The Senate has introduced a resolution honoring Richelle Turner, Australia’s Ambassador to Palau, for her significant role in strengthening Australia’s presence in the Pacific region.
Senate Joint Resolution 12-5 commended Turner’s service to Palau as she prepares to conclude her tenure as Australia’s first resident ambassador.
“During Ambassador Turner’s time representing Australia in the Republic of Palau, she demonstrated Australia’s dedication and commitment as a development partner.
Australia has provided substantial support in various sectors, including climate change, security cooperation, health security, economic recovery, gender equality, and people-to-people diplomacy,” the resolution stated.
Turner was appointed as the Ambassador to Palau in 2019, coinciding with the opening of the Australian embassy on December 17, 2019.
Last month, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Mr. Toby Sharpe would succeed Turner as Australia’s next ambassador to Palau. Sharpe is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and most recently served as the First Secretary at the Australian Embassy in Beijing, China. He has also worked overseas with the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands in Honiara.
In the resolution honoring Turner, lawmakers acknowledged that she made a “lasting impact on the people of Palau.”
Turner played a crucial role in supporting the media in Palau through the Pacific Assistance Media Scheme pieces of training funded by the Australian government.
The resolution added that she was also instrumental in enhancing health security in Palau, providing technical assistance to local hospitals, fostering economic recovery, and promoting tourism in the country.
Australia also supported Palau with vital infrastructure projects, such as the Submarine Cable System, and was pivotal in improving Palau’s maritime security through the Pacific Maritime Security Program.
The resolution concluded by affirming that Olbiil Era Kelulau is honoring and commending Turner for her “goodwill and support” for the people of Palau. (By: Bernadette Carreon)