David Irvine has 33 years of experience as a diplomat in the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs. His career includes high level diplomatic postings as High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (1996-1999), Australian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Mongolia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (2000-2003). Mr Irvine’s appointments also include being Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (2003-2009) and more than 5 years as Director-General of Security, in charge of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

Mr Irvine has also published two books entitled, Bisma, Warrior Priest of the Mahabharata (1990) and Leather Gods and Wooden Heroes (1996).