Anne Plunkett facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anne Plunkett
Anne Plunkett in 2013
Born	Anne Maree Plunkett 1952 (age 72–73) Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
Alma mater	University of New England
Occupation	Public servant and diplomat

Anne Maree Plunkett (born 1952) is an important Australian public servant and a career diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. She worked for the Australian government for many years. From 2012 to 2016, she was Australia's Ambassador to Portugal. An ambassador is the main representative of a country in another country. She also represented Australia in Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe at the same time. Before that, she was Australia's Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland and the Holy See (Vatican) from 2006 to 2008.

Early Life and Education

Anne Plunkett was born in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, in 1952. She went to the University of New England. There, she earned a special degree called a Bachelor of Arts with Honours.

Anne Plunkett's Career as a Diplomat

Anne Plunkett started her career as a diplomat in 1974. Her first job was as a deputy consul in Honolulu. A consul helps citizens of their country who are living or traveling abroad. She worked there until 1976.

Working in Different Countries

After Honolulu, she spent three years in Dar es Salaam. This is where the Australian High Commission is located. A High Commission is like an embassy, but for countries within the Commonwealth of Nations. She was a "third secretary" there.

Over the years, Anne Plunkett also worked in other countries. She was posted to Fiji as a "First Secretary." She also had jobs in India, Tanzania, and Hawaii. These roles helped her gain a lot of experience in international relations.

Roles in Australia

Anne Plunkett also held several important jobs in Canberra, Australia. These jobs were within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This department manages Australia's relationships with other countries.

In 2005, she was the Director of Protocol for the department. This means she was in charge of official rules for how diplomats and foreign visitors should be treated. In this role, she met with a Chinese diplomat named Chen Yonglin. She explained that foreign diplomats living in Australia are expected to return to their home countries when their work is finished.

Ambassador to Ireland and the Vatican

In January 2006, Anne Plunkett became Australia's Ambassador to Ireland. At the same time, she was also appointed Ambassador to the Holy See. The Holy See is the government of the Vatican, which is the smallest independent state in the world and the home of the Pope.

Her appointment to the Holy See became official on May 18, 2006. This was when Pope Benedict XVI accepted her "letters of credence." These are formal letters that introduce an ambassador to the head of state of the country where they will serve.

While she was Ambassador to the Holy See, Anne Plunkett had important discussions. For example, she listened to the Pope's message about the social situation of Aboriginal people in Australia. This showed the importance of these diplomatic talks between countries. As ambassador in Ireland, she was known for making her speeches interesting. She often included funny stories, which made her public appearances very popular.

In July 2008, the Australian Government decided to have a separate ambassador just for the Holy See. So, Anne Plunkett's role in the Vatican was given to another person. She continued to serve as Ambassador to Ireland.

Chief of Protocol and Ambassador to Portugal

From November 2009 to December 2011, Anne Plunkett held another important role in Canberra. She was the Assistant Secretary for the Protocol Branch and also the Chief of Protocol. This meant she was still in charge of official diplomatic rules and ceremonies.

In May 2012, Anne Plunkett received a new appointment. She became Australia's Ambassador to Portugal. She also represented Australia in Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe. She started this new role at the end of 2012. In April 2013, she officially presented her credentials to the Portuguese Government. Her time as Ambassador in Portugal ended on April 19, 2016.