Mr William Fisher was the Australian Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism until joining the Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy in 2014. He was previously the Australian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to La Francophonie and to the Francophone States of Africa from October 2010. Mr Fisher served for many years as a career diplomat with the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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 included First Assistant Secretary, Public Affairs Division (1996-97); First Assistant Secretary, Consular Programs and Security Division (1995-96); and First Assistant Secretary 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).