australia relied on free and open trade for jobs and economic prosperity.[37] She introduced Australia's Indo-Pacific foreign policy framework in an October 2018 speech at the Australian National University, basing it on what the text refers to as "practical geopolitical reasoning."[38]

Adamson made contributions towards the implementation process of the AusAID-DFAT integration after 2013 through articulating a vision of international development in the 2019 Australasian Aid Conference. His contribution was acknowledged in another study as an indication of a direction in policy for integrating aid and foreign policy although it was mentioned that there was inadequate capacity for implementation in the department.[39] At the 2019 Shangri-La Dialogue, she described Australia's Pacific "Step-up" as aligned with priorities expressed by Pacific governments and communities.[40] In June, she stated that any foreign military installation in Australia's region would be "not welcome" and would have a negative impact on Australia's strategic environment.[41]

In April 2020, amid heightened diplomatic tensions following Australian calls for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19, Adamson engaged with Chinese counterparts, including contacting the Chinese ambassador to Australia after public comments suggesting potential Chinese consumer and tourist boycotts of Australia in response to the Morrison government's position.[42][43] In May, she identified COVID-19 as the Indo-Pacific region's most significant immediate challenge, with implications for Australia's longer-term interests, and participated in regular coordination calls with counterparts in the United States, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, India, and New Zealand, as well as through multilateral forums including ASEAN and the G20.[44] She also stated that the pandemic created a "blank slate" opportunity for the Australian Public Service to reconsider its operations and improve effectiveness.[45] In April 2021, she noted that Australia was vaccinating diplomats and their families stationed overseas, classifying them as "critical and high-risk workers."[46]

In May 2021, Adamson was associated with Australia's consular response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including coordination of the Pacific "Step-up" policy, and commented on internal departmental priorities including gender representation in senior diplomatic positions.[34] In June, she stated that Australian diplomats were working with a "steely determination" to reunite children stranded in India with their parents during COVID-19 travel disruptions.[47] According to Dan Tehan, she oversaw Australia's largest consular operation during the pandemic, which included assisting and repatriating a large number of Australians overseas.[48]

During her final week as Secretary of DFAT, on 23 June 2021, Adamson spoke at the National Press Club.[49] In her speech, she said that China was "dogged by insecurity" and there was a "deeply defensive mindset," implying that it saw threats outside while acting in its own interests. In addition, She characterised China's 2020 list of demands to the Australian government as a diplomatic misstep that had backfired and that democratically elected governments could not accept.[50] During the same event, Adamson pointed out that Afghan citizens who worked with the Australian military were in danger after Australia withdrew from Afghanistan, and stated that Australia understood that some of them were in both immediate and potential risks, and visa processing for locally engaged employees was being expedited. She also said that influence in the Indo-Pacific region would hinge upon contributions to recovery after the pandemic and reiterated Australia's interest in balancing the region on the basis of freedom.[51]

Governor of South Australia

On 19 May 2021, Premier Steven Marshall announced that Adamson would succeed Hieu Van Le as governor of South Australia from October, returning to South Australia after more than three decades overseas.[52] She became the third female governor of the state, following Roma Mitchell and Marjorie Jackson-Nelson.[53] Following her nomination, she retired from the public service on 25 June 2021. Her appointment was supported by Foreign Minister Marise Payne and then-Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas.[54] She was sworn in as governor on 7 October 2021 at Government House, Adelaide, and was formally appointed under the royal sign-manual of Elizabeth II.[55]

Adamson had to be in isolation in December 2021 after being classified as a close contact of a COVID-positive case associated with former Premier Jay Weatherill[56] and later tested negative.[57] She swore in Malinauskas as the 47th Premier of South Australia alongside the swearing-in of Stephen Mullighan as Treasurer and Susan Close after the state elections in March 2022.[58] During the National Reconciliation Week in 2022, she ensured that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were permanently flown at Government House.[59] Renovation of the private residence at Government House was underway in May 2022 during her administration.[60] In September 2022, she conducted a proclamation ceremony at Parliament House to proclaim Charles III as sovereign of South Australia[61] and later met him at Buckingham Palace on 24 September 2022.[62]

