Noel Ashcroft was born and grew up in the south west of Western Australia before moving to Perth to commence university studies.

He holds a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) from A.N.U. and a Master of Science from Oxford, England.  He has had sixteen years experience with the Forests Department of Western Australia (now the Department of Conservation & Land Management) in the planning, management and harvesting of hardwood and softwood forests.  He is a holder of a Schlich Medal for Forestry, a Russell Grimwade Award, and is a Justice of the Peace.

In 1983 he assisted in the review of functions of Government departments and authorities and to develop proposals for rationalisation and restructuring with the aim of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Government management and administration.

In 1986, he was appointed as Associate Director of a merchant banking corporation which owned and managed majority interests in public and private companies in gold, oil and gas, agriculture and various manufacturing operations.  He held the position of Managing Director of the Group's forestry, sawmilling, timber processing and export interests.

For the past fifteen years he has held senior positions in the Western Australian Government’s industry and resource development portfolio.  His most recent position was Deputy Director General, Department of Industry and Resources, and areas of specialisation included resources industry policy, facilitation of major projects, land and infrastructure development, and investment attraction. 

As Agent General his role is to raise the profile of Western Australia in Europe.  To this end, key objectives include expanding the market penetration of Western Australian commodities, manufactured goods and services, encouraging further European investment in the Western Australian economy, and promoting the migration of businesses and skilled people to Western Australia.

Noel Ashcroft is married to Susan and they have six children between them, four girls and two boys, and three grandchildren. His interests include house and furniture renovation, golf and fishing.

Position and Role of the Agent General

Messages from the Agent General