Difference between revisions of "Dennis Richardson"
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{{short description|'''Australian security intelligence director'''}} | {{short description|'''Australian security intelligence director'''}} | ||
{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
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| name = Dennis Richardson | | name = Dennis Richardson | ||
| nationality = Australian | | nationality = Australian | ||
Revision as of 11:33, 8 November 2026
Australian security intelligence director
| Dennis Richardson
| |
|---|---|
| Image | .jpg) Dennis Richardson |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Public servant; intelligence director; diplomat |
| Known for | Director-General of Security, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation 11 October 1996 – 27 May 2005[1] |
| Predecessor | David Sadleir |
Dennis Richardson was head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) from 11 October 1996 to 27 May 2005.[1]
Richardson subsequently became head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A departmental investigation into the Ben Zygier case, criticised him because he was briefed by ASIO about Zygier's arrest in Israel but had failed to pass on information to Ministers. By the time the internal investigation reported in March 2013, Richardson had moved to become head of the Defence Department.[2]
Office held
| Office | Start | End | Predecessor | Successor | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director-General of Security, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation | 11 October 1996 | 27 May 2005 | David Sadleir | Paul O'Sullivan | [1] |
Earlier public service and diplomacy
Before leading the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Dennis Richardson held senior public-service posts and overseas diplomatic appointments, and worked for prime minister Bob Hawke. In May 2005 Alexander Downer announced that Richardson would succeed Michael Thawley as Australian ambassador to the United States. The Lowy Institute records his ambassadorship as lasting from 2005 to 2010.[3][4]
ASIO’s public profile
Commenting on Dennis Richardson’s departure from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Australian National University strategic-studies professor Hugh White told ABC News that Richardson had helped redefine the director-general’s role after the 11 September attacks. White emphasised both his management of the service and a higher public profile than that of his predecessors. This was White’s assessment of his tenure.[3]
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Directors-General of Security, archived 12 February 2010, accessed 8 November 2026.
- ↑ David Wroe, Tom Allard, Officials broke rules on Zygier as case was flicked to ASIO, The Age, 7 March 2013.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 ABC News, ASIO chief posted to Washington, 17 May 2005, accessed 8 November 2026.
- ↑ Lowy Institute, Dennis Richardson, biography, accessed 8 November 2026.