Adamson participated in a function organised by the South Australia–Vietnam Business Council on 28 February 2023 celebrating the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam.[63] On the same day in March, she assented to the First Nations Voice Bill 2023 during a special meeting of the Executive Council on the steps of Parliament House, thus becoming the first governor in Australia to give legal recognition to a First Nations Voice to Parliament.[64] In April 2024, during the visit of Governor-General David Hurley, she hosted a lunch at Government House.[65] An official visit to Thailand and the United Kingdom took place in July of that year.[66] The next year, her salary was increased as a result of a determination made by the South Australian Remuneration Tribunal.[67] In April 2026, she went on an official visit to Hong Kong to foster educational and agri-food connections.[68] Also in that month, she announced that she would be stepping down from her role as governor on 6 October 2026, despite Malinauskas's request for her to stay on.[69]

Titles, styles and honours

Frances Adamson
DipstyleHer Excellency
OffstyleYour Excellency

Adamson was awarded the University of Adelaide's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014 for her contribution to international relations.[70] In 2015, she was honoured with the Sir James Wolfensohn Public Service Scholarship by the Harvard Club of Australia.[71][72] She was the President of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) Australian Capital Territory Division from 2017 to 2019. On 25 September 2019, she was made an IPAA National Fellow for her contribution to public administration.[73][72]

For her eminent service to public administration through the advancement of Australia's diplomatic, trade, and cultural interests, especially with China and the Indo-Pacific region, to foreign policy development and program delivery, and as the 36th Governor of South Australia, Adamson was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours.[74] To celebrate UN Public Service Day in 2022, the Frances Adamson Oration was launched.[75] In December 2022, the ANU granted her an Honorary Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) for her contributions to Australian foreign policy and diplomacy.[76][77] As of 2026, she is additionally a Dame of Grace of the Order of Saint John, and she and her husband are the patrons of about 50 organisations in addition to about 120.[78]

Personal life

Although Adamson and her husband, Rod Bunten, who is a British diplomat, both worked in the diplomatic service, she for Australia and him for the British government, they first met in Hong Kong.[10] Due to their involvement in the diplomatic service, their marriage needed permission from their respective governments. Bunten retrained as a teacher in order to facilitate his wife's postings amid the raising of their children.[7] The couple has four children whose names are Claire, Matthew, Katherine and Sophie.[3]

