Ambassadors’ Circle with the Australian Ambassador

Australia and Japan have a very close partnership, officially called a ‘Special Strategic Partnership.” With a shared commitment to international rules that underwrite stability, prosperity, and sovereignty, the partnership has grown significantly in the past decade. What are the opportunities and challenges for the two countries, working together in a regional and global environment increasingly characterized by sharp strategic competition?

We are fortunate to welcome Australian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Justin Hayhurst to Asia Society Japan. Appointed as Ambassador to Japan in January 2023, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having led the Quad partnership and with prior posting in China. We look forward to hearing his unique insights and engaging in active discussion about how the two countries work together to achieve peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Event and Registration Details

• This event will be conducted in in-person and online, and registration is required.
• In-person participation is for members and guests only. Please pay your fee by credit card or at the door.
• Online participation is for members and guests only and is free.

Speaker Bio

Mr. Justin Hayhurst
Australian Ambassador to Japan

Ambassador Hayhurst is Australia’s Ambassador to Japan and took up the appointment in January 2023. He is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Deputy Secretary of the Geostrategic Group and Australia’s Senior Quad Official.  Previously, Ambassador Hayhurst was First Assistant Secretary International in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet,  First Assistant Secretary of the Foreign Policy White Paper Taskforce from 2016 to 2017, and served as Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy, Beijing, from 2012 to 2016.

From 2007 to 2009 he served as Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on North Asia, South Asia, Afghanistan, Iraq and counter-terrorism. Mr. Hayhurst worked as a Senior Analyst at the Office of National Assessments from 2004 to 2007. He was also Second Secretary at the Australian Embassy, Manila, from 2001 to 2004.

Ambassador Hayhurst joined DFAT in 1999. He has a First Class Honours Degree in History from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma of Foreign Affairs and Trade from Monash University.