Dennis Richardson (diplomat)

For other people of the same name, see Dennis Richardson.

Dennis James Richardson AO (born 1947 in Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia^[1]) is an Australian public servant. He is the current Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.^[2] He previously served as the Australian Ambassador to the United States from 2005 to 2010.

Before being appointed as ambassador, Richardson served in Australia's foreign service, was the Principal Adviser to the Prime Minister, Head of the Review of the Intelligence Community, served various roles in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (1993–96), and Director-General of Security of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation from October 1996. In 2003, Richardson was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). He attended Sydney University where he received a Bachelor of Arts with Honours.

Richardson's wife is Betty, with whom he has two children. During his tenure as Ambassador he traveled widely throughout the US, visiting all 50 states, but not as most diplomats did. Instead of flying to the states -- Hawaii being the only exception -- he and his wife drove. They visited the National Parks such as Texas' Big Bend and visited local spots in small towns. He described it as getting to know America and its people up close. In just about every place they were made welcome by the people. ^[3]

References

1. ^ "Mr Dennis J Richardson AO - Ambassador to United States of America". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. http://www.dfat.gov.au/homs/us.html. Retrieved 2008-06-13. 
2. ^ Kerr, Christian (13 August 2008). "Dennis Richardson to DFAT as Rudd purges public service posts". The Australian. http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25924040-5013871,00.html. 
3. ^ Aussie diplomat makes U.S. road trip. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/01/you-might-think-a-top-washington-diplomat-only-pic/

External links

• DFAT biography

Diplomatic posts
Preceded by Michael Thawley	Australian Ambassador to the United States 2005–2010	Succeeded by Kim Beazley

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Name	Richardson, Dennis
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Date of birth	1947
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