Bob Cotton is a Visiting Fellow at Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU. He has a strong interest in public policy issues, including Australia’s engagement in the Asia Pacific Region. He is a mentor at the National Security College.

Bob served 37 years as an Australian diplomat, including as High Commissioner or Ambassador to New Zealand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Fiji. He was the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to PNG in 2003, and the Australian member of the Eminent Persons Group reviewing the Pacific Forum in 2004. Bob was a member of the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum, and the Australian Malaysian Institute.

As Senior Academic Facilitator, Bob delivered programs on SES leadership issues and executive education, including the Leading Australia’s Future in Asia (LAFIA) and Pacific programs for the APSC. Bob led SES Delegations on country visits to China, Indonesia, India, Mongolia, PNG, Samoa, Singapore, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

He has undertaken consultancy work for a wide range of Commonwealth Departments and has served as Treasurer and Board Member of Carers ACT. Bob has a B Ec (Sydney), M A (Colorado). He is a FCPA and GAICD member.