David Smith Obituary

David Smith was an Australian public servant. He was the Official Secretary to the Governor-General of Australia between 1973 and 1990, in which capacity he served Sir Paul Hasluck, Sir John Kerr, Sir Zelman Cowen, Sir Ninian Stephen and Bill Hayden.

Smith was born in Melbourne to Polish immigrant parents named Szmitkowski who was anglicised to Smith.

Smith was educated at Princes Hill State School, Scotch College, the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University, where he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Smith began his career in the Australian Public Service in 1953 and was later appointed Private Secretary to the Minister for interior and Works from 1958 until 1963.

He was then appointed Secretary to the Federal Executive Council and head of the Government Branch, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, from 1972 to 1973.

David Smith died in August 2022, at the age of 89.