Papua New Guinea in Transition: What it means for Australia

Papua New Guinea in Transition: What it means for Australia
Principal speaker

Mr Ian Kemish AM

The Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University and the Australian Centre of Asia-Pacific Art, Queensland Art Gallery would like to invite you to:


‘Papua New Guinea in Transition: What it means for Australia’
Presented by: Mr Ian Kemish AM, outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea

Australians are generally underestimating the extent of the changes underway in our nearest neighbouring country. Twelve consecutive years of substantial growth are bringing significant economic and social change, but the challenges remain serious - demographic growth will see the population approaching that of current Australia by 2050, and health and education services are struggling. The country underwent a painful period of political transition in 2011 and 2012, but a new generation of leadership has now emerged, intent on grappling with these problems. We can also expect PNG to increasingly take on a regional leadership role. Australia has a strong interest in PNG succeeding, and will need to remain focused on our partnership with the country. Our strategic interests, and our historical ties, require it.

Mr Kemish has just completed his posting as Australian High Commissioner to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. Prior to this post he was the Australian Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, a position he held from April 2006. In Berlin he was also accredited as Ambassador to Switzerland and to Liechtenstein. Prior to this, Mr Kemish was First Assistant Secretary, International Division in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Mr Kemish's overseas service includes Vienna and Brunei. He has also worked on secondment with the New Zealand Ministry of External Relations.

Mr Kemish was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2003 in recognition of managing the Australian Government's response in the aftermath of the 12 October 2002 Bali bombings. Mr Kemish holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Relations and South East Asian History from the University of Queensland. Mr Kemish completed his primary school education in Papua New Guinea. He speaks Indonesian, German and TokPisin.

→Cinema B, Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Bank
→Thursday 28 March 2013
→6:00-7:00pm, doors open at 5:30pm

Guests are welcome to join us for refreshments prior to the seminar. Places are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment. Please RSVP, to Natasha Vary by Friday 22 March 2013 on telephone 07 37354252 or email n.vary@griffith.edu.au
 

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RSVP

RSVP on or before Friday 22 March 2013 , by email n.vary@griffith.edu.au , or by phone 07 3735 5322

Event contact details
  • Location Cinema B, Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Bank | South Bank campus
  • Time 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm
  • date Thursday 28 March 2013