News Archive

Former Federal Government Minister Stephen Smith has joined the board of the Perth USAsia Centre based at The University of Western Australia.

The Centre, announced in  November 2012 by former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (see the video here ), is aiming to become a leading policy think tank on the Australia-Asia-US strategic and economic relationship, a teaching and research centre, and a conduit for a deeper understanding in Australia of US business, culture, history, politics and foreign policy.

Mr Smith was a member of the Australian House of Representatives for more than 20 years, representing the Division of Perth . During his time in government, Mr Smith was Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Trade and Minister for Defence.

It's a return to familiar territory for Mr Smith, who completed a Law and Arts degree at UWA in the 1970s. Mr Smith's two children are currently students at UWA, also studying Law.

"I'm very pleased to be joining the Perth USAsia Centre as a board member, particularly as the Centre is based at my old Uni," Mr Smith said.

"The work of the Perth USAsia Centre goes to the heart of Australia's and WA's future role in the Indo Pacific region."

"The Perth USAsia Centre is honoured that Stephen Smith is joining the board of directors," said Gordon Flake, the CEO of the Perth USAsia Centre.

Stephen's vast experience as the Australian Minster for Defence and before that, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be of great benefit to the Perth USAsia Centre's ambition of becoming a leading policy resource for the people of Western Australia, Australia and the region."

Stephen Smith is also on the editorial committee of In The Zone, an initiative established by UWA to highlight the geo-strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region and the comparative advantages of Western Australia's proximity to the resurgent economies of Asia.

In the Zone brings together the region's most influential government, business, university and community leaders to engage on issues relevant to policy, trade and diplomatic and investment relationships that are critical in this Asian Century.

The next In the Zone CEO-level Business Forum will take place on 1 May 2014.

More information about the Perth USAsia Centre .

Media references

Madeleine King (Perth USAsia Centre)  (+61 8) 6488 4320 / (+61) 408 900 060
David Stacey (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716