Statement on the death of Allan Gyngell AO

Just two weeks ago, the foreign minister said at the National Press Club in Allan’s presence that he was our greatest mind on foreign policy. She was right.

But he was also a curator of our history, a communicator of the events happening around us, and a champion of the next generation in such a way that has left an equally extraordinary mark on Australia and the world.

Allan was part of the storied 1969 class that joined the then-Department of External Affairs. Those of us that followed in the decades to come, always looked up to his personal and professional example. He was a statesman in the true sense of the word who served his country in Myanmar, Singapore, and here in Washington. He also helped lead the government’s response to the Tiananmen Square protests and was a trusted advisor to Prime Minister Keating.

In 2009, as prime minister, I rang Allan to ask him to return to government service as head of the Office of National Assessments, our top intelligence body. I remember Allan was holidaying on the Amalfi Coast at the time. It was a mark of the man that two decades after leaving the public service, he was prepared to not just cut his holiday short, but to serve his country once again.

In more recent years, his scholarship, commentary, and leadership of the Australian Institute of International Affairs has been further testament to his profound impact. Just as his earlier role in founding the Lowy Institute was too, and his Australia in the World podcast – which was essential listening.

Thérèse and I are deeply saddened to learn of Allan’s passing. Our thoughts are with Catherine and his entire family.

Washington DC

3 May 2023