Dr Jessica Collins

Project Director, Australia-Papua New Guinea Network
Areas of expertise

Aid to Pacific Islands, Pacific development policy, Pacific women’s development, Pacific Island politics, remittances.

Dr Jessica Collins
Biography
Publications

Dr Jessica Collins is Project Director of the Australia-PNG Network and a Research Fellow in the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute. The Australia-PNG Network builds links and understanding between the two countries, strengthening connections across politics, business, sport, education, civil society, arts and culture, religion, media, and development. The Pacific Islands Program focuses on contemporary challenges facing the region, including geostrategic competition, governance and leadership, sustainable economic development, and Australia’s relationship with Pacific countries and organisations.

Jessica undertakes research projects on Pacific economic sustainability, including remittances, regional financial architecture, and correspondent banking relationships. She has also surveyed trends in development financing related to Pacific women’s advancement, using Pacific Aid Map data. Jessica comments and publishes widely on Australia’s Pacific Islands policy and Pacific women in politics, sport, and business.

Prior to joining the Institute, Jessica completed a PhD on the resettlement of refugees from Myanmar, and a master’s degree in Global Development. Her Honours project involved research with Samoan communities in Australia, and her undergraduate studies focused on Pacific Islands communities.

Aus-PNG Network: Women in politics in PNG - Theresa Meki
Podcasts
Aus-PNG Network: Women in politics in PNG - Theresa Meki
In this special Women in Politics series for the Australia-PNG Network, the Lowy Institute's Jessica Collins sits down with prominent women from Papua New Guinea to…
Changing our view of Pacific visas
Changing our view of Pacific visas
Australia’s claims to be part of the “Pacific family” would be helped by more migration options – especially for women.
Australia was quick to sanction Moscow. Why not Myanmar?
Australia was quick to sanction Moscow. Why not Myanmar?
It was right to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But that’s different to military aggression much closer to home.
A few remarkable wins for Pacific women in local politics
A few remarkable wins for Pacific women in local politics
But what is far too often the exception should become the norm.
Will Australia use its amended sanctions act against Myanmar?
Will Australia use its amended sanctions act against Myanmar?
Coordinated international pressure on the coup leaders is urgently needed to stave off a growing humanitarian crisis.
The fallout from Tonga’s volcano goes deeper than the ashes
The fallout from Tonga’s volcano goes deeper than the ashes
Local women are especially vulnerable following a disaster that compounds the challenges of the pandemic.
Bang for buck: Getting the most out of Pacific Islander remittances
Bang for buck: Getting the most out of Pacific Islander remittances
Cash sent by family abroad is essential for local economies but doesn’t come cheap.
How New Zealand recognises the people there first: 2021 favourites
How New Zealand recognises the people there first: 2021 favourites
New Zealand is taking its indigenous identity to the world in a way that will no doubt bolster its reputation.
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