About Murray McLean AO

Murray McLean AO is the Chair of the Australia-Japan Foundation, a role he has held since 2012. The AJF provides grants for high-quality projects that promote the Australia- Japan partnership particularly, but not exclusively, across: youth, gender, diversity and inclusion, and innovation.

Formerly a senior officer of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), he retired in 2012 after a 42-year career during which he was Ambassador to Japan (2004-2011) initiating negotiations on the FTA and on growing security cooperation as well as leading Australia’s response to the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters; Deputy Secretary of DFAT (2004); First Assistant Secretary, North Asia Division (2001-2003), High Commissioner in Singapore (1997- 2001); Assistant Secretary, East Asia Branch, (1992-1996), and Consul General, Shanghai (1987-1992). His other postings were at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C. (1983- 1986); the Australian Embassy in Beijing (twice) (1973-1976 and 1979- 1983) and in Hong Kong (1971-1973).

He was appointed as an officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Australia Day Honours list 2013 and in November 2014, the Japanese Emperor presented him with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.