Allan Hawke


Allan Douglas Hawke, is a former Australian senior public servant and diplomat.
Hawke served as: Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Paul Keating; Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs ; Secretary of the Department of Transport and Regional Services ; and Secretary of the Department of Defence. Hawke was then appointed High Commissioner to New Zealand, and subsequently Chancellor of the Australian National University.
Hawke is Chairman of the Canberra Raiders Board of Directors.

Background and early years

Hawke was born in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, and educated at Queanbeyan High School in New South Wales. Hawke holds a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy from the Australian National University, Canberra.

Career

Hawke's extensive career in public administration at senior levels includes appointments as Secretary of the Departments of Veterans' Affairs, Transport and Regional Development and Defence. He completed his public service to Australia as High Commissioner and Plenipotentiary of Australia to New Zealand, between 2003 and 2006.
Hawke was appointed a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Public Administration in 1998 and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management in 1999, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to public service. In 2001, he became a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was also honoured with the Centenary Medal for his service as Secretary to the Department of Defence. The Australian Financial Review’s "Boss" Magazine named him as one of Australia’s top 30 true leaders in its inaugural list in 2001.
In 2010, Hawke was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for his eminent service to public administration, particularly through the formulation and implementation of policy in the areas of transport, defence and education, and to the strengthening of bilateral relations with New Zealand.
Hawke has participated in major inquiries into the Commonwealth Public Service including:
On 3 September 2010, ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope announced that Hawke would lead a review into the Australian Capital Territories' Public Service. Following the release of his findings in March 2011, the Federal Government ordered another review into the National Capital Authority, where Hawke will conduct the inquiry.
In March 2011, Immigration Minister, Chris Bowen, announced that an independent review into the Christmas Island breakouts and riots will be carried out by two former senior public servants, Dr Allan Hawke and Helen Williams. Also in March 2011, the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean MP, announced that Hawke was to conduct an independent review of the National Capital Authority.
Hawke has served on various boards including the Management Advisory Board, Administrative Review Council, Australian Strategic Policy Institute Council, Foreign Affairs Council and the Defence and National Security Advisory Council.
Hawke's appointments have included:
Hawke married Maria Michele Senti on 2 April 1977 and they have one child. For recreation he enjoys golf, researching family history and he is a member of the Royal Canberra Golf Club.