10th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum

Mr Gary Clifford is President, Australia Pacific Islands Business Council. Gary is the founder and managing director of Pacific Air Express, the south pacific region’s first international cargo airline. Pacific Air Express has provided scheduled and charter freighter services linking the Solomon Islands, PNG, Vanuatu, Nauru and other pacific islands with Australia since 1993, and presently uses Boeing 737 freighter aircraft for this work, together with two recently acquired long range Boeing 757 freighter aircraft which will enable pacific islands exporters to connect with the vast China market via Brisbane. Gary went to the Solomons in 1984 as a young pilot, and has over 7000 hours logged flying in Solomon Islands and connecting international routes. Gary has dedicated his time and energy to providing a product that allows transport by air that caters to overlength, oversized and overweight items that would usually require the services of other modes of transport. Gary has assisted in developing access to rural areas by also participating in planning and building basic airfields to allow smaller aircraft access to remote areas. With 30 years plus in the region, Gary has embraced a passion in investing into the people and empowering them to building a better future, by being able to provide opportunity through this unique product and service to the community and their businesses. These days his time is spent managing the airline and developing new air freight routes in the region.

OCCUPATION: Prime Minister of Solomon Islands

QUALIFICATION: A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Technology, PNG (1979)

A Diploma of Commerce University of Technology PNG (1976)

A Graduate Diploma in Development Administration from Australian National University (1991)

DETAILS OF PARLIAMENTARY APPOINTMENTS

Hon Rick Hou was elected to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands for Small Malaita Constituency on 4th of August 2010. Re-elected to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands for Small Malaita Constituency on 19th November 2014. He was elected Prime Minister of Solomon Islands on 15th of November 2017.

Party Affiliation

Democratic Alliance Party

Ministerial Appointments

Minister of Finance and Treasury from 21 November 2011 to 8th September 2014

Minister of Public Service from 18 April 2011 to 10 November 2011

Parliamentary Committee Appointments

Chairman of Public Accounts Committee from 23 December 2014 to 15 November 2017.

Member of Bills and Legislation Committee from 22 December 2014 to 15 November 2017.

Member of Public Accounts Committee from 10th September 2010 to 18th April 2011.

Member of Bills and Legislation Committee from 14th September 2010 to 18th April 2011.

Occupation Before Entering Parliament

Senior Advisor, Executive Director, World Bank 2008 - 2010

Governor, Central Bank of Solomon Islands 1993 - 2008

PERSONAL DETAILS

DATE OF BIRTH 8th August 1958

HOME VILLAGE Riverside, Small Malaita, Malaita Province.

MARITAL STATUS Married

NAME OF WIFE: Rachel Lily Hou

NUMBER OF CHILDREN: Four

RELIGION: South Seas Evangelical Church

Jeremy was appointed to this position in 2015 prior to which he served as Vice Chair. He works in the private sector as the General Manager of Hatanga Ltd a building & construction company based in Honiara. Jeremy strongly believes in promoting economic in his country and works to introduce global business practices, whilst retaining sympathy towards the traditional ways of working. He represents a emerging group of young Solomon Island leaders who want to take the country forward into the 21st century and is clear in his aims of working closely with government promoting private sector led growth though strategic reforms and key infrastructure development. 

Before his appointment in December 2016, Mr Brazier was Deputy Director-General of the Office of National Assessments, a position he held since 2014. In Canberra he has served as First Assistant Secretary, East Asia Division (DFAT); Assistant Director General, Indonesia and East Timor Branch, AusAID; and Senior Adviser, International Division, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. He previously spent 13 years working for The Asia Foundation in Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia, and for the private sector in Jakarta.

Mr Brazier holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Asian Studies from Griffith University and a Masters of Arts from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.

Ian is a partner at global law firm Dentons, advising in the Firm’s Corporate Advisory and Finance practices. He is a former Global-Vice Chair of Dentons Board and former Chair of the Australia region Board.

Ian has conducted business across the Pacific region for over 40 years. Ian lived and worked in PNG for many years and was previously the Managing Partner of Dentons Port Moresby office. He held the position of President of the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council for two terms of three years and is recognised as one of Papua New Guinea’s leading (Band 1) business lawyers by Chambers Asia Pacific. Ian was awarded an OBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for service to the legal profession and business community of Papua New Guinea.

