Role of the Agent General

The role of Western Australia's Agent General is to represent the interests of the Government of Western Australia in the regions of Europe and Russia (including EU aspirant countries and the CIS states).

It primarily involves a promotional, trade and investment function for Western Australia but it also involves representation and has a diplomatic function in the UK.

In meeting its key objectives the Agent General and the London Office operate across the range of Government Ministerial portfolios.  The ability to represent effectively on a whole of government basis is enhanced by the fact that the Agent General reports directly to the Premier of the State.

The position of Agent General was first established in 1892 (prior to Federation in Australia).  Appointment is made by the Governor under the Agent General Act of 1895 (as amended).  There have been 26 Agents General since 1892.

When the Office was first established, its main focus was to purchase heavy equipment for infrastructure (rail, water, port) from the United Kingdom to assist the development of the Western Australian colony, which was growing rapidly as a result of gold mining, agriculture and timber.

Over the years the focus has changed depending on the needs of the State at the time (for example, investment, migration, trade). In recent decades the scope of the trade and investment task and the geographic area of coverage by the European Office has expanded considerably.

Today trade and investment, and the associated need to promote what is happening in Western Australia in a wider market, is the primary focus, but recruitment of skilled migrants continues to be important given ,Western Australia’s on-going strong economic growth and demand for particular skills to assist with skill shortages.

The promotion of the State as a destination for tertiary education and business visitation is also being given greater prominence as part of the wider promotion of the excellence that Western Australia has to offer.