Ian Smith AM has extensive experience as a former journalist, government advisor, consultant and company director. He is the founding partner of corporate and political advisory firm Bespoke Approach, and a senior adviser to the Albright Stonebridge Group, a Washington-based strategy consultancy. In 2019, Ian became a member of the University Council and has played a key role in guiding the University’s strategic development and management.
Ian is involved in refugee advocacy, serving as chair to Barefoot to Boots, a charity assisting displaced people in refugee camps and their host communities, and as a director of Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia, supporting the settlement of refugees into Australian communities. He worked with Aboriginal Peoples as a director of Developing East Arnhem Limited, assisting the remote region’s economic development, and as a director and chairman of Jirrawun Arts, an arts organisation based in the Kimberley, Western Australia. Ian is the United Kingdom’s Honorary Consul for South Australia and the deputy chair of King’s Trust Australia, founded by His Majesty The King to support young people into work.
In June 2018, Ian became a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his contributions to Australia – UK relations and broader service to the State.
