Elisabeth Bowes PSM is a highly regarded Australian diplomat currently serving as the Australian Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Her notable achievements include overseeing bilateral trade relations between the USA and Australia at the Australian Embassy in Washington from 2016 to 2019. In January 2020, she was appointed Chief Negotiator for the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on 31 May 2023. She was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2021 for her outstanding service in international trade policy. In January 2023, she was appointed Deputy Head of Mission to the United Kingdom, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing Australia-United Kingdom relations.
Ms Bowes’ professionalism, knowledge and collaborative approach have greatly benefited the Australia- United Kingdom business community, and her work continues to have a significant impact at both national and international levels.
Reflecting on your journey to date, what has been your proudest moment?
“My proudest moment was when I found out that Australia had successfully defended the tobacco plain packaging measure in international litigation at the World Trade Organization in Geneva. For over four years, I led the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade litigation team that successfully defended the measure at the WTO, working with the Department of Health, Attorney-General’s Department, public health experts and private counsel. Our successful defence in the face of fierce opposition from Big Tobacco benefitted all Australians and demonstrated the value of public service.”
If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the world, what would it be?
“Make education accessible to all, regardless of gender or economic status.”
