Ross Buchanan to take over Dave Stewart as Queensland’s next Agent-General
Queensland’s next Agent-General for the UK, Northern Ireland and Europe has been named, taking over the role from former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s one-time right-hand man.
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Trade and investment expert Ross Buchanan has been announced as Queensland’s next Agent-General for the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland and Europe.
With a career spanning over two decades, including time served as the Global Investment Commissioner of Trade and Investment Queensland, Mr Buchanan will replace Dave Stewart, former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s right hand man.
Mr Stewart was appointed to the role in 2021 by Ms Palaszczuk, after serving as her director-general twice.
A long-serving government bureaucrat, Mr Stewart held public service roles under both the LNP and Labor.
He first worked with Ms Palaszczuk when she was the Transport Minister in the Bligh government but was sacked by Premier Campbell Newman in 2012, walking away with a $409,000 payout.
He was then swiftly rehired by Queensland Treasury, but in an unusual circumstance, was not required to repay the government any portion of the termination payout.
Mr Stewart was then rehired by Ms Palaszczuk when she was elected premier in 2015, becoming one of her most trusted confidants, before being appointed to the lucrative position of Agent-General in 2021.
Stewart will step down as Agent-General at the end of June.
It is understood he is leaving the position due to personal reasons.
His replacement, Mr Buchanan holds an impressive resume including past positions as the Deputy Agent-General and Queensland’s Trade and Investment Commissioner in Japan.
A lawyer by training, he worked for an international law firm in Tokyo for three years, focusing on international commercial, legal, and business transactions.
Mr Buchanan will be based in the UK overseeing strategic trade policy and planning for the United Kingdom and Europe.
Deputy Premier, Treasurer, and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said Mr Buchanan was an outstanding leader with a “prowess” for leveraging partnerships.
“His ability to commercialise local knowledge and traditional strengths will be a huge benefit for Queensland in his new role,” he said.
Mr Dick also commended Mr Stewart for his service. “During his time as Agent-General, Mr Stewart furthered Queensland’s interests in the region, including implementing the decision of our government to expand TIQ’s network into Europe by opening an office in Frankfurt, which has resulted in increased opportunities for Queensland businesses in Germany, France, Spain, and Denmark,” he said.
“Mr Stewart has also helped drive our government’s ambition to become a globally-recognised clean, renewable energy and green hydrogen producer, by positioning Queensland as a trusted partner, particularly in Europe.”
Mr Stewart was also recognised for helping Queensland food and beverage exporters take advantage of the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
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