Peter Varghese AO has extensive experience in public administration, governmental and international affairs which spans 38 years and includes senior positions in foreign affairs, trade policy and intelligence.
He was Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade where he was chief executive of a complex global operation including 100 overseas posts. His previous appointments include High Commissioner to India, High Commissioner to Malaysia, Director-General of the Office of National Assessments, and senior advisor (international) to the Prime Minister of Australia. He was also a member of the Australia-China High Level Dialogue and the Minister (Political) at the Australian Embassy in Japan.
Mr Varghese is Chancellor of the University of Queensland. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Queensland in recognition of his distinguished service to diplomacy and Australian public service.
In 2010, Mr Varghese was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished services to public administration.
