Geoff Miller (public servant)

Geoff Miller was born in Grafton, New South Wales on 26 January 1942.[1] For high school, he attended Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in Tamworth, New South Wales.[2] His university studies were at the University of New England where he completed a degree in agricultural economics with first class honours.[1]

He began his career in a state agricultural department, before shifting to work for CSR Limited.[3]

In 1986, Miller was appointed Secretary of the Department of Primary Industry.[4][5] In July 1987 he became Associate Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,[1] but was again appointed as a Secretary in 1988, this time of the Department of Primary Industries and Energy.[6] During the period December 1991 to June 1993, Miller was concurrently Secretary to the Department of Primary Industries and Energy and the Department of Tourism.[7][8]

As an associate secretary of the Department of Primary Industries and Energy, Miller bid for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation.[9] He was defeated in a ballot for the position by 90 votes to 72 votes.[10] The Australian Government spent more than $500,000 on the unsuccessful campaign to have Miller appointed to the position.[11] Miller retired from the public service in February 1994.[12]

Miller died on 10 October 2014.[13]

Miller was awarded Man of the Year in Australian Agriculture in 1978.[1]

In June 1993, Miller was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to primary industry, particularly in the area of agricultural economics and to international relations.[14]