Ian Kemish AM

Nonresident Fellow
Ian Kemish AM
Biography
Publications
News and media

Ian Kemish is is a former Nonresident Fellow of the Lowy Institute. Ian is an Expert Associate at the Australian National University’s National Security College, an Adjunct Research Professor in History at the University of Queensland, and an Industry Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute.

He is a former senior Australian diplomat and business executive. His government career included service as Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, as Australian Ambassador to Germany and Switzerland, and as head of the International Division at the Australian Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. He was posted to several other embassies in the Asia Pacific, as well as in Europe, and worked on regional policy issues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra, including as Head of Southeast Asia Division.

Ian was awarded membership of the Order of Australia for his leadership, as head of the Australian Consular Service, of Australia’s response to the 2002 Bali bombings.

He moved to the private sector in 2013, supporting companies to improve their sustainability and community development outcomes in the Indo-Pacific. This included the adoption of new greenhouse gas emissions targets and biodiversity objectives by leading ASX companies.

Ian is an Honours graduate in modern Southeast Asian history from the University of Queensland. He also has a graduate diploma in education from Queensland University of Technology.

He grew up in Papua New Guinea and Australia, and speaks PNG Tok Pisin, Indonesian and German.

Julian Assange: Some consular cases are more equal than others
Julian Assange: Some consular cases are more equal than others
It’s hard to think of a case that has consumed more official hours and dollars.
Europe’s last war
Europe’s last war
Remembering the Bosnian conflict of 30 years ago to compare how the world responds to Russia’s war on Ukraine today.
Whether on Russia or China, clearly Baerbock is driving Germany’s change
Whether on Russia or China, clearly Baerbock is driving Germany’s change
It might seem surprising it’s been the leader of the German Greens, with its pacifist traditions, who has pushed so hard for a more hawkish stance.
Bali 2002: When global terrorism first came close to home
Bali 2002: When global terrorism first came close to home
An extraordinary consular response followed the deadly attack – lessons of crisis that would become all too familiar.
Why Papua New Guinea urgently needs to elect more women to parliament
Commentary
Why Papua New Guinea urgently needs to elect more women to parliament
Originally published in The Conversation.
The half-hour that fundamentally split Germany from Russia
The half-hour that fundamentally split Germany from Russia
A massive boost to arms spending by Berlin, once unthinkable, is suddenly policy as the Ukraine crisis deepens.
Can the new German foreign minister make a difference?
Can the new German foreign minister make a difference?
Calls for a fresh approach from Berlin amid Russia-Ukraine tensions.
Dankeschön Frau Merkel
Dankeschön Frau Merkel
A former Australian ambassador to Germany reflects on the Chancellor’s significant impact in the Indo-Pacific.
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