Media release
4 February 2010
For immediate release
New High Commissioner starts work
The new Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Ian Kemish AM arrived in Port Moresby on Monday 1 February and formally presented his Letter of Introduction to Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare at Morauta Haus on 3 February.
“I am very much looking forward to my posting here. It has been a long-held ambition of mine to serve as High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and I am happy to be doing so at a time when the bilateral relationship is in such excellent shape. Australia and Papua New Guinea have a rich and vibrant partnership.” Mr Kemish said today.
“I have maintained a strong interest in PNG since spending most of my childhood here. A very early memory of mine was seeing one of the Grand Chief’s election posters, when he was running for Chief Minister. Some 40 years later, it is a great honour to serve as High Commissioner while Sir Michael occupies the Prime Ministership.”
“Papua New Guinea is a proud and independent country with a strong democratic tradition. Australia is delighted at the optimistic economic future that lies in front of Papua New Guinea. We look forward to working in partnership with Papua New Guinea as it travels this road.”
Mr Kemish indicated that he wants to quickly meet with all sectors of PNG society, including Government, NGOs and business, and to discussing with them how Australia and Papua New Guinea can best work together in the years ahead.
“I also want to travel extensively within Papua New Guinea. I am already planning my first trip. My wife and I plan to see as much of this beautiful country as possible over the course of my posting. I want to make a special point of talking to ordinary Papua New Guineans, hearing what they have to say, and telling them a little about Australia.”
As well as strong links to PNG, Mr Kemish brings a wealth of international diplomatic experience to the position having just completed a three year posting as Australian Ambassador to Germany.
Mr Kemish has previously represented the Australian Government in New Zealand, Austria and Brunei in addition to holding senior positions in Canberra, including in the Prime Minister’s Department.
In recognition of Mr Kemish’s central role managing the Australian Government’s response to the October 2002 Bali bombings, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2003.
Mr Kemish replaces Mr Chris Moraitis who was High Commissioner for three years from December 2006 to December 2009.