As head of the Asia Pacific Desk at Dentons, Ian regularly assists a diverse range of government and private sector interests with Pacific issues. Ian’s area of specialty is public policy and institutional reform, and major projects; with an emphasis on the energy and resources, infrastructure, agriculture and financial services sectors.

Ian is currently the vice president of the Australia Pacific Islands Business and an executive committee member of the Australia PNG Business Council; he is also the governor of the Foundation for Development Co-operation.

Education Background & Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts – University of Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

Post Graduate Certificate -Foreign Service Studies, Oxford University, United Kingdom.

B. Employment History:

1993 – 1996 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

1997 – 2000 – Counsellor, Solomon Islands Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York, USA.

2001- 2002 – Charge’d Affaires at the Solomon Islands Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

2003 – Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honiara. Served as Secretary to the SIG RAMSI Intervention Task Force, preparing for the arrival of RAMSI in July 2003.

2004 - 2005 – Deputy Secretary to the Prime Minister, Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet.

2006 – 2007 – Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

2008 – 2012 – Secretary to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Mid 2012 – 2014 – Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination.

November 2014 – Elected as Member of Parliament for Hograno/Kia/Havulei Constituency Seat at the 2014 General Elections.

2015 –Oct 2017 - Leader of the Official Opposition Group in Parliament.

November 2017 – Present – Minister of Development Planning & Aid Coordination.

C. Hobbies:

Fishing

Watching sports – soccer, rugby, and athletics.

Mr Ryan Mount joined the Axiom Mining Board as a Director in April 2009. Following his appointment, he led the crucial restructure of the company – an exercise that saw Axiom gain full control of the company’s assets, define a clear strategic direction appoint a new Board and management team and a listing on the ASX by December 2009.

In 2010, Mr Mount accepted the Board’s offer of the CEO position. Since his appointment, he has been relentless in driving and refining Axiom’s operations, including establishing the equity and profit sharing business model with the community of Isabel province in Solomon Islands.

He has an extensive background in Australian and international financial markets, as well as corporate advisory and is member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He resides in Honiara, Solomon Islands. 

Luke Forau has been working for the Central Bank of Solomon Islands for more than 15 years. He is currently the Advisor to Governor’s Office, a position he held since January 2016. Prior to taking up the Advisor role, he was the Chief Manager of the Economics, Research and Statistics Department. Mr Forau has deep knowledge and wide experience about the Solomon Islands economy. He also has experience in economic diagnosis of post-conflict countries such as Solomon Islands.

Mr Forau has a PhD in Economics from the University of New South Wales, a Master degree in International and Development Economics from the Australian National University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the South Pacific. His PhD thesis focuses on peace economics, drawing evidence from the Solomon Islands experience.

Mr Slesarewich was appointed to the position of Managing Director on 17 April 2018, Simon joined Metallica Minerals in July 2015 as the Chief Executive Officer.

Simon is a Mining Engineer and registered Senior Site Executive in Queensland with over 20 years’ experience in the mining industry spanning operational and executive roles. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) from the University of Queensland and Graduate Diplomas in Administration, as well as Applied Finance and Investment.

Simon’s broad operational experience ranges up to general manager for underground base metal and gold mines, as well as general manager responsible for the development of Middlemount Coal, an open cut coking coal project located in central Queensland. Simon held executive roles gaining experience in business development and contract negotiation before joining Boardwalk Resources where as CEO he was instrumental in the company’s sale to Whitehaven Coal for A$300m.

Simon is the former CEO of Northern Discovery Limited and executive director of Larkham Resources and is currently a director of the Queensland Resources Council and a member of the Queensland Exploration Council.

Fiona leads the community and government relations, environment and security functions for Gold Ridge Mining Limited.

Fiona has a PhD in social impact and evaluation, business strategy and economic development, an MBA in International Marketing, and is a qualified CPA. She has 20 years international resource sector experience in community and government relations, social impact assessment, sustainability, risk and assurance as well as community development, stakeholder engagement and public policy.

Fiona is a passionate supporter of the establishment of strategies to realise shared value from large-scale projects and considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to nurture the self-empowerment of Gold Ridge communities to take advantage of the opportunities presented by mining.

