Mr Bill Paterson

Australian Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism

Biography

Mr Paterson was Australia’s Ambassador to Thailand from 2004-2008. He has extensive experience in international strategic and security policy, politico‑military affairs, intelligence and regional issues as a senior government official, including as head of DFAT’s Anti-Terrorism Task Force immediately after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.

In 2002-03 he was head of the Australian Government’s Iraq Task Force. He has also served as head of the International Security Division and the South-East Asia Division in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra.

Mr Paterson served as Chief of Staff and Principal Adviser to the Foreign Minister (2000) and as Assistant Secretary for Asia, APEC and Trade policy in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (1998-99). Overseas, Mr Paterson has served in Dhaka, Baghdad, Vienna, Washington, Tokyo and Bangkok.

Mr Paterson has a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours from the University of Melbourne. He was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2004 and the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal in 2005. He is married with three children.