Leading Australia’s future in Asia

Leading Australia’s Future in Asia (LAFIA) is an important element in the Commission’s suite of leadership programmes, providing SES Band 2 and 3 executives with hands-on experience of Australia’s regional context and the strategic environment.

The LAFIA programme is the Commission’s response to Australia’s increasing engagement with the region—recognising that the international dimension of senior leadership responsibilities has grown, and that senior leaders need background and context to inform their decision-making.

LAFIA consists of:

a two-day introductory programme which includes briefings by public sector leaders, diplomats, academics and other experts
a two- to three-week study tour of two or more countries which involves high-level meetings and strategic dialogues with relevant government and business stakeholders
a one-day recall session which allows participants to compare and reflect on their experiences.

Since LAFIA began in 1994, more than 150 participants from Commonwealth, state and territory governments have visited Japan, China, South Korea, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. In 2006, participants will visit China and Indonesia.

A second LAFIA programme has been developed with strong support from portfolio Secretaries. It focuses on Australia’s near Pacific neighbours where Australian governments are supporting and promoting good governance.

In July and August 2005, 14 Commonwealth and state government senior executives will visit Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Samoa. We anticipate another LAFIA Pacific programme will be held in 2006.

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