Dennis is a young passionate Solomon Islander who wants to see the Solomon Islands economy grow and develop. He believes the private sector plays a key role in growing the economy, but such can only happen if the right kind of business environment is provided so that businesses can grow and prosper.

He sees the importance of the private sector and the government working in partnership, where both parties can discuss issues openly and explore policy solutions that can encourage private sector led growth.

His interests are in public policy, economic reform, and private sector growth. Dennis holds a Master of Public Policy from Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) in New Zealand. Previously Dennis worked in the Economic Reform Unit in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) (2008 – 2015 (August) and the Australian High Commission (2015 – 2016 (May).

Pablo Kang is a senior career officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Since October 2017 he has been heading a DFAT Task Force directed to implement an undersea telecommunications cable connecting Australia with Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Prior to this, Pablo was the inaugural Assistant Secretary of DFAT’s Melanesia Branch. The Branch, established in March 2016, manages Australia’s relationships with Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Before establishing the Melanesia Branch, Pablo headed the Pacific Bilateral & New Zealand Branch encompassing Australia’s relationships with New Zealand, Nauru, the countries of Polynesia and Micronesia.

Other positions in Canberra have included Assistant Secretary, International Organisations Branch (2010-11) during Australia’s United Nations Security Council election campaign and Executive Officer, People Smuggling, Refugees and Immigration Section (2002-03). Mr Kang was also seconded as a Senior Adviser, International Division, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (2004-05), a position which provided advice to the Prime Minister on our relationships with Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and the broader South Pacific.

Overseas, Mr Kang has served in London (Second Secretary, 1999-2002), Manila (Deputy Head of Mission and Counsellor, 2006-08), Port Vila (High Commissioner, 2009-10) and Abu Dhabi (Ambassador, 2012-16).

Mr Kang has BA (Hons) LLB (Hons) degrees from the University of Sydney, a Graduate Diploma in Arts (Foreign Affairs and Trade) from Monash University and is an alumnus of the John F Kennedy School of Government Executive Education program at Harvard University. He is also a fellow of the University of Wollongong in Dubai.

Mr Kang was born in Sydney, Australia after his parents migrated from the Republic of Korea. He is married with two sons. He speaks Bislama and Solomon Islands Pijin.

Hugh McGarry is a 35+ year veteran of the ICT industry who has held executive positions in major international companies including, Cable &Wireless, Hewlett Packard BT Infonet, Hong Kong Telecom and others while working and living in the developed and developing countries of Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. He has extensive hands on experience in a wide range of disciplines from engineering and project management to the management of technical and commercial operations with P&L responsibility.

Since returning to Australia ten years ago and establishing his consultancy business he   had provided strategic, technical and commercial advisory and due-diligence services to governments, development and commercial banks, and telecom operators in the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to his current role as Project Director for the Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company he worked on the planning and development of submarine cable projects in Tonga, Samoa, Palau, the Cook Islands and Timor Leste.

• Prior General Manager at Digicel PNG for 4 years, and General Manager of Channels at Singtel Optus for 6 years.
• Originally from Suva, Fiji but currently based in Sydney where Arthur completed degrees at UTS, and Masters at MGSM.
• Currently reside and work in Honiara.

Jonathan Pryke is Director of the Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands Program, where he leads the Institute’s work on the Pacific Islands region. Jonathan is interested in economic development in the Pacific Islands region, Australia’s relationship with Melanesia, the role of aid and the private sector in Pacific Islands development and Pacific labour mobility. Prior to joining the Lowy Institute Jonathan was a Research Officer at the Development Policy Centre at the Australian National University where, on top of his research obligations, he was editor of the Development Policy Blog and a co-convener of the Australasian Aid Conference.

Mr Kotelawala was represented by Mr Glyn Joshua, Manager Commercial, Solomon Islands Ports Authority. 

