Australia has announced the appointment of Mr Marc Innes-Brown PSM as its new Ambassador to the Philippines, further strengthening the countries’ strategic ties.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the appointment on 6 July, highlighting the enduring friendship between Australia and the Philippines, built on “mutual trust and cooperation” and a shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the region.
“In 2023, building on our long-standing ties, President Marcos and Prime Minister Albanese announced the elevation of our bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership,” Minister Wong said in her statement.
That Strategic Partnership supports cooperation across defence and security, trade and investment, development, education, and the energy transition.
Mr Innes-Brown is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). He has served in multiple senior roles in Australia’s diplomatic network, including as Ambassador to Türkiye (Turkey), Iran, and Iraq. He was most recently First Assistant Secretary of DFAT’s Middle East and Africa Division.
His extensive experience includes postings in Thailand, where he was Third Secretary at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok, and in the United States, where he served as First Secretary in Washington. Earlier in his career, he also directed DFAT’s East Timor and Philippines Section and was Head of the department’s temporary office in Phuket.
Born in Goulburn, New South Wales, in 1966, Mr Innes-Brown holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from the University of Sydney and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Hawaii. He speaks Farsi and Thai.
Minister Wong expressed gratitude to outgoing Ambassador Ms HK Yu PSM for her contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in the Philippines since 2022.
The appointment comes as Australia’s engagement with the Philippines continues to expand, underpinned by close people-to-people ties. Over 400,000 Australians have Filipino heritage, forming the country’s fifth-largest migrant community.
Mr Innes-Brown is married to Ms Neda Alemohammed, and they have one child.
