Peter Cosgrove AC MC (Retd)

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Former Chief of the Defence Force & 2001 Australian of the Year

General Peter Cosgrove is recognized by his fellow countrymen for his services to Australia and hailed as one of our greatest soldiers. An ability to inspire and lead people, especially in the face of danger, sets him apart from the majority of the community.  An international reputation and extensive experience in world affairs makes him an ideal keynote speaker who can deliver presentations on a broad range of topics.

In a long and distinguished career Peter Cosgrove has embodied the sense of duty and courage that Australians hold so dear to their hearts. Yet he still understands and embodies the common touch, the experience of life that we all share.  It is this special blend of the ordinary man and the extraordinary leader that makes him a very special person.  In 2001 he was awarded Australian of the Year.

The son of a soldier, General Peter Cosgrove graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in 1968. He was sent to Malaysia as a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (RAR). During his next posting in Vietnam he commanded an infantry platoon and was awarded the Military Cross for his performance during an assault on enemy positions.

General Peter Cosgrove was Commander of the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, he assumed command of the International Forces in East Timor (INTERFET) where he was responsible for overseeing East Timor's transition to independence during, what was to become, a tense and uncertain period and on his return to Australia, was appointed Chief of Army and then Chief of the Defence Force, a position he held until July 2005.

General Peter Cosgrove shone as both a soldier and diplomat. Always in his slouch hat, Peter Cosgrove was a strong and reassuring figure, appearing regularly in all forms of the media. He was awarded the Military Cross for his service with 9RAR in South Vietnam, and received several foreign awards including the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, a Commander of the United States Legion of Merit, the Tong Il medal from the Republic of Korea, and the Grand Chain of Infante Dom Henrique from Portugal.

Following retirement from the Armed Forces in 2005, General Cosgrove accepted positions on the boards of Qantas and Cardno, a consultancy with Deloittes, and an appointment as Chairman of The General Sir John Monash Foundation. He was Chairman of Operation Recovery Task Force after Cyclone Larry devastated Far North Queensland and he led the successful recovery until completion in early 2007.

General Peter Cosgrove wrote his memoirs entitled 'My Story'.

Peter Cosgrove talks about:

  • Leadership
  • Motivation / Inspiration

Client testimonials

Peter was a good speaker on the issues of leadership. His current involvement in the Cyclone Larry reconstruction efforts was not only topical for many of our delegates but interesting also as Peter weaved the leadership concepts he speaks about within the Cyclone Larry story. Peter was a delight to work with.

Randdinter