Lokes Brooksbank was awarded his PhD

Lokes’s thesis involved a governance systems analysis of the PNG petroleum sector exploring the discrepancies within governance structures. The thorough analysis of two specific case studies in this research helped pinpoint the governance structures and institutions that lead to both beneficial and detrimental outcomes for local landowner communities. Through detailed examination and discussions, the study also suggests possible reforms for the case study regions as well as the broader Papua New Guinea petroleum sector. In essence, adopting a comprehensive approach to investigating governance issues in this sector enables the research to identify and address underlying systemic problems.

His Primary supervisor Professor Allan Dale said “Lokes’ important research work applied a governance systems analysis to conflict and poor development outcomes emerging from the gas sector in Papua New Guinea. This work develops some positive system improvement options for ensuring better outcomes for local communities from gas development.”

Completing his BA in social science, focusing on Asia Pacific governance and development, Lokes worked for a number of years in the community development and child community services industries in Queensland and Papua New Guinea, before undertaking his PhD at The Cairns Institute. He has recently taken the position of Senior Project Manager, Traditional Owner Strategic Initiatives with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.  Lokes is also an advisor to the Aboriginal and Torres International Engagement Organisation situated with The Cairns Institute and a co-founder of ReefCast a Traditional Owner led podcast sharing the stories and work of Traditional Owners across the Great Barrier Reef.

Lokes would like to thank The Cairns Institute for the continued support and encouragement throughout his thesis study.

Images credit: Jennifer McHugh