zoom_in Click to enlarge

Alexander Downer

▲ ▼

description Alexander Downer Overview

Alexander Downer is an Australian diplomat and former Liberal Party politician who served as minister for foreign affairs from 1996 to 2007, the longest tenure in that office in Australian history. His ministerial work covered Australia's regional relationships, the intervention in East Timor, and negotiations concerning Timor Sea resources. He later served as Australia's high commissioner to the United Kingdom and has held academic and advisory positions.

help Alexander Downer FAQ

How long was Alexander Downer Australia’s foreign minister?

Alexander Downer served as Australia's minister for foreign affairs from 1996 to 2007. That period made him the longest-serving holder of the office in Australian history.

Which political party was Alexander Downer associated with?

Downer was a Liberal Party politician before and during his diplomatic career. His foreign-minister work therefore took place under Australia's Liberal-led federal governments of the late 1990s and 2000s.

Did Alexander Downer later become a diplomat?

Yes. After his political career, he served as Australia's high commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2014 to 2018.