FORA.tv Speaker - Nick Warner

Nick Warner was appointed as the secretary of defense of Australia on December 4, 2006. Prior to taking up this position, he was the senior adviser (international) to the prime minister, a role he occupied from July 2005. Mr. Warner has held a number of senior positions, most recently as deputy secretary, in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He also worked in the Joint Intelligence Organisation from 1973-77. Overseas, Mr Warner has served as the special coordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (2003-2004), high commissioner of Port Moresby (1999-2003), ambassador to Tehran (1994-97), deputy head of Mission of the Australian Permanent Mission to the Supreme National Council, Cambodia (1991-93) and head of the Australian Liaison Office in Namibia (1989-90), and in the Australian Liaison Office in Salisbury, Rhodesia (1980). Born in Singapore, Warner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in history and Asian Studies and a Master of Arts degree in history from the Australian National University.