Author and diplomat speaks about his time in PNG

5 QuestioNs For iAN KeMish

diPlomat and author of THE CONSUL

Former diplomat Ian Kemish has written an insider’s account about the largely unknown world of Australia’s diplomatic service, in which he was confronted with some of the most dramatic events in the world, including the September 11 attacks, the Boxing Day tsunami and the Bali bombings.

Among other appointments around the globe, he served as the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea from 2010 to 2013.

Here, he speaks exclusively to Paradise about his time in PNG.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your childhood in PNG?

A: I had a truly happy childhood in PNG, living in Lae, Rabaul and Port Moresby. I look back at my time at Waigani Primary School in the early 1970s, and my Papua New Guinean friends, with great fondness. I made friendships then that remain strong today.

Q: Why did you want to go back there as the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea?

A: The position is one of the most important in the Australian foreign service. The relationship with PNG is of fundamental importance to Australia – from a strategic, economic and cultural perspective. It’s one of Australia’s largest overseas missions, and our largest development cooperation and defence cooperation

The kindness and strength of the PNG people surprises many. I was often struck by these attributes.

Ian Kemish served as the

Australian High

Commissioner to PNG and has written a book about his experiences in the diplomatic corp.

program. So, the primary reason was professional. But of course, my childhood in PNG gave me an additional reason to apply for the role. I was delighted when I was chosen. Part of my role was to support mutual understanding between our two nations. Fortunately, our interests are inseparable – PNG’s prosperity and security are in Australia’s interests.

Q: What surprised you about PNG?

A: The kindness and strength of the people surprises many. I was often struck by these attributes, although perhaps I was less surprised than most given my background.

Q: What were the key issues you faced in PNG?

A: Supporting the growth of the PNG economy through technical assistance and development support, helping maintain a calm and supportive relationship through a period of considerable political turmoil, and providing extensive civil and defence logistical support for the 2012 elections.

Q: What are some of your fondest memories in PNG?

A: Exploring childhood haunts, meeting old friends, travelling in the islands, highlands, and coastal regions of this wonderful country. n

The Consul, by Ian Kemish, is published by University of

Queensland Press, uqp.com.au.