Born on a remote island to a migrant Chinese father and an indigenous mother, Sir Julius Chan overcame poverty, discrimination and family tragedy to become one of Papua New Guinea’s longest-serving and most influential politicians.

His 50-year career, including two terms as Prime Minister, spans a crucial period of the country’s history, particularly its coming of age from an Australian colony to a leading democratic nation in the South Pacific.

Playing the Game is an important autobiography by one of the most influential founding fathers of modern Papua New Guinea. The book provides a nuanced account of the complex cultural milieu that informed Sir Julius’s early life and the impulses that lead him into politics. Sir Julius gives us rare insight into the individuals and influences that shaped his sometimes controversial decisions as a leader and also offers his passing thoughts on life after politics and his enduring vision for the nation.

Sir Julius Chan will be in attendance at the launch, as will His Excellency, Charles Lepani, Papua New Guinea’s High Commissioner to Australia and Mr Bill Farmer AO, former Australian High Commissioner to PNG.
Refreshments will be provided, and the event will include a performance by the Peroveta Singers of PNG.

This book launch is presented by the Development Policy Centre at Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University, in partnership with The Pacific Institute and The State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Program, ANU College of Asia & the Pacific.

Playing the Game is published by University of Queensland Press.

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