Eranda Kotelawala was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority in February 2017. Prior to that, he was Chief Operating Officer of Fiji Ports Corporation Limited. He holds a Master’s Degree in Management and Business Process Reengineering from Aberdeen Business School, Scotland. As CEO, he brings to his role an extensive portfolio of 21 years of management experience gained from several multi-national organizations in Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, South Africa, Sultanate of Oman, and Singapore on diverse disciplines such as Shipping, ICT, Pharmaceuticals, Marketing, and Business Process Reengineering. He has consulted on Business Process Re-engineering Projects at ports in the South Pacific, Gulf and South Africa. He is a Chartered Fellow of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK, Associate Fellow of The Nautical Institute UK, Fellow of Chartered Management Institute UK, an Associate Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Alan McNeil is an adviser currently acting as Commissioner of Lands for the Solomon Islands Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey. He has over 30 years experience in land administration, urban planning and GIS, in Australia, UK, PNG and Solomon Islands. He has worked in Solomon Islands since 2004, firstly as an adviser for Guadalcanal Provincial Government then Honiara City Council. At the Ministry of Lands since 2014, he has assisted the passage of six Bills through Parliament, including most recently the Strata Titles Bill in August this year. Having taken on the role of acting Commissioner of Lands two months ago, Alan is aiming to introduce reform, transparency and improved processing in land dealings, in what has frequently been dubbed as one of the most corrupt Ministries in the country. This in turn is aimed at improving business and investor confidence in Solomon Islands.

Lizzie is the Assistant Commissioner of Lands in charge of the urban unit at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey in Solomon Islands. She has previously worked at Save the Children Australia as a disaster risk officer, and at World Vision as a project manager in Makira Province. Lizzie has a degree in land management and geography from University of South Pacific, and a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of West Indies in Trinidad. In her role at the Ministry of Lands, Lizzie is responsible for regularisation of land tenure in Honiara’s informal settlements, progressing land dealings such as renewal, transfer and forfeiture of fixed term estates, and land subdivisions. Lizzie firmly believes that, if Solomon Islanders can secure their own registered land titles, they can then access bank loans and improve their living environment, which is good for livelihoods and for the country as a whole.

Naoki Kakuta, a Japanese national, is a Transport Analyst at the World Bank Transport and Digital Development Global Practice of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and is based in Sydney, Australia. He works on land and aviation infrastructure sectors in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu with a focus on climate resilient transport. As a core team member, he has been extensively involved in the identification, preparation, and pre-appraisal of the proposed Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP). Prior to joining the World Bank, he worked as a Senior Consultant for PADECO in Tokyo on transport projects across Asia, Africa, Caucasus, Europe, and the Middle East. He holds a Master of Engineering from the University of Tokyo and a Master of Science in Transport Engineering from Imperial College London/University College London. When not at work, Naoki enjoys swimming, running, and travel.

Andrew Bulman has enjoyed the challenges and opportunities that come with trading in the Solomon Islands and around the Pacific for the last 10 years. Having embarked on a new venture into waste management under the business name Sol Bridge, Andrew and business partner Millicent Barty are presenting new ways of treating waste as a resource and the benefits this can bring to everyone.

Belinda Botha, an SSI Instructor Trainer and PADI MSDT is owner operator of the multi-award winning Dive Munda in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Belinda also recently launched a second business, Solomon Islands Discovery Cruises, the latest unique boutique style small cruise ship offering operating throughout the Solomon Islands. Belinda also started up the business, Solomon Islands Dive Expeditions, now part of Solomons/PNG Masters fleet when she relocated to the Solomon Islands in 2013. Belinda is a Board member of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and the Western Province Tourism Association.

Belinda has worked in and ran businesses across the South Pacific, North America, Africa, Caribbean, Europe and other developing countries, and has a Canadian CHRP designation, a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and an Honours Degree in Industrial Psychology. Currently embarking on a PHD project within the scuba diving industry, Belinda is passionate about developing people, female empowerment, youth employment, marine conservation and sustainable dive tourism.

CV Synopsis (both HR & Diving)

CAREER SUMMARY - DIVING

An Instructor Trainer for SSI and MSDT for PADI, with over ten years of experience in the tourism sector and dive industry (South Pacific, North America, Africa, Caribbean, Europe and other developing countries), with various specialities. Currently owner operator of flagship and multi award-winning dive operation in Munda, Solomon Islands. Passionate about marine conservation, sustainable tourism and the dive industry with dive shop ownership, dive liveaboard and resort management experience. This is coupled with a Canadian CHRP designation, a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management and an Honours Degree in Industrial Psychology. Currently embarking on a PHD project within the scuba diving industry in conjunction with SSI. In addition; First Aid Level 3 Instructor, React Right Instructor, DAN Oxygen Provider Instructor, PADI Emergency First Response Instructor, Basic Freediving Instructor and Reef Check Trainer.

