Alan Westerman

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Person.png Alan Westerman  Rdf-entity.pngRdf-icon.png
Alan Westerman.gif
Born1913-03-25
New Zealand
Died2001-05-18 (Age 88)
NationalityAustralian
Alma materKnox Grammar School, University of Tasmania, University of Melbourne, Columbia University
SpouseRuth Claremont
One of very few people from the Southern hemisphere who have attended a Bilderberg, possibly around the founding of the Trilateral Commission.

Employment.png Australia/Secretary of the Department of Trade

In office
1 September 1960 - 17 December 1963

Sir Alan Westerman was an Australian civil servant.[1] He was one of very few people from the Southern hemisphere who attended a Bilderberg conference. Although never a member, it was possibly in relation to the founding of the Trilateral Commission.

Education

Westerman came from a Gippsland (Victoria) farming family, but was born in New Zealand on 25 March 1913. He used to describe himself as a ‘New Zealander by accident’ as his birth occurred while his parents were on a short trip there. He was educated at Knox Grammar School (Sydney), the University of Tasmania, the University of Melbourne and Columbia University.[2][3]

After World War II, Westerman joined the Australian Trade Commissioner Service, staying in the organisation between 1946 and 1949.[4]

When the Trade Department negotiated the Australian-Japanese Trade Agreement, Sir John Crawford provided the guidance and inspiration, while Westerman did most of the negotiating. He also had a key role in talks aimed at getting the best possible deal for Australian exports after Britain's move to join the European Community.

He was appointed Secretary of the Department of Trade in September 1960, becoming Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry when the new department was established in 1963 until his retirement in 1971.[3]

His contribution to trade policy occurred at a significant time in Australia's international trading history, as the nation was seeking markets for its ever-increasing industrial products.[5]

The Gorton Government appointed him to be executive chairman of the Australian Industry Development Corporation towards the end of 1970. He also had board positions in Ampol Petroleum Ltd and Philips Industries Holdings Ltd, and became chairman of the Stevedoring Industry Consultative Council.[3]


 

Event Participated in

EventStartEndLocation(s)Description
Bilderberg/197221 April 197223 April 1972Belgium
Hotel La Reserve
Knokke
The 21st Bilderberg, 102 guests. It spawned the Trilateral Commission.
Many thanks to our Patrons who cover ~2/3 of our hosting bill. Please join them if you can.


References