10 November 1995
Mr McCarthy will replace Dr Don Russell, who has been Ambassador since 1993.
"The security relationship is of long standing, based on the ANZUS alliance," Senator McMullan said.
"The two countries have a substantial trading relationship and are drawing great benefit from growing two-way investment flows. The United States is a significant economic partner for Australia. It is our third largest trading partner and the largest source of foreign investment.
"Australia and the United States consult closely on global and regional affairs. The two countries also enjoy close people-to-people and community links.
"Australia strongly supports the United States' constructive and comprehensive engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
"The continuing active involvement of the United States in regional groupings like APEC and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is particularly important in contributing to the longer term security and economic growth prospects of the region.
"The bilateral defence alliance retains its vitality and relevance within this broad context, as well as making a key contribution to Australia's own defence preparedness."
Mr McCarthy is a senior career foreign service officer with extensive diplomatic experience in the United States and Asia. He is particularly well placed to represent the full range of Australia's interests in the United States. He has twice served in Washington, on the second occasion (1987-1989) having responsibility for liaison with the United States Congress.
Mr McCarthy has also served as Ambassador to Vietnam (1981-1983), Mexico (1987-1989), and Thailand (1992-1994). He has also been posted in Vietnam, Damascus and Baghdad. Since 1994, Mr McCarthy has been a Deputy Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Mr McCarthy will take up his appointment in late November.