Playing the Game

His 50-year political career, including two terms as Prime Minister, spanned decades of economic and social change in Papua New Guinea, including the country’s independence from Australia.

Now Sir Julius Chan recounts his life and career in politics in his autobiography, Playing the Game, which explores issues of corruption, government failures and the exploitation of PNG’s natural resources.    

University of Queensland Press publisher Madonna Duffy said she was proud to work with Sir Julius.  

“Playing the Game is the first book by a Papua New Guinea leader in over 40 years,” she said.

“Sir Julius Chan is one of the few modern world leaders still alive who ‘created’ a country post-independence.

“He is still active politically today as a regional governor who works to generate development benefits for his province.”

Sir Julius was born on the remote Tanga Islands in far north-eastern PNG to a migrant Chinese father and an indigenous mother.

The book explores his journey to overcome poverty, discrimination and family tragedy.

“This is