Veteran Australian diplomat Harinder Sidhu AM is retiring from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) after a 39-year career spanning senior roles across diplomacy, national security, and public administration.
Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite paid tribute to Ms Sidhu, acknowledging her “distinguished career” and contribution to advancing Australia’s global interests.
“Acknowledging the distinguished career of Deputy Secretary Harinder Sidhu AM,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.
“Harinder is retiring from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade after a 39-year career in advancing Australia’s global interests. I wish her well in retirement and thank her for tireless work in public administration and foreign policy.”
Minister Chris Bowen also praised Ms Sidhu, describing her as “a fine Australian and an outstanding diplomat”.
“A product of the best electorate in Australia as well.”
Ms Sidhu most recently served as DFAT Deputy Secretary for the International Security, Legal and Consular Group, a role she assumed in July 2025.
Before that, she was Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand from 2022 to 2025. Between 2016 and 2020, she served as Australia’s High Commissioner to India and Ambassador to Bhutan, strengthening bilateral ties across the Indo-Pacific region.
Her earlier senior appointments include Chief Operating Officer at DFAT (2020–2022), Head of the Multilateral Policy Division (2013–2015), First Assistant Secretary at the Department of Climate Change (2008–2013), and Assistant Director-General at the Office of National Assessments (2004–2008).
She also held senior advisory roles at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet between 1998 and 2004, focusing on economic and defence policy.
Ms Sidhu, who holds degrees in Economics and Law from the University of Sydney, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2024 for significant service to public administration and foreign affairs.
Reflecting on her career, Ms Sidhu said her work in Australia and overseas had provided “opportunities as rich and diverse as the world itself”, adding that “a fascinating career like no other” had shaped her professional journey.
She has also recently supported DFAT graduate recruitment initiatives, encouraging young Australians to consider careers in diplomacy and international service.
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