I am very saddened to hear of the passing of David Irvine, the Chair of the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).
David was one of Australia’s most respected public servants and a trusted advisor.
Prior to joining FIRB, David served as Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Australia’s Ambassador to China, Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, and Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
After leaving ASIO, he was appointed to the FIRB in 2015, before serving as its Chair from 2017 until now.
David has led the FIRB through a period of significant change in the global foreign investment landscape amid geo-political developments and technological change.
His insights were critical in helping foreign investors and business leaders understand these challenges, and the need for the Government to respond.
I have greatly appreciated his insights and expertise on national security matters to help me and Treasury to navigate these issues, particularly in relation to foreign investment.
He will be greatly missed.
My thoughts are with David’s family at this difficult time.
Dr Steven Kennedy PSM
Secretary to the Treasury