CAREER SUMMARY - HR

A senior Human Resources Executive and successful Entrepreneur with over twenty years of experience in international Human Resources and Business Management encompassing project implementation and management, business consulting, managing culture and customs in developing communities, building partnerships, organizational development, performance, talent management, training and development in various industries (with the past 10 years within the tourism sector). In addition; an exceptional track record in stakeholder management (private and public sectors) with firmly established relationships with key stakeholders including SIVB, MoCT, tourism operators, travel wholesalers and agents, journalist, travel writers, media, SICCI, AHC, NZHC, WPTA, Solomon Airlines. Experience in resources consulting, with specialist training in employment and career coaching, administering and evaluating psychometric tests and vocational assessments. This is supported by a Canadian CHRP designation, a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management from North West University, South Africa and an Honours Degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa as well as a Certified Payroll Administrator Certificate. Currently embarking on a PHD project within the tourism sector/scuba diving industry. A seasoned award-winning, solution-driven and passionate professional, with the proven ability to translate theory into practice coupled with exceptional senior leadership, coordination, capacity building, relationship-forming, presentation, facilitation, decision-making, interpersonal and communication skills.

Dive Munda Success Story:

Recent stuff - 2018:

Personal and business intertwined – I was just featured in the August Woman’s edition of the leading Adventure Magazine NZ showcasing and celebrating women in adventure – their biggest issue on record – piece attached….

Also just nominated for the top 25 dive operations in the world as nominated by guests – leading Dive UK magazine – voting open now for winners announcement in November - http://divemagazine.co.uk/travel/8182-dive-travel-awards-2018-the-vote-is-open

We were nominated and approached and asked to put in application in for the WTM (supported by UNWTO) – World Responsible Tourism Award – London (Ww applied for the employment category – showcasing our employment practices (60% female employment, training of woman and youth, trained the first 2 female local dive instructors in the history of the country (as well as the first 4 female local divemaster’s and first female local Assistant Instructor - http://responsibletourism.wtm.com/about/responsible-tourism-awards/

New product launched – SIDC product business – press release attached….

Brett is currently the CEO of Solomon Airlines.
He has been flying for over 45 years, and has held numerous management positions which include the CEO, COO, Head of Training, Head of Flight Operations, Safety Manager and the accountable manager for the Airline Operating Certificate.
Brett has worked for several airlines and private operations including SAFAIR Freighters, South African Airways, Virgin Australia International Airlines, Fiji Airways, Skytrans, Jetgo and the Presidential Flight of Abu Dhabi.
Brett has spent the last 25 years working on many projects which included setting up airlines, leading and managing change, compliance and business improvements.
Brett has served as the president of the pilot’s union in South Africa. He has worked on numerous aviation boards and working groups including the complete rewrite of the South African Aviation Regulation. He has presented several papers at international conferences on pilot training and airport operations.
Brett’s flying experience includes over 20 500 hours as a pilot, instructor and examiner in a wide variety of aircraft including the B747, B777, B737, A300, Lockheed Hercules and DHC-8, EMB 145 and various corporate jets.
Brett has a B. Accounting degree from University of South Africa and a MBA from Henley University U.K.
62 years of age
Married with 2 adult children
Interests
Financial Markets, Woodwork, Flight Crew Training, Aviation Psychology, Computers, Electronics, photography, reading, cooking and wine.

Milissa supports investment across fragile, conflict affected states (FCS) and low income countries across the East Asia and Pacific region for the International Finance Corporation, the private sector side of the World Bank Group. She builds regional and investment staff knowledge and resources to increase the number of projects and value of total investment portfolio. She provides technical support and access to global knowledge and resources to assist transaction teams, advisory staff and country teams to deliver meaningful projects in the most difficult markets.

