Former diplomat and head of ASIO David Irvine has died aged 75.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to Mr Irvine, calling him an exceptional Australian and public servant.
"A gifted diplomat, security chief, and chair of the Foreign Investment Review Board, David Irvine was a wise counsel to successive governments," Mr Morrison said in a statement.
"This is a very sad day because David's curiosity, wisdom and judgement strengthened our democracy and security over many decades."
Mr Irvine served in various roles for more than 50 years, including across multiple senior diplomatic and leadership positions.
He was previously the high commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Australia's ambassador to China.
He also served as the director-general of ASIS from 2003 to 2009 and was then appointed as head of ASIO from 2009 to 2014.
In 2017, he was appointed as the chair of the Foreign Investment Review Board by then-treasurer Mr Morrison.
The prime minister said Mr Irvine had a deep understanding of Australia and the region.
"He played a seminal role in bringing new perspectives to bear in the face of changing geo-strategic dynamics in our region," Mr Morrison said.
"He also had a deep love of Indonesian culture, expressed through the publication of two books. He understood the work in democracies of maximising freedom and security.
"To the Irvine family and all who loved him, I extend the condolences of the nation."
