As an Australian diplomat and ambassador, Ian Kemish worked across the globe to advance Australian interests through decades of significant geo-strategic change. As head of the Australian consular service, he played a central role in the nation's response to some of the most dramatic events of the early twenty-first century, including the rise of global jihadism in the early 2000s.
Ian reflects on Australia's standing in the Indo-Pacific and the opportunity for our nation to help build a more secure neighbourhood through a new approach – one which combines a fresh approach to international partnership with significant changes to the way we learn and think at home.
Drawing on the themes of his book 'The Consul', he offers a personal perspective on how Australia has responded to the major international challenges of the last two decades, from global strategic threats to international terrorism, regional conflicts, natural disasters and hostage diplomacy.
This was a joint event between AIIA Tasmania and DFAT (New Colombo Plan).