Milissa has twenty years of experience living and working in post-conflict and fragile environments including Timor-Leste, Kosovo, Indonesia and Somalia. In 2010, she joined IFC as Timor-Leste Resident Representative, Milissa led engagement for IFC’s first-ever IFC investments in the country and for reform projects which resulted in costs savings of over USD$20 million. Most recently, Timor-Leste awarded its first PPP, Tibar Bay Port, a USD$390 million port development project. Prior to joining IFC, Milissa worked for Development Alternatives, Inc., the World Bank and Women’s World Banking on microfinance development, both at industry and institutional levels. Milissa’s educational background includes a Masters from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in political economy from the University of California, Irvine.

Nicholas Murphy has thirteen years of experience in the field of foreign affairs, trade and international development. In his current role of Assistant Director – Pacific Engagement at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Queensland State Office, he plays a lead role in enhancing the Australian Government’s economic, political and cultural engagement with the Pacific in Queensland and manages DFAT’s contract with Cardno for the Labour Mobility Assistance Program.

With DFAT and the former Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Nicholas has been posted to Amman, Jordan and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. His work has included management of major aid investments, representing Australia at international fora including for the formulation of substantial international agreements, developing economic and trade opportunities and progressing Australia’s security and strategic interests abroad.

Major projects Nick has managed include the Papua New Guinea Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct; an Australian aid investment delivering infrastructure, faculty strengthening, corporate governance and staff development for PNG higher education institutions.

George Tuti is the Director of External Trade within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, a position which he held since 2016. Mr. Tuti graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Economics and Public Administration at the University of the South Pacific in 2006. In 2007, he started as a Trade officer mainly focusing on Aid for Trade project(s) with the Department of External Trade.

Mr. Tuti has attended several World Trade Organisation (WTO) short and long term courses both in the pacific region and at the WTO as an intern. One of the successful projects that Mr. Tuti has been involved with is the Tourism Handy Craft Centre, currently being constructed at the national Art Gallery Grounds. The craft centre is near completion, however it was through the EIF project as the driver that the craft centre was developed and through close collaboration with stakeholders that it eventuates.

One of the major task that lies ahead is to take advantage of the opportunities that are being presented to us. One of the example is the Seasonal labour mobility schemes. The Importance of creating employment opportunities whether in country or abroad cannot be over emphasised. And the Department has been tasked to explore such opportunities (through marketing and promotion) and where such opportunities arise, to take full advantage of them.

Mr. Tuti, plays some level of football, enjoys watching football and rugby.

Frank Yourn has spent most of the last thirty-two years living and working on and in the Pacific islands region. For ten of the twelve years from 1986 until 1998 he worked for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade living in Papua New Guinea and Fiji and working in Canberra on the Pacific islands.  Since 1998 he has worked for three Australian Business Councils promoting trade and investment between Australia and the Pacific Islands’ economies and economic growth in those economies through business growth.  In 2017 the Australian Institute of International Affairs Queensland Branch awarded him the 2017 AIIA Queensland Award for services to international relations and his advocacy of increased Australia Pacific business links.

From 1986 to 1988 he was Consul-General at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby managing corporate affairs in the High Commission and consular services to Australian citizens throughout Papua New Guinea. From 1991 to 1994 he was Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian High Commission in Suva where he assisted the Head of Mission in managing Australia’s bilateral relations with Fiji.  From 1994 to 1998 he was Director of the Fiji and Pacific Islands Section in the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Canberra, advising the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs on Australian foreign and trade policy issues on Fiji and other Pacific islands countries.

Since October 1998 he has been Executive Director of the Australia Fiji Business Council.  Since 2000 he has also been concurrently Executive Director of the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council, and since 2001 also Executive Director of the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council.  The Business Councils are associations of Australian businesses with interests in Papua New Guinea and the other Pacific islands countries and economies.

He has extensive knowledge of government and business in the Pacific islands countries but especially in Papua New Guinea and Fiji, with a very strong network of contacts at senior levels across the business and government sectors to complement his extensive range of contacts with government and business in Australia which have interests in these countries, as well as in a range of other Pacific islands economies.

His twenty seven years’ service in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 1971 until 1998 included appointments in Central Office in Canberra, in the Victorian State Office of the Department and in five overseas missions – Cairo, Tokyo, Manila, Port Moresby and Suva.