March 03, 2025

Australian government appoints Diana Bowman as Honorary Consul for Arizona

The Australian government has appointed Diana Bowman, associate dean for Applied Research and Partnerships and professor of law at Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, as the Honorary Consul for Australia in Arizona. 

 

“It is an absolute honor to serve as the Honorary Consul of Australia to Arizona, both personally and professionally,” Bowman said. “It allows me to bridge my two homes, supporting the Australian community in Arizona while creating opportunities for Arizonans and Arizona companies to engage with and travel to Australia. The fact that this is a new position is particularly exciting, as it highlights the growing importance of Arizona to Australia.”

 

Bowman’s appointment marks the first position of its kind, aimed at strengthening the relationship between Australia and Arizona. She will provide consular and passport services to Australian citizens in Arizona and work to advance Australian commercial, cultural and educational interests in the state.

 

In a letter to Governor Katie Hobbs, Consul General Tanya Bennett emphasized the growing Australia-Arizona relationship.

 

“The Australia-Arizona relationship grows each year, with trade increasing by over $250 million last year to be worth over $750 million annually,” Bennett wrote. “Australian investments are supporting over 5,400 jobs in Arizona. There are significant opportunities for further growth in our economic partnership as a trusted ally, particularly on critical minerals, biotechnology, as well as defence and aerospace. With around 70,000 Australians traveling to Arizona each year, contributing over $100 million to the economy, we look forward to deepening our already robust people-to-people ties.”

 

As someone raised in Australia, Bowman has dedicated much of her work to enhancing the relationship between Australia and Arizona. She credits her role at ASU Law as instrumental in securing the honorary consul position.

 

“My role at ASU Law has been essential to my appointment as Honorary Consul General for Australia in Arizona,” she said. “Many of our alumni hold leadership positions in Arizona’s public and private sectors, and their connections to the college have helped me to build a strong network across the state. As co-lead for the sports law and business study abroad program in Melbourne, this new position will create additional opportunities for our students when we make our second trip this July. I also believe this role will benefit ASU Law and our students, given our expanding global reach.”  

Written by Crystal Jimenez