With a senior international policy and diplomatic background, Elizabeth Ward brings deep experience on global economic development, trade policy and governance issues.
Over a 38-year career, Elizabeth managed trade policy divisions in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra, was Australia’s Chief Negotiator in several large trade negotiations, and has represented Australia abroad including as Consul General in Hong Kong, and also in Washington DC, New Delhi and Cairo. Prior to her recent retirement, Elizabeth was Australia’s Ambassador to APEC and headed DFAT’s US Trade Taskforce.
Elizabeth holds a Masters’ Degree from Deakin University, and BA (Asian) (Hons), BEc from the ANU. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
In 2026 she was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to Australia’s trade and foreign policy interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Committee memberships
