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Dennis Richardson (diplomat)

Dennis Richardson
AO
Dennis J Richardson (2).jpg
Richardson, pictured as the Australian Ambassador to the United States
Secretary of the Department of Defence
In office
18 October 2012 (2012-10-18) – 12 May 2017 (2017-05-12)
Preceded by Duncan Lewis
Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
In office
January 2010 – 18 October 2012
Preceded by Michael L'Estrange
Succeeded by Peter Varghese
Australian Ambassador to the United States
In office
2005–2010
Preceded by Michael Thawley
Succeeded by Kim Beazley
10th Director-General of Security
In office
11 October 1996 – 27 May 2005
Prime Minister John Howard
Preceded by David Sadleir
Succeeded by Paul O'Sullivan
Personal details
Born Dennis James Richardson
(1947-05-14) 14 May 1947 (age 69)
Kempsey, New South Wales
Nationality Australian
Spouse(s) Betty Richardson
Alma mater University of Sydney (BA hons)
Profession Diplomat
public servant

Dennis James Richardson AO (born 14 May 1947 in Kempsey, New South Wales) is an Australian public servant and former diplomat. Richardson' last assignment was as Secretary of the Department of Defence.

Richardson attended The University of Sydney where he received a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (1965–68). He started his Australian Public Service career in the Department of External Affairs in 1969.

In the Australian foreign service, Richardson was a Principal Adviser to the Prime Minister, John Howard, and Head of the Review of the Australian Intelligence Community. He held various roles in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, was a Deputy Secretary at the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1993–96), and Director-General of Security of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation from October 1996 - 2005.

He was Australian Ambassador to the United States of America (2005–2010) and Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2010–2012). While Australian Ambassador to the US, he visited all 50 states; instead of flying to all the states—except for Hawaii—he and his wife drove. In just about every place, he says they were made welcome by the American people.


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