Sir (Edward) John Bunting, AC, KBE (3 March 1918 – 2 May 1995) was a senior Australian public servant whose career culminated with his appointment as Australian High Commissioner to the UK.
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Edward John Bunting was born in Ballarat, Victoria, in 1918. He was educated at Trinity Grammar School and later at Melbourne University, and graduated in 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours.
He began his Public Service career in 1940 and served in successive positions with the Department of Trade and Customs and the Department of Post-war Reconstruction.
In 1950 he was appointed to the Prime Minister's Department as assistant secretary. In a distinguished career he was made secretary to that department in 1959, a position he continued to hold until 1968. From 1971 to January 1975 he again served as Secretary to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. He served successive Prime Ministers: Sir Robert Menzies, Harold Holt, John McEwen and Gough Whitlam.
In 1975 Sir John left the Prime Minister's Department after being appointed to serve as High Commissioner in London. He served there until 1977.
He died in Sydney on 2 May 1995 at the age of 77.
John Bunting was appointed an Officer (OBE) of the Order of the British Empire in the Coronation Honours of 1 June 1953.[1]
In the New Year's Honours of 1961 he was upgraded to Commander of the Order (CBE).[2]
In the New Year's Honours of 1964, he was knighted (Knight Bachelor).[3]
In the New Year's Honours of 1977, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).[4]
On Australia Day 1982, Sir John was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).[5]
| Diplomatic posts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by John Armstrong |
Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom 1975–1977 |
Succeeded by Sir Gordon Freeth |