6 April 2022

New Chair of Foreign Investment Review Board

The Morrison Government has today appointed Mr Bruce Miller AO as Chair of the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) for a five‑year period.

Mr Miller has had a distinguished career in international relations and intelligence. Mr Miller served as Australian Ambassador to Japan from 2011 until 2017. His career in the Australian Government spans more than 30 years covering senior positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Office of National Assessments, including as and Deputy Director‑General from 2009‑2011 and Director‑General in 2017.

Since retiring from the public service, Mr Miller has taken up a number of private sector and academic roles, including as non‑executive director for TAL Dai‑ichi Life.

Mr Miller was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours and was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by the Japanese Government in 2020.

The FIRB is a non‑statutory body established in 1976 to advise the Treasurer and the Government on Australia's Foreign Investment Policy. It plays an important role in helping to ensure that foreign investment only occurs where it is in Australia’s national interest.

Mr Miller’s appointment as Chair will complement the high level of skills and experience on the FIRB to ensure it is in a strong position to advise on foreign investment proposals in an increasingly complex global environment.

The appointment follows the sad passing of Mr David Irvine AO. David was Chair of the FIRB from 2017 to 2022 and provided outstanding leadership in that role. He was one of Australia’s most accomplished and respected public servants and will be greatly missed but never forgotten.