Ian Smith (UK Consul) – “Are we stuffed, or is it just a phase?”

Ian Smith is the founding partner of Bespoke Approach, an Australian-based corporate and political advisory firm established in July 2008. Ian was previously CEO of Gavin Anderson & Company (Australia). He has been a media advisor to former Liberal leaders in South Australia and Victoria and has advised the Australian Federal Government on policy reforms and the sales of public assets.

Ian is actively involved in refugee advocacy. He chairs the Barefoot to Boots Foundation, a charity that supports refugees in camps and host communities overseas. Ian is the United Kingdom’s Honorary Consul in South Australia and deputy chair of the Committee for Adelaide. He is also on the board of Developing East Arnhem Land Limited; a member of the Big Issue Advisory Group and an Ambassador for both LivingPositive and the Orangutan Project.

Ian writes occasional columns for The Australian, The Advertiser and The Spectator and has appeared on ABC radio and television and Sky News.

Ian is married to Natasha Stott-Despoja, Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls and former Senator for South Australia. They have two children – Conrad 13 and Cordelia 10.