Bruce Alexander Grant (1925–2022) was an Australian journalist, foreign correspondent, government advisor, diplomat, and author. Born in Perth, he began his career in journalism after a brief period of military service, eventually becoming the London correspondent for The Age newspaper. During his extensive career, Grant covered a wide range of international events and Australian subjects, contributing to various publications and writing several books. He also held significant roles in promoting Australian culture and arts, chairing organizations like the Australian Dance Theatre and the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards.

Grant transitioned from journalism to diplomacy and advisory roles, serving as an advisor to Prime Ministers Gough Whitlam and later governments. He was appointed Australian High Commissioner to India and was an early advocate for Australia's engagement with Asia. His work often explored the complexities of international relations, Australian identity, and the impact of global events. He authored numerous books and essays, including a memoir reflecting on his life's journey. Grant received an honorary doctorate from Monash University and was recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.

Bruce Grant began his professional life as a journalist, cutting short his secondary education to join the Daily News in Perth. After military service, he pursued arts and journalism studies at the University of Melbourne, where he developed his critical voice, notably commenting on the potential for Australian drama to achieve a poetic vision. He served as a film critic for The Age and hosted radio reviews, also championing the idea of a Melbourne film festival. As The Age's London correspondent, Grant covered significant global events and wrote features on Australian topics for publications like The Guardian and The Observer. His reporting spanned diverse subjects, from social issues in Britain to international crises like the Suez Crisis and the Hungarian Revolution, demonstrating a broad scope of interest and a keen eye for geopolitical and cultural dynamics.

Grant's career extended beyond journalism into intellectual and administrative contributions to the arts and foreign affairs. He authored novels exploring themes of 'Love in the Asian Century,' alongside short stories, poetry, and essays, including reflections on significant trials and post-bombing analyses. His academic engagement included research and teaching roles at universities, and he served on the councils of Monash and Deakin universities, lecturing on statecraft. Grant was instrumental in promoting Australian culture and its connections with Asia, holding leadership positions in arts organizations such as the Australian Dance Theatre and the Melbourne International Film Festival. His influence also reached into foreign policy, where he served as an advisor to Australian Prime Ministers and as the Australian High Commissioner to India, advocating for closer ties with Asian nations and critiquing isolationist tendencies.

A significant aspect of Bruce Grant's work focused on foreign affairs, particularly Australia's relationship with its regional neighbours. His 1964 book 'Indonesia' was published during a period of geopolitical tension and is considered an important study of Australia's regional connections. Grant advised several Australian Prime Ministers, including Gough Whitlam, who referred to him as his 'Dr Kissinger.' As High Commissioner to India, Grant was an early proponent of Asia's importance to Australia's future. He actively campaigned against the White Australia policy and the Vietnam War, and advocated for the recognition of the People's Republic of China. His book 'The Boat People' examined the political and social dimensions of Vietnamese refugee arrivals in Australia. Grant also co-authored 'Australia's Foreign Relations in the World of the 1990s' and initiated discussions on Australia's role as a middle-ranking power.

“If we get a dramatist with the same poetic vision for lonely heroism as the painter Sidney Nolan and novelist Patrick White, the stage will need more air .”

“Can the newspapers stop Australia from turning inward, from becoming isolationist?”