At this exclusive address under Asia Society Australia Leaders on Asia Program, Mr Peter Varghese AO, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australia’s most senior diplomat, will speak about the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and their impact on Australia.

The briefing will be held under the Chatham House Rule. It will provide guests with an excellent opportunity to engage with Australia's top diplomat and a senior C-level audience on the issues of fundamental importance to Australia.

Date: 5 August 2015
Time: 12:15-2:00pm
Venue: Herbert Smith Freehills, Level 35, ANZ Tower, 161 Castlereagh Street, Sydney

This event is open to members of Asia Society Australia and invited guests only. RSVP is essential by 17 July. For more information please contact [email protected].

About our speaker:

Mr Peter Varghese AO took up his position as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in December 2012. Prior to this appointment, Mr Varghese was Australia’s High Commissioner to India (2009 to 2012); Director-General of the Office of National Assessments (2004-2009); Senior Advisor (International) to the Prime Minister; Deputy Secretary (2002-2003), and Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia (2000 – 2002). He was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in 2010 for distinguished service to public administration, particularly in leading reform in the Australian intelligence community and as an adviser in the areas of foreign policy and international security.

Our Leaders on Asia program presents high-profile events with visiting heads of state, ministers, senior officials, dignitaries and leading thinkers from the Indo-Pacific region and Australia. It provides members with a unique direct access to leaders who shape the present and future of our region. 

The special event is generously sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills