Dr Keith Douglas Suter AM (Fr 1973)
1948-2025
The Principal, Council and St Andrew’s College community honour the life of Dr Keith Douglas Suter AM (Fr 1973), who passed away on Wednesday, 10th December 2025.
Keith arrived at St Andrew’s College in 1973 and remained until 1975, during which time he was a tutor and postgraduate student. Those early years marked the beginning of a lifelong connection with the College. In later years, Keith continued to support St Andrew’s through both his generosity and his time, attending professional development evenings focused on international affairs and engaging thoughtfully with current students, generously sharing his knowledge, insight and global perspective.
Beyond the College, Keith was a highly respected academic, author and public intellectual. Over the course of his distinguished career, he earned three doctorates from Australian universities and published twelve books on subjects including terrorism, global order, and international security. He was widely admired for his rare ability to explain complex global and political issues with clarity, balance and humanity.
For more than two decades, Keith was a familiar and trusted presence in Australian media, serving as Foreign Affairs Editor on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program. Through countless television and radio appearances, public lectures and keynote addresses, he helped generations of Australians make sense of international affairs, conflict and change, earning a reputation as both an authoritative expert and an engaging communicator.
Keith’s contribution to international relations, peace and ethical leadership extended well beyond academia and the media. He held numerous senior leadership and advisory roles, including Chair of the International Humanitarian Law Committee of the Australian Red Cross (NSW), Chair of the International Commission of Jurists (NSW), Director of Studies at the International Law Association (Australian Branch), Managing Director of the Global Directions think tank, and President of the United Nations Association of Australia at both state and national levels. He was also a long-standing member of the Club of Rome, including serving as President of its Australian chapter.
In recognition of his service, Keith was awarded the Australian Government’s Peace Medal in 1986 and named Rostrum’s Communicator of the Year in 1995. In the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to international relations and to the Uniting Church in Australia.
Keith is survived by his long-time partner Jane and his brother Clive. A private cremation ceremony will be held. A memorial service celebrating Keith’s life and achievements will be held on 14 March 2026 at Wesley Mission, 220 Pitt Street, Sydney. Further details will be available from the Mission closer to the date. The Mission’s phone number is (02) 9263 5555.
The College extends its sincere condolences to Keith’s family, friends and all those who mourn his passing. He will be remembered with respect and gratitude by the St Andrew’s College community.
The 1973 Whole College Photo - Keith is standing in the third row, 10th from the left
The 1974 Whole College Photo - Keith is seated in the second row, 5th from the right
