Senior DFAT official brings extensive Pacific infrastructure, development and humanitarian experience to one of Australia’s most important diplomatic postings.
The Australian Government has announced the appointment of senior Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade official Jamie Isbister as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the appointment on 21 September, describing Australia and Papua New Guinea as closer than ever and pointing to the Pukpuk Alliance as reflecting the trust between the two neighbours and partners.
Mr Isbister was most recently Deputy Secretary of DFAT’s Development, Multilateral and Europe Group and brings more than 30 years’ experience across foreign, humanitarian and development policy.
His appointment will also be familiar to members of the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council and its sister councils through his previous senior involvement in Australia’s Pacific infrastructure agenda.
As First Assistant Secretary of DFAT’s Strategic Infrastructure Division and Deputy Head of the Office of the Pacific, Mr Isbister had responsibility for infrastructure strategy and represented Australia in international infrastructure forums. His work included oversight of policy areas closely connected with the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, which has become an important vehicle for Australian-supported infrastructure development across the region.
Mr Isbister at the Pacific Infrastructure Conference in Brisbane in September 2023. Photo: Dev Nadkarni
Mr Isbister was a prominent participant at the 2023 Pacific Infrastructure Conference organised in Brisbane by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council in collaboration with APNGBC and the Australia Fiji Business Council.
He represented the Australian Government in the conference session on “Bilateral Infrastructure Opportunities in the Blue Pacific”, alongside representatives from New Zealand, the United States, Japan and France.
Mr Isbister has also previously served as Australia’s Ambassador for the Environment, Australian Government Humanitarian Coordinator and Minister Counsellor for Development in Africa.
APNGBC has engaged with Mr Isbister previously in Canberra, including discussions between Business Council executives and senior DFAT officials on issues affecting Australian businesses operating across the Pacific.
He succeeds Ewen McDonald AM as High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.
