Launch of The Consul: Critical reflections on international crisis response - Sydney

Join us on Thursday 21 July for the official launch of The Consul: An insider account from Australia’s diplomatic frontline by Lowy Institute Nonresident Fellow Ian Kemish. The Consul, published by UQP and available from 19 July, offers a unique and personal perspective on the major international crises that have embroiled the lives of Australians abroad over the last two decades.

Since 2000, there has been extraordinary growth in the demands on the Australian consular service — the men and women who step forward to support their fellow Australians when they experience serious difficulty overseas. Australia’s consular officers are often on the frontline of major international crises — from natural disasters to terrorist attacks, evacuations from war zones, to a global pandemic.
 
The book will be launched by Assistant Foreign Minister, Hon Tim Watts MP. This will be followed by a conversation and Q&A with the author, moderated by Natasha Kassam, Director of the Institute's Public Opinion and Foreign Policy program.

How have world events shaped the way we travel now and what does future travel look like? What should we expect of our government when we are overseas? Where does personal responsibility begin and end? Is Australia’s consular service adequately resourced? 
 
Ian Kemish AM served as Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ambassador to Germany, led the Prime Minister’s International Division, and headed Australia’s consular service in a diplomatic career that spanned 25 years. He was awarded membership of the Order of Australia for his leadership of Australia’s response to the 2002 Bali bombings. He is a Nonresident Fellow with the Lowy Institute, an Adjunct Professor in history at the University of Queensland, a Director of the Australia–Indonesia Centre and an Honorary Fellow of Deakin University.
 
Hon Tim Watts MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs is the Federal Member for Gellibrand in Melbourne’s west. Before entering Parliament, he worked in the technology sector, as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Minister for Communications and a Senior Adviser to the Victorian Premier. Since being elected in 2013, Tim has served in a range of roles including as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Cyber Security and Communications. During his time in Parliament, he has been an active participant in a range of youth and track 1.5 dialogues including with Indonesia, China, India and the United States.
 

WHEN & WHERE:

Thursday 21 July 2022 | 6:00pm for 6:15pm to 7:15pm

31 Bligh Street, Sydney

Join our Supporters Circle and receive complimentary tickets to this and other Lowy Institute events. 

Tickets $50, includes cheese and wine