Alexander Downer joins the GFCC as a Distinguished Fellow

Published on August 29, 2024

The GFCC is delighted to welcome the Hon. Alexander Downer AC as a Distinguished Fellow. Mr. Downer had an exceptional career in international diplomacy being the longest serving Minister for Foreign Affairs in Australian history.

 

He has also played an important role in the country national politics starting as an advisor to Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser (1975-1983) and being later elected to the House of Representatives for the seat of Mayo, a position he held for 24 years.

 

Additionally, Mr. Downer presided the Australia Chamber of Commerce, helping to improve Australia's businesses environment and productivity through a series of initiatives with national businesses of all sizes.

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"Productivity growth aligned with national economic, social, environmental, and security challenges is a conundrum for our democratic western nations. I am honored to welcome the Hon. Alexander Downer AC to the GFCC. His expertise in improving competitiveness and productivity growth in Australia will be of great value to our community. I hope his learnings can help us expand innovation capacity and achieve inclusive-growth across the globe", states GFCC President Deborah L. Wince-Smith.

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After leaving Parliament in 2008, Mr. Downer continued to contribute to international relations as a Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary General for Cyprus peace talks. His career reached another peak when he was appointed Australian High Commissioner to the UK from 2014 to 2018. Subsequently, he took on the role of Executive Chair of the International School for Government at King's College, London.

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"I’m delighted to accept this fellowship position at the GFCC. Competitiveness is about making sure that suppliers put the consumer first. That means investing in ever improving productivity and guaranteeing that the markets are efficient and competitive. Consumers are never put first in monopolistic or oligopolistic markets where monopoly or oligopoly rents are extracted", says Mr. Downer.

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Currently, Mr. Downer holds several board appointments, including Chairman of Gold Hydrogen Pty Ltd, Yellow Cake PLC, Ironbark Pty Ltd, and Policy Exchange. He also serves in advisory roles for GFG Alliance and Shearwater consultancy. His academic contributions are equally notable, with visiting professorships at King's College, London, and the University of Adelaide.

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Read his full bio here.