The Embassy of Australia in London

Amb. Stephen Francis Smith

Mr Smith began his posting as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom on 25 January 2023.

In August 2022, Mr Smith was asked by the Australian Government to co-lead the Australian Government’s Defence Strategic Review, which was completed in February 2023.

Prior to that, Mr Smith had been a Professor of Public International Law at the University of Western Australia since 2014.

Mr Smith previously served as Federal Member for Perth for the Australian Labor Party (1993-2013); Minister for Defence (2010-2013); Minister for Foreign Affairs (2007-2010); and Minister for Trade (2010).

Mr Smith holds a Masters of Laws in Public International Law, (London University 1982). He holds a Bachelor of Arts (1979) and Bachelor of Laws (1977) from the University of Western Australia.

Mr Smith lived, worked and studied in London from August 1979 – March 1983.

He completed the Bar Exams (Middle Temple) and was admitted as a Barrister of the Bar of England and Wales.

While in the UK, Mr Smith lectured and tutored law and completed a Masters Degree in Public International Law at London University (LSE).

Mr Smith has been a Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter since 1980.