On 14 February 2013, Mr William Fisher was appointed as Australia’s Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism. The Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism is responsible for
developing and implementing Australia’s international counter-terrorism efforts. The Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism plays a key role in coordinating policy cooperation, capacity building and operational collaboration between Australian agencies and international counter-terrorism partners.
Mr William Fisher is the Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism. He was previously the Australian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to La Francophonie and to the Francophone States of Africa since October 2010.
Mr Fisher is a career diplomat with the Department. He most recently served overseas as Australia’s High Commissioner to Canada (2005-08). Prior to this, he served abroad as Ambassador to France (2000-04); Ambassador to Thailand (1997-2000); Ambassador to Israel (1990-93); Consul-General in Honolulu (1983-87); Charge d’Affaires in Tehran (1982-83); Consul-General and Head of Post in Port Vila (1978-80) and in Noumea (1975-78), as well as earlier postings at the Embassy in Laos and at the Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.
In the Department in Canberra, Mr Fisher’s earlier positions have included First Assistant Secretary, Public Affairs Division (1996-97); FAS Consular Programs and Security Division (1995-96); and FAS International Organisations and Legal Division (1994-95). He was Principal Adviser, Americas and Europe Division (1980-90); Head, South Pacific Section (1980-81). He also held the position of Assistant Secretary, Defence Branch of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (1987-88).
Mr Fisher is married to Kerry, and they have one daughter.
