Dr Alan Thomas

Ambassador to the European Communities, Belgium and Luxembourg

Dr Alan Thomas is a senior career diplomat and, prior to his appointment as Ambassador to the European Communities, Belgium and Luxembourg, he was Australia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (2003-2006).

Overseas, Dr Thomas served as Ambassador to Brazil from 1992 to 1995.  Previous postings include Tokyo (1986-89) and Singapore (1979-83).

In Australia, Dr Thomas served as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) from 2000-03.  Other positions include, Head of the Corporate Management Division (1998-00), Head of North Asia Division (1997-98) and Head of Staffing Branch (1995-97).  Dr Thomas also served as Head of the Americas and Defence Branch in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet from 1989-91.

Educated at the University of Western Australia and the Australian National University. Dr Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with First Class Honours, and a PhD in History.  His main foreign languages are Japanese and Portuguese.

Dr Thomas was born in June 1954 in Perth, Western Australia.  He is married with three children.