Arthur Sinodinos
Arthur Sinodinos | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 25, 1957 Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Diplomat, politician |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Known for | Australian Ambassador to the United States (2020–2023); Senator for New South Wales (2011–2019); Chief of Staff to Prime Minister John Howard (1997–2007) |
Arthur Sinodinos (; born 25 February 1957) is an Australian diplomat and former politician affiliated with the Liberal Party. He served as Australia's Ambassador to the United States from February 2020 until March 2023. Sinodinos was Chief of Staff to Prime Minister John Howard between 1997 and 2007 and later represented New South Wales as a Senator from 2011 to 2019. During his Senate tenure, he held ministerial positions within both the Abbott government and Turnbull government.
Originating from Newcastle, New South Wales, Sinodinos completed his studies at the University of Newcastle. His early career began in the public sector before transitioning into political advisory roles. In 1997, he was appointed Chief of Staff to John Howard. Following Howard’s electoral defeat in 2007, Sinodinos moved into the private sector, taking roles with Goldman Sachs and the National Australia Bank. He entered the Senate in 2011 by filling a casual vacancy. After the Liberal Party's victory in 2013, then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott named him Assistant Treasurer. In 2014, Sinodinos temporarily stepped down from ministerial responsibilities amid an inquiry by the New South Wales ICAC.
With Malcolm Turnbull’s rise to Prime Minister in 2015, Sinodinos was appointed Cabinet Secretary and subsequently became Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science in January 2017. He resigned from this role in December 2017 to receive treatment for cancer. In May 2019, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced his selection as Ambassador to the United States.
Background and early career
Born to Greek immigrant parents in Newcastle, New South Wales, Sinodinos' upbringing was influenced by his family’s political background. His father was active in the left-leaning Seaman's Union, notably opposing U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. His mother shared stories from the Greek Civil War involving Communist factions, which contributed to shaping his early political perspectives.
Sinodinos earned a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours from the University of Newcastle in 1979. He began his professional journey as a graduate recruit within the Australian Public Service, serving at both the Department of Finance and the Department of the Treasury during two periods: from 1980 to 1987 and again between 1989 and 1995.
Between 1997 and 2006, Sinodinos acted as Chief of Staff to Prime Minister John Howard, having previously worked alongside Howard during his time as Opposition Leader before rejoining his team in 1995. Recognized as a trusted advisor, he was regarded as one of Australia's most powerful political operatives.
Corporate career
Following his departure from the role of Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Sinodinos entered the corporate world by joining investment bank Goldman Sachs JBWere as a director. He also served as regional general manager at National Australia Bank. Reports indicate he declined an appointment as Australian Ambassador to the United States. In 2008, he participated in public consultations for the Defence White Paper prepared by the Department of Defence. By March 2009, he had advanced to managing director at National Australia Bank.
Sinodinos held executive positions with Australian Water Holdings Pty Ltd (AWH), joining as a director in 2008 and becoming chairman in 2010 before stepping down upon entering the Senate.
Political career
On 13 October 2011, Sinodinos was appointed to fill the New South Wales Senate vacancy left by Helen Coonan. He held the roles of honorary Finance Director of the NSW Liberal Party from 2009 to 2011, followed by serving as its President between 2011 and 2012. Although initially considered a candidate for the lower house seat of Bradfield, he ultimately took over Coonan’s Senate position for the remainder of her term, which concluded on 30 June 2014. At the 2013 election, he was elected for a full six-year Senate term commencing on 1 July 2014 and ending on 30 June 2020. Former Prime Minister Howard attended Sinodinos’ inaugural speech in parliament.
Sinodinos also serves on the board of the Global Panel Foundation – Australasia, an independent non-governmental organization.
In 2012, he contributed regularly as a columnist to The Australian.
On 19 March 2014, Sinodinos temporarily stepped down from his role as Assistant Treasurer ahead of providing testimony to New South Wales’ Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). During this inquiry, he denied any awareness of a $74,000 donation made to the Liberal Party by Australian Water Holdings while he was Deputy Chairman and Treasurer of the party. He officially resigned from the Assistant Treasurer position on 19 December 2014, with Josh Frydenberg appointed as his successor. The ICAC investigation did not result in any adverse findings against him.
In January 2017, following Sussan Ley’s temporary leave from her responsibilities as Minister for Health and Aged Care and Minister for Sport, Sinodinos briefly assumed those portfolios. Subsequently, after a reshuffle within the Turnbull ministry, he was named Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science. In October 2017, Sinodinos took medical leave to undergo treatment for stage four non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which included a bone marrow transplant. Due to ongoing health issues, he voluntarily exited the cabinet in December 2017.
On 1 May 2023, The Asia Group announced that Sinodinos would lead its newly established Australia practice as chair.
Ambassador to the United States
Sinodinos was appointed as the Australian Ambassador to the United States in May 2019. He resigned from his Senate seat on 11 November 2019 and officially succeeded Joe Hockey as ambassador on 7 February 2020.
Honours
In recognition of his political service, economic policy contributions, and engagement with the Greek community, Sinodinos was named an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2008.
Personal
Residing in New South Wales with his wife and three children, Sinodinos has also held a directorship with the Mary MacKillop Foundation.