Statement on William Thomas (Bill) Robertson CBE OBE MC

Statement: Martin Ferguson, Minister for Resources and Energy, Minister for Tourism, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs

5 January 2011

I was most saddened by the news of the death on 2 January of Bill Robertson, a man with a distinguished war service record and a former head of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.

Bill was a keen sportsman and rowed for Oxford before leaving the college in 1939 at the start of World War Two.

For his achievements in the Australian Imperial Force during the war he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and was awarded the Military Cross and twice mentioned in despatches.

After the war, Bill was a driving force in the conception and establishment of ASIS. In May 1952, he officially became Deputy Director when ASIS was formed. In his over 25 years working for the Service he played a vital role as Deputy Director, Acting Director and finally as Director (General).

Following his departure from ASIS, Bill was appointed as an advisor to the Royal Commission head by Mr Justice Hope that inquired into Australia’s security and intelligence operations. In 1976, the then Prime Minister invited Bill to head the new Protective Services Coordination Centre (PSCC) and he continued to provide advice on security issues following his retirement in 1982.

Despite all his remarkable achievements, Bill remained a very private man. He was deeply admired by all who knew him for his leadership qualities and tenacity.

My thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s son, John, and daughter, Fiona, his five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

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