South Australia’s next Governor revealed as Frances Adamson, chief of the Foreign Affairs and Trade Department

Premier Steven Marshall has announced South Australia’s next Governor, who will succeed Hieu Van Le.

South Australia’s next Governor will be Adelaide-raised Frances Adamson, an esteemed diplomat who heads Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Department.

Premier Steven Marshall on Wednesday announced Ms Adamson in October would succeed Hieu Van Le, who has served as Governor since September, 2014.

Ms Adamson, the daughter of former state Liberal MP Jennifer Cashmore, has been DFAT secretary since 2016, was Australia’s ambassador to China from 2011-15 and deputy high commissioner to London from 2005-08.

She also served as the chief of staff for Labor Defence and Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith and as an international adviser to former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Frances Adamson with Premier Steven Marshall at the announcement of her appointment in Elder Park. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

In-depth: Meet SA’s new Governor, Frances Adamson

Ms Adamson, whose appointment was predicted in February in The Advertiser’s Off the Record column, said she was deeply honoured to be appointed to such a significant role in the state she grew up in.

“I am greatly looking forward to returning home to serve the people of South Australia and contribute to the state’s international engagement through the promotion of trade, investment and people-to-people links,” Ms Adamson said.

“I feel privileged to be succeeding His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, who has served with such distinction.”

Mr Marshall said Ms Adamson’s appointment represented a new era for the state.

“She is a very proud South Australian with a plethora of experience in international affairs – vitally important to South Australia as we recover from the once-in-a-century COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“Her wealth of knowledge on the international stage will put South Australia in good stead as we continue to put South Australia on the global map.”

Ms Adamson in Canberra when she was secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Picture: Sean Davey

Ms Adamson, who became the first female captain of the Adelaide University Boat Club, told reporters at Elder Park it was a “really good feeling” returning to her hometown after spending 36 years in Canberra and overseas.

“It’s a really special thing for me to be standing here by the River Torrens having spent so many hundreds of hours of rowing training with the Adelaide University,” she said.

Mr Marshall met with Mr Le on Monday afternoon to inform him of the new appointment.

“He was delighted with the announcement,” he said.

“He feels so honoured to have served in this role … I think he is one of the hardest-working Governors in the entire country.

“He probably deserves to have a little bit of a rest, but I don’t think it will be long until we see him taking on some other challenges.”

Governor Hieu Van Le at last year’s Proclamation Day ceremony at the Old Gum Tree in Glenelg. Picture: Dean Martin

Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said Labor was pleased to welcome Ms Adamson as SA’s 36th Governor.

“Her distinguished career speaks for itself, and I expect she will serve in this role – like her many previous roles – with immense distinction,” he said.

In March, it was revealed the Remuneration Tribunal moved to conduct a comprehensive salary review of the Governor position.

The position commands $351,015 a year, which is the lowest amount for a governor in the country.

In 2019, Ms Adamson’s pay packet was $936,442, including superannuation contributions and benefits.