John Holloway (diplomat)


John Holloway was an Australian public servant and diplomat and an advisor to the Cambodian Government. Over his career he played a key role in the Cambodian peace process, including during his time as Australian Ambassador to Cambodia from 1992 to 1994.
During his career as a diplomat, Holloway took a close interest in Southeast Asian affairs. His career highlights included the following:
In June 1995, Victorian MP Ken Aldred claimed in Parliament that Holloway was a paedophile. The then Secretary to of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Michael Costello told Fran Kelly in a media interview that police had investigated and said there was no evidence to support the allegation. Holloway was arrested in Cambodia and brought back to Australia to face charges, including for having sex with a 14-year-old boy. Holloway denied the charge. A magistrate dismissed child sex abuse charges against Holloway, calling the testimony of the chief witness ``worthless.″
Holloway later returned to Cambodia, remaining active as an adviser to the Cambodian government and working with numerous international bodies and non-government organisations. He died in Cambodia in March 2013 after a battle with skin cancer and diabetes.