Ian Maurice Haig AM (13 December 1935 – 10 March 2014) was an Australian public servant and diplomat.

Ian Haig
Born
Ian Maurice Haig

(1935-12-13)13 December 1935
Perth, Western Australia
Died10 March 2014(2014-03-10) (aged 78)
NationalityAustralian
Alma materUniversity of Adelaide (BA)
Occupation(s)Public servant, diplomat
Spouse
Beverley Dunning
(m. 1959⁠–⁠2014)

Life and career

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Born in Perth on 13 December 1935, Haig moved with his mother and brother to Adelaide as a young boy when his father enlisted to serve in the 2nd AIF. He was educated at Pulteney Grammar School before going on to study for a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Adelaide.[1]

In February 1974, Haig was appointed Australia's first Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.[2] In August 1975, Haig was also appointed non-resident Australian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.[3]

In 1978, Haig was one of 20 who contested for Liberal Party pre-selection for the New South Wales Senate vacancy created when Sir Robert Cotton retired.[4][5] He was unsuccessful securing the nomination by just one vote.[1]

In 1986, Haig was chairman of Power International, a technology company.[6]

Haig was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1988 for his services to international relations.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b Debelle, Bruce (29 March 2014). "Youngest ambassador had a deep affinity for the world of Islam - and cricket". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 5 March 2015.
  2. ^ "Ambassador". The Canberra Times. 9 February 1974. p. 1.
  3. ^ "Envoy". The Canberra Times. 30 August 1975. p. 9.
  4. ^ "Envoy to seek Senate seat". The Canberra Times. 20 January 1978. p. 7.
  5. ^ "20 nominate for N.S.W. Senate seat". The Canberra Times. 1 February 1978. p. 3.
  6. ^ "Power International buys into Du Pont". The Canberra Times. 11 November 1986. p. 15.
  7. ^ "Search Australian Honours: HAIG, Ian Maurice, Member of the Order of Australia", itsanhonour.gov.au, Australian Government, archived from the original on 10 July 2016
Diplomatic posts
New title
Position established
Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
1974–1976
Succeeded by
Donald Kingsmill
Australian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates
1975–1976
Preceded by
H.D. White
Australian Commissioner to Hong Kong
1976–1979
Succeeded by
Ian Nicholson