Adjunct Professor Ian Kemish is a former senior Australian diplomat with interest and expertise in the history of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and in Australia’s engagement with those regions. He originally graduated with Honours in modern Southeast Asian history from the University of Queensland. Ian’s Government career included service as High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ambassador to Germany, Head of the Prime Minister’s International division and DFAT’s Southeast Asia Division. He was awarded membership of the Order of Australia for his role, as Chair of the Government’s International Emergency Task Force, in leading the response to the 2002 Bali bombings. Mr. Kemish moved to the private sector in 2013, leading to a role as Chief Sustainability Officer with Newcrest Mining Limited. This involved elevating environmental and social performance for one of the world’s largest international gold mining companies. He retired from this position in early 2020. Ian received a UQ Alumni Excellence Award in 2014.
