In view of the very great respect held on both sides of the House for the outstanding job done by Mr Ric Smith since he was appointed Australia's Ambassador to Indonesia, will he consider asking Mr Smith to remain for a further period of time in his post in Jakarta, particularly at this critical time in our relationship with the Government of Indonesia; if not, why not.

Like the Honourable Member, the government considers that Mr Ric Smith AO has done an outstanding job as Australia's Ambassador to Jakarta in challenging circumstances. I fully endorse your comments on Mr Smith.

Mr Smith was to have returned to Australia the day after the Bali bombings to take up the important position of Secretary of the Department of Defence. Following the Bali tragedy, the government asked him to stay on for around two weeks to facilitate coordination with the Indonesian Government in Jakarta, and then to lead government efforts on the ground in Bali. He has accomplished these tasks and returned to Australia on 31 October to take up his new assignment.

Mr Smith has been replaced in Jakarta by Mr David Ritchie as Charge' d'affaires a.i. Mr Ritchie is a Deputy Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and an experienced and highly regarded officer.