References

  1. ^ Harris, Rob (2021-06-13). "Top diplomat and public servant honoured for her service". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived 2024-11-26 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  2. ^ "About the Governor". Government House Adelaide. Archived 2026-01-01 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  3. ^ Eccleston, Roy (2018-06-15). "SA's Frances Adamson tossed up whether to be a winemaker or an economist – and instead became the first woman to run Australian diplomacy". The Advertiser. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  4. ^ "Swearing In Ceremony of the Honourable Christine Adamson SC as a Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales". Supreme Court of New South Wales. 2011-10-17. p. 7. Archived 2023-10-10 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  5. ^ Walker, Tony (2016-01-22). "PM's foreign affairs adviser Frances Adamson is a 'hard-headed realist'". Australian Financial Review. Archived 2023-03-31 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  6. ^ "Frances Adamson Scholarship". Adelaide University. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  7. ^ Meegan, Genevieve (2023). "At home with Frances Adamson". Seniors Card. Archived 2024-03-21 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  8. ^ Adamson, Frances (2017-10-07). "Confucius Institute Annual Lecture: Australia and China in the 21st Century". Parliament of Australia. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  9. ^ McDonald, Hamish (2011-03-21). "Beijing envoy appointed". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived 2014-08-09 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  10. ^ Tingle, Laura (2016-09-25). "How Frances Adamson became DFAT's first female head". Australian Financial Review. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  11. ^ "Ms Frances Adamson". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Archived 2014-03-27 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  12. ^ Doran, Matthew (2016-07-20). "Frances Adamson appointed as DFAT's first female secretary". ABC News. Archived 2016-08-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  13. ^ Woodley, Naomi (2013-03-07). "Oppn demands statement from Smith on Zygier". ABC listen. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  14. ^ Clarke, Maxine Beneba (2015-11-07). "Meeting Frances Adamson, Australia's first lady in China". The Saturday Paper. Archived 2024-11-26 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  15. ^ "Welcome Reception". The Australia-China Youth Dialogue. 2012-08-17. Archived 2025-03-14 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  16. ^ "Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Meets with New Australian Ambassador to China Frances Adamson". tl.china-embassy.gov.cn. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  17. ^ Gartrell, Adam (2013-02-14). "China blocks Aussie official's Tibet visit". The Australian. Archived 2018-01-11 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  18. ^ "New Chinese leader knows Australia 'well'". News.com.au. 2012-11-12. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  19. ^ Jakobson, Linda (2013-04-10). "Australia-China strategic partnership: Two years of fits and starts". Lowy Institute. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  20. ^ "Australia Ambassador to China welcomes release of Australia's 2013 Defence White Paper". Australian Embassy China. 2013-05-03. Archived 2025-04-24 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  21. ^ "State Visit to the People's Republic of China". Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General. 2013-10-16. Archived 2026-01-23 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  22. ^ "Australian Ambassador Frances Adamson visits Xinjiang – August/September 2013". Australian Embassy China. Archived 2025-04-24 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  23. ^ Bishop, Julie (2015-10-22). "Ambassador to China". Minister for Foreign Affairs. Archived 2022-10-17 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  24. ^ Wen, Philip (2015-10-23). "Jan Adams, Australia's new ambassador in China, well-versed in trade negotiations". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived 2025-07-22 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  25. ^ "DFAT Secretary to co-chair Bilateral Security Dialogue". Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea. Archived 2025-03-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  26. ^ Coorey, Phillip (2015-11-15). "Paris attacks: Watching Malcolm Turnbull tested by crisis". Australian Financial Review. Archived 2025-07-25 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  27. ^ Sheridan, Greg (2015-11-28). "Sound hands at the tiller: Malcolm Turnbull's picks astute picks". The Australian. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  28. ^ Sainsbury, Michael (2016-06-15). "Meet the six candidates for DFAT's top job". The Mandarin. Archived 2025-07-23 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  29. ^ "Frances Adamson announced as new DFAT Secretary". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 2016-07-21. Archived 2022-03-14 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  30. ^ Rimmer, Susan Harris (2016-08-03). "DFAT Secretary Frances Adamson: Smart choice and a radical reform | Lowy Institute". Lowy Institute. Archived 2025-12-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  31. ^ Heanue, Siobhan (2017-04-06). "DFAT chief says lack of women in senior roles 'not good enough'". ABC News. Archived 2023-04-04 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  32. ^ Belot, Henry (2016-12-14). "Australia's first foreign policy white paper in 13 years to be released". ABC News. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  33. ^ Bishop, Julie (2016-12-13). "Foreign Policy White Paper public consultations launch". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Archived 2025-10-07 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  34. ^ Payne, Marise (2021-05-19). "Statement on Frances Adamson". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Archived 2025-10-14 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  35. ^ "Foreign Policy White Paper". Penny Wong. 2017-11-23. Archived 2025-06-14 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  36. ^ Greber, Jacob (2021-05-28). "Frances Adamson: businesses need a plan B for China". Australian Financial Review. Archived 2021-05-28 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  37. ^ Grattan, Michelle (2018-06-25). "In conversation: Frances Adamson (part 2)". Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Archived 2026-02-14 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  38. ^ Clarke, Michael (2020). "The Neglected Eurasian Dimension of the 'Indo-Pacific': China, Russia and Central Asia in the Era of BRI". Security Challenges. 16 (3): 32. ISSN 1833-1459. JSTOR 26924337
  39. ^ Moore, Richard (2019-03-25). "Reset required for DFAT-AusAID integration". Lowy Institute. Archived 2026-03-16 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  40. ^ Layton, Peter (2022-04-26). "Fixing Australia’s failing Pacific Step-up strategy". Lowy Institute. Archived 2026-01-24 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  41. ^ Dziedzic, Stephen (2019-06-02). "Morrison pledges $250m for Solomon Islands infrastructure in Pacific push". ABC News. Archived 2025-12-23 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  42. ^ Dziedzic, Stephen (2020-04-29). "In diplomatic terms, China just lobbed a small hand grenade at Australia". ABC News. Archived 2026-03-29 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  43. ^ Jenkins, Shannon (2020-04-28). "Frances Adamson called Chinese ambassador over suggestions public would boycott Australia". The Mandarin. Archived 2025-07-23 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  44. ^ "DFAT Secretary discusses COVID-19 response with Indo-Pacific countries". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 2020-05-13. Archived 2023-05-06 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  45. ^ Jenkins, Shannon (2020-05-04). "'We've done what we're here to do': Frances Adamson on the APS' crisis response". The Mandarin. Archived 2021-11-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  46. ^ Dziedzic, Stephen. "More than 100 Australian officials and their families infected with COVID-19 while posted overseas". ABC News. Archived 2025-09-17 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  47. ^ Curtis, Katina (2021-06-03). "209 Australian children still stuck in India without parents". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived 2024-08-16 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  48. ^ Tehan, Dan (2021-05-19). "Frances Adamson". Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Archived 2022-11-20 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  49. ^ Greene, Andrew. "China 'dogged by insecurity as much as driven by ambition' DFAT boss says". ABC News. Archived 2026-03-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  50. ^ "National Press Club Address". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 2021-06-23. Archived 2025-05-20 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  51. ^ "Foreign affairs chief acknowledges Afghan interpreters who helped Australia are in danger". SBS News. 2021-06-23. Archived 2025-07-23 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  52. ^ McKenzie, Connor (2021-05-19). "South Australia's newest governor announced". Nine News. Archived 2021-11-29 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  53. ^ Eccles, David & Richards, Stephanie (2021-05-19). "Top diplomat to be South Australia's new Governor". InDaily. Archived 2026-03-07 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  54. ^ "One of Australia's 'most accomplished public servants and diplomats' set for new role as SA governor". ABC News. 2021-05-19. Archived 2026-02-18 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  55. ^ "Governor's Instrument". The South Australian Government Gazette. 2021-10-07. p. 3746. Archived 2025-05-22 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  56. ^ "Peter Malinauskas in quarantine after former SA premier tests positive - ABC listen". ABC listen. 2021-12-02. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  57. ^ Lal, Sonia; Bennett, Emily; Vidler, Adam (2021-12-02). "SA Parliament to resume after COVID-19 shutdown". Nine News. Archived 2025-07-22 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  58. ^ Opie, Rebecca (2022-03-21). "Peter Malinauskas sworn in as South Australia's new Premier". ABC News. Archived 2025-09-18 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  59. ^ "Indigenous flags to fly at South Australian government house after National Reconciliation Week 2022 ceremony". Adelaide AZ. Archived 2024-04-20 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  60. ^ Richards, Stephanie (2022-05-02). "SA Governor’s $2m living quarters makeover". InDaily. Archived 2026-02-12 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  61. ^ "Proclamation of the accession of His Majesty The King". Department of the Premier and Cabinet. 2022-09-11. Archived 2025-03-27 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  62. ^ "The Royal Week 19-25 November 2022". The Royal Family. 2022-11-25. Archived 2026-02-04 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  63. ^ "50 years of Vietnam - Australia diplomatic ties celebrated in Adelaide city". Vietnamese Embassy in Australia. 2023-03-03. Archived 2025-03-28 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  64. ^ "State ceremony for the First Nations Voice to Parliament". Department of the Premier and Cabinet. 2023-03-27. Archived 2025-03-25 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  65. ^ "Adelaide, South Australia". The Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General. 2024-04-29. Archived 2026-02-13 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  66. ^ "Governor's official visit to Kingdom of Thailand and the United Kingdom". Australian Embassy Thailand. 2024-07-09. Archived 2025-10-12 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  67. ^ Hough, Andrew (2024-12-23). "Governor Frances Adamson wins huge pay rise after Remuneration Tribunal finds she was Australia's lowest paid head of state". The Advertiser. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  68. ^ Cui, Judy (2026-04-14). "South Australian Governor returns to HK to forge stronger education, agri-food trade ties". The Standard. Archived 2026-04-15 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  69. ^ "SA's beloved Gov announces decision on future". InDaily. 2026-04-01. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  70. ^ "Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients". University of Adelaide. p. 3. Archived from the original on 2025-05-19. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  71. ^ Jenkins, Shannon (2020-11-26). "'A truly great Australian': James D. Wolfensohn remembered for generous support of public sector leaders". The Mandarin. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  72. ^ "Transparency Portal". Australian Government Transparency Portal. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  73. ^ "Public servants honoured with IPAA National Fellowships in 2019". The Mandarin. 2019-09-26. Archived 2022-07-01 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  74. ^ "Companion (AC) in the General Division of the Order of Australia". Office of the Official Secretary of the Governor-General. 2021. Archived 2023-03-27 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  75. ^ "Frances Adamson Oration". Institute of Public Administration Australia. Archived 2026-01-20 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  76. ^ "Top diplomat and Indigenous songwriter honoured at ANU". Australian National University. 2022-12-16. Archived 2024-12-03 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  77. ^ "Honorary Doctor of Laws recipients". ANU Law School. Archived 2026-03-14 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  78. ^ "Women in Sport 2026". Adelaide University Sport. Archived 2026-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-19.