Michael Joseph Thawley, AO (born 16 April 1950)[1] is a former senior Australian public servant.

Thawley was born in London[1] in 1950, the son of an Anglican clergyman, raised in Queensland, and educated at Geelong Grammar School and then at the Australian National University.

[6] While Thawley was in the role, the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement was established, ensuring greater access to the US market for Australian products.

[7] When he left the post, US President George Bush hosted a farewell reception for him in the Oval Office, and dignitaries including US Vice President Dick Cheney, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attended.

[18] It was also noted that he could "bring fresh energy to the urgent task of rebuilding relationships between the public service and the political branch.