Oliver (Oli) Nobetau is the Project Director of the Australia–Papua New Guinea Network at the Lowy Institute. Working in the Institute’s Pacific Islands Program, Oli is on secondment from the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Oli was the 2024 FDC Pacific Research Fellow, focusing his research on the political and development aspirations of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

His other research interests include climate change, national security, PNG governance and politics, and broader international relations across the Pacific region. Oli has experience as a Senior Legal Officer with the Office of the State Solicitor in PNG’s Department of Justice and Attorney General, practicing in international law and representing the Government of PNG in international negotiations relating to security and climate change. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Papua New Guinea.