Canberra's top diplomat in Western Australia will this week finish a 16-month stint leading the state's foreign affairs and trade outpost, as she begins preparations for a new, undisclosed assignment.
Sarah Hooper, who became the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's state director in July 2020, spoke to Business News earlier this year, detailing the department's handling of trade tensions with China and risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
She held key director roles at the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Mental Health Commission of Western Australia prior to her appoinment at DFAT.
Ms Hooper announced her departure in an email sent this afternoon, confirming her deputy, Dylan Walsh, would assume her role until a permanent replacement was found.
She thanked the team for their support while noting DFAT's role in promoting opportunities in WA across Australia's global network of 120 posts in 85 countries.
"It has been my real privilege and great joy to have got to know you and the work you are doing during my time in this role," she wrote.
"I look forward to hearing of greater collaboration with DFAT and your continuing success driving Western Australia’s international engagement."
