CANBERRA-The Australian Institute of International Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of the Honourable Paul Lucas, current president of AIIA Queensland and former deputy premier of Queensland, as its new national vice president. Lucas steps into the role following the July 1 retirement of Zara Kimpton OAM FAIIA, whose remarkable tenure as vice president has left a lasting legacy across the organisation.
Lucas brings to the role experience gained from a career of substantial service in public life, particularly in the fields of governance and public administration. As president of AIIA Queensland since 2019, he has been instrumental in growing the branch’s outreach, enriching its programming, and mentoring emerging and diverse voices in international policy.
A respected lawyer and former state attorney-general and minister for portfolios including transport, infrastructure, planning, energy & health. Lucas is also a champion of transparent governance and institutional resilience and has designed, led or lectured on scores of Australia Awards courses for DFAT. He has served on as an independent director of several first nations boards, currently PKKP Aboriginal Corporation in the West Australian Pilbara region. He serves on the board of ASX listed bauxite miner, Metro Mining Ltd.
His leadership on the AIIA Queensland council has modelled the kind of foresight, integrity and engagement that will serve the national organisation well.
“Paul has been a rock of strength and insight for AIIA Queensland,” said Dr Heather Smith PSM FAIIA, national president of the AIIA. “He brings to the national executive his extraordinary record of governance and a clear vision for the future of the AIIA in an evolving geopolitical landscape. We’re fortunate to have his wisdom and commitment.”
Dr Bryce Wakefield, AIIA chief executive officer, echoed this sentiment: “In his existing role on the AIIA board, Paul has already been an excellent mentor to me, particularly in areas of governance. I look forward to working with him in shaping the AIIA’s direction as we continue to build our national and international presence.”
Paul Lucas succeeds Zara Kimpton OAM, who has served as national vice president with distinction for over a decade. Kimpton’s contribution to the AIIA has been transformative—from leading delegations overseas to deepening ties with foreign policy communities across the globe. One of her most notable achievements is her stewardship of the institute’s online publication, Australian Outlook, about which she recently wrote a detailed retrospective.
“Zara is and will remain a towering figure in the life of the AIIA,” said Heather Smith. “Her passion, intellect and tireless work in promoting Australia’s voice in international affairs have been an inspiration to so many of us. Her leadership has strengthened the institute’s reputation for independence and excellence in thought leadership. We honour her with gratitude and affection.”
Wakefield added: “Zara’s dedication to the AIIA is unparalleled. Her work laid the foundation for much of our success today. It’s not just her contribution we will miss on the board, but her gracious and insightful presence.”
Lucas also praised Kimpton, noting that “If I can do 50 percent of what she has done as National Vice President, I will be a great success.”
Lucas will continue to serve simultaneously in his position as AIIA Queensland President, until he steps down from that role in 12 August. Kimpton will continue her work on the finance and national conference committees of the institute and as patron of the Friends of the AIIA.
