The first Indigenous person to be appointed an Australian Consul-General is returning home after a successful near three year stint driving forward First Nations foreign policy agenda in the United States.
As the Australian Consul-General and Trade and Investment Commissioner based in Houston, Texas, Benson Saulo has been the American's industry lead for health, leading the health team across the US, Mexico and Canada.
Importantly, he has been working to build relationships between First Nations peoples globally.
Mr Saulo, a descendant of the Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara Indigenous nations of Western Victoria and New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea, has a background in banking, investments and social impact.
As a celebrated young Indigenous leader, Mr Saulo has been involved as a senior consultant with Price Waterhouse Coopers' Indigenous consulting team, and received numerous awards, including the National NAIDOC Youth of the Year Award.
He told his LinkedIn connections last week it has been an incredible experience to lead the Australian Government's diplomatic and trade and investment agenda across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas, as well as co-lead Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Health Sector team for the Americas.
During his time in the role, Mr Saulo has hosted Australia Day gatherings in Houston and been part of the push for Australian Indigenous health companies looking to expand into the US.
He's also been to facilities where NASA astronaut space suits are manufactured and constructed and supported the growth of Australian biotech technologies in the US.
"One of my greatest passions has been to connect with First Nations people. I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to connect with Native American and Native Alaskan businesses and tribal leaders," Mr Saulo said.
"From hosting global First Nations round tables, speaking at conferences and events, visiting tribal leaders and sharing a meal, my family and I have always been grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality we've received."
Mr Saulo also led the inaugural trade mission to Australia during his time in the role, which involved 10 native American and native Alaskan businesses and tribal leaders to visit Sydney, Darwin and Brisbane and connect to organisations down under such as Supply Nation and other Indigenous business networks.
He thanked his team at the Consulate-General in Houston for their hard work, particularly through the uncertain challenges of the pandemic.
"Our Consular team often meet Australians at their most vulnerable, and thier empathy, professionalism and dedication is admirable," Mr Saulo said.
"Thank you to the amazing Austrade Americas team, congratulations on an incredible FY23 for delivering trade and investment outcomes for Australia. I have learnt so much from all of you, and have thoroughly enjoyed working with each of you to deliver some really significant projects."
Mr Saulo has not yet shared his next role publicly, but he is believed to be planning to settle back into Melbourne after his time in the US.
