Tom Critchley
| Tom Critchley AO CBE | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Thomas Kingston Critchley 27 January 1916 Melbourne, Victoria |
| Died | 14 July 2009 (aged 93) Sydney, New South Wales |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | University of Sydney |
| Occupation | Public servant, diplomat |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Cappell (m. 1962–2009) |
Thomas Kingston "Tom" Critchley AO CBE (27 January 1916 – 14 July 2009) was an Australian public servant, diplomat, author and journalist.
Critchley was born in Melbourne but grew up at Longueville in Sydney and attended North Sydney Boys High School. He joined the Rural Bank after completing high school and attended the University of Sydney by night to study economics.
After World War II, Critchley joined the Department of External Affairs as the head of the economic relations section. His first diplomatic role with the department was assisting Australia's representation of Indonesia against the Dutch during the Indonesian National Revolution. He was on the United Nations Commission for Indonesia between 1947 and 1950 and played a role securing Indonesia's independence from the Dutch.
Critchley served as Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia (1955–1965); Ambassador to Thailand (1969–1973); High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (1974–1978); and Ambassador to Indonesia (1978–1981).
Critchley, a keen surfer, golfer and tennis player, who also played piano, died on 14 July 2009, survived by his wife Susan and their four daughters.
Critchley's daughter, Laurie Critchley, is a television producer.
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