Deputy Secretary
Michael Willard was appointed as Deputy Secretary Immigration Programs on 17 July 2025.
Michael leads 4500 staff across 40 locations around the world in Immigration Programs Group. The Group delivers Australia’s visa, humanitarian, citizenship, multicultural affairs and settlement policies and programs.
In his most recent roles, Michael led Immigration Operations Group, Immigration Programs Division and Immigration and Community Protection Policy Divisions. Michael has had three stints in China across his career, most recently heading the Department’s operations in North Asia as Minister Counsellor (Home Affairs) at the Australian Embassy in Beijing.
Michael started with the Department as a junior visa decision maker 28 years ago and has found interesting and challenging roles across immigration and citizenship ever since. He holds tertiary qualifications from the Australian National University and Peking University.
