The position has the rank and status of an ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary and the high commissioner resides in Rarotonga.

In 1994, Australia formally established diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands, a self-governing state since 1974 in free association with New Zealand, with the high commissioner in Wellington also serving as high commissioner to the Cook Islands.

In November 2018, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced an expansion of Australia's diplomatic representation to all members of the Pacific Islands Forum, including opening new high commissions in the Cook Islands, Niue, and Palau.

announced the establishment of a resident Australian High Commission in the Cook Islands to "help underscore Australia’s focus on deepening engagement across the region.

"[2] The first resident high commissioner, Christopher Watkins, took up office in Rarotonga on 17 March 2020.