The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Alexander Downer announced yesterday that James Batley would be Australia's next High Commissioner in Suva.

Mr Batley, who until December 2006 was Special Coordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), is a regular visitor to Vanuatu. He worked at the Australian High Commission in Port Vila from 1985 to 1988.

During his posting here, Mr Batley developed a close relationship with communities of Emau Island and managed the once popular Sawia String Band. He holds the title of Atavirualima from Emau Island.

Mr Batley's diplomatic career in the Pacific included postings in Asia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. After the 1987 military coup in Fiji led by Rabuka, Batley was sent to Suvai as Australia's acting ambassador to Fiji.

Mr Batley who is expected to take up his new post later this month, will replace Ms Jennifer Rawson.