At the Lab, our Strategic Advisor is an international policy expert with a background in government, academia, and legal practice. The team at the Lab love Michael’s versatility, his quick wit, and deep commitment to improving the practice of development.

Michael’s work at the intersection of development and security has included roles with AusAID, the Attorney-General’s Department, the Australian Federal Police, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Over the years, he served as Minister-Counsellor (Legal) in Papua New Guinea from 2019 to 2021, and Counsellor (Legal) in Indonesia from 2016 to 2019. Prior to these postings, Michael was a Sir Roland Wilson Scholar at the ANU’s School of Regulation and Global Governance.

Additionally, he has published widely on international law and policy issues, including a book based on his PhD research, Common Enemies: Crime, Policy, and Politics in Australia-Indonesia Relations (2018 OUP).

Michael is currently based in Singapore, where he is enjoying time with his spirited kids, regional travel, and exploring all of Singapore’s hawker centres and nature reserves.