Peter Varghese is currently in his second term as Chancellor of The University of Queensland.

Prior to this appointment, Peter’s extensive career in public service and diplomacy spanned 38 years and included senior positions in foreign affairs, trade policy and intelligence. He served as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2012-2016), 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).

He was the author of a comprehensive India Economic Strategy to 2035 commissioned by the Australian Prime Minister and submitted in July 2018.

He was also Chair of the Asialink Council and sits on the boards of CARE Australia and North Queensland Airports. He is also on the international governing board of the Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He was awarded Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop Asialink Medal in 2019 in recognition of outstanding contributions to improving Australia-Asia relations.