The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has welcomed Ann-Marie McCabe as its Head of Mission for Australia, effective December 2025. McCabe will succeed David Tuck, who held the position for five years bringing humanitarian action and law to the role. This positions her as the ICRC’s senior representative in Australia, overseeing humanitarian diplomacy, partnerships, and international humanitarian law.
Ann-Marie McCabe Assumes Leadership of ICRC Australia
ICRC confirmed Ann-Marie McCabe’s appointment through its Regional Delegation in the Pacific. The ICRC Regional Delegation in the Pacific described the appointment as a leadership transition focused on strengthening partnerships and protection efforts.
The announcement made on X highlighted her experience in principles of humanitarian action and international humanitarian law.
We are thrilled to introduce and officially welcome Ann-Marie McCabe as our new Head of Mission for the @ICRC in Australia!
Annie brings a wealth of experience in principled humanitarian action and a commitment to international humanitarian law. She will lead our efforts in… pic.twitter.com/Ljo9wuIojH
— ICRC Regional Delegation in the Pacific (@icrc_pacific) January 20, 2026
Before her appointment, Ann-Marie McCabe served as Senior Donor Relations and Partnerships Manager within the Asia Pacific team of the Resource Mobilization Division at ICRC headquarters in Geneva. In that role, she worked with the ICRC Regional Delegation in the Pacific and with partners across Australia and other regions for nearly three years.
Her professional background includes two decades of leadership across humanitarian, international development, and community sectors within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Ann-Marie McCabe said the timing of her appointment aligns with growing global humanitarian needs. She emphasised Australia’s role as a partner in international humanitarian efforts and its support for the ICRC’s mandate worldwide.
“In an era of increasing conflict, the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross is more vital than ever,” Ann-Marie McCabe said. “Australia is a critical partner in this mission, its steadfast political and financial support directly enables our life-saving work in conflict zones worldwide.”
ICRC Australia And Regional Role
The ICRC first operated in Australia between 1941 and 1947 before returning in 1995. Since then, the Australian mission has focused on promoting knowledge of international humanitarian law. It also supports principled humanitarian action and engages in regular dialogue with government and defence stakeholders.
The mission also contributes to humanitarian diplomacy aimed at mitigating the effects of armed conflict on affected populations.
Globally, the ICRC operates in over 100 countries with nearly 18,000 staff members. It responds to the humanitarian consequences of approximately 130 armed conflicts worldwide. The organisation’s neutral, impartial, and independent mandate under the Geneva Conventions underpins its activities, including civilian protection and assistance.
Ann-Marie McCabe’s appointment comes as humanitarian organisations continue to navigate funding pressures and complex operating environments. Experts say her leadership in Australia is expected to reinforce partnerships and policy engagement.