Since joining the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in 1987, Jeff has worked extensively across a range of North Asia and international security, strategic policy, intelligence, arms control and non-proliferation matters. This included serving overseas in Korea, Japan and in the US.
Jeff was announced as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Republic of Korea in December 2023. Prior to that, he was Assistant Secretary for AUKUS Non-Proliferation in DFAT’s International Security Division.
Jeff also previously served as Assistant Secretary of the East Asia (China) External and Coordination Branch within DFAT’s East Asia Division, and earlier as Assistant Secretary of the bilateral China Branch. He also had long experience as Assistant Secretary for Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation, and also served as Assistant Secretary of the National Security and Intelligence Branch.
Jeff was Australian Consul-General in Honolulu from 2015 to 2017 where his primary role was to liaise with the then US Pacific Command (PACOM) and its component military commands.
His other overseas postings included as Minister and Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Seoul (2007-2011), and as Counsellor (Political and Strategic Affairs) at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo (2000-2003). His first overseas posting was at the Australian Embassy in Seoul from 1989-1992.