Peter Varghese began as Chancellor of The University of Queensland on 11 July 2016. Prior to this
appointment, Mr Varghese’s extensive career in public service and diplomacy spanned 38 years and
included senior positions in foreign affairs, trade policy and intelligence. Most recently, he served as
Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2012-2016). Previous senior appointments
included High Commissioner to India (2009-2012), High Commissioner to Malaysia (2000-2002),
Director-General of the Office of National Assessments (2004-2009), and Senior Advisor
(International) to the Prime Minister of Australia (2003-2004). Mr Varghese was the author of a
comprehensive India Economic Strategy to 2035 commissioned by the Australian Prime Minister and
submitted in July 2018.
Mr Varghese sits on the boards of CARE Australia and North Queensland Airports and chairs
Asialink’s advisory council and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Editorial Advisory Board.
He is also on the international governing board of the Rajaratnum School of International Studies in
Singapore. He was awarded the Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop Asialink Medal in 2019 in recognition of
outstanding contributions to improving Australia-Asia relations.