Dean Smith
Mr Dean Smith
Manager, Government Relations and Policy
Insurance Australia Group (IAG)
Dean is a strong advocate of greater relationships between Australia and its Asian neighbours, with particular emphasis of the strategic importance of our relationships with India and China.
As a former political adviser to Australian Government Ministers and a State Premier, he is very conscious of the need for strong political leadership in forging our relationships and commitment to Asia. He believes that it is fundamental to any mature relationship that the uniqueness and constraints of Australia's international perspective are articulated with clarity and purpose to its neighbours.
He is particular interested in the challenges presented by the emergence of greater political and economic freedoms in Asia.
He expects Australia's pursuit of human rights issues in Asia and its support for the legitimate aspirations of minority and indigenous communities to independence and self determination to be significant pressure points on Australia's future relationship with its Asian neighbours.
More importantly, he is excited about the opportunity to meet other Australians with a passion for Australia and its relationships with the world.