Peter Varghese facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Varghese
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Varghese, pictured in 2009.
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| Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | |
| In office 3 December 2012 – 20 July 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Dennis Richardson |
| Succeeded by | Frances Adamson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Peter Joseph Noozhumurry Varghese
19 March 1956 British Kenya |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | University of Queensland |
| Occupation | Diplomat; Public servant |
Peter Varghese is an Australian who used to work as a diplomat and a public servant. A diplomat represents their country in other nations. A public servant works for the government. He was the main leader, called the Secretary, of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He held this important role from December 2012 to July 2016. After that, he became the head of the University of Queensland.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Peter Varghese was born in Kenya in 1956. His parents were from India. In 1964, when he was a child, his family moved to Australia. They first lived in Newcastle, then moved to Brisbane two years later. He studied history at the University of Queensland. He did very well and received a special award called a university medal.
Peter Varghese's Career
Peter Varghese had a long and important career working for the Australian government. He worked in many different roles both in Australia and in other countries.
Early Diplomatic Roles
His first job as a diplomat was in Vienna, Austria, from 1980 to 1983. Later, he worked at the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C. in the United States from 1986 to 1988. From 1989 to 1990, he helped write speeches for Australia's Foreign Minister, Gareth Evans.
Key Roles in Australia
In Australia, Peter Varghese held several important positions. From 1991 to 1992, he was an Assistant Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He also worked at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, in 1994.
From 1996 to 1997, he led a team that wrote Australia's first major plan for foreign policy and trade. This plan is called a "white paper." In 1998, he worked for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. This department helps the Prime Minister with important decisions.
High Commissioner and Director-General
In 2000, Peter Varghese became the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia. A High Commissioner is like an ambassador, representing Australia in a Commonwealth country. He served in Malaysia until 2002.
From 2004 to 2009, he was the Director-General of the Office of National Assessments. This is an Australian government agency that provides important information to the Prime Minister.
From 2009 to 2012, Peter Varghese was the Australian High Commissioner to India. He also represented Australia in Bhutan at the same time.
Leading the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
In December 2012, Peter Varghese was chosen to be the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is the top job in that department. He was in charge of Australia's relationships with other countries.
In 2013, he oversaw a big change. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade joined with the Australian Agency for International Development. This meant the department also managed Australia's aid programs to other countries.
In November 2015, he announced he would leave his role in July 2016. He then became the Chancellor of the University of Queensland. The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of a university.
Honours and Awards
Peter Varghese has received special awards for his excellent work. In 2010, he was given the title of Officer of the Order of Australia. This award recognized his great service to public administration. It also honored his work in improving Australia's intelligence community and advising on foreign policy.
In 2013, the University of Queensland gave him an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. This was to celebrate his distinguished service in diplomacy and the Australian Public Service.
Personal Life
Peter Varghese is married and has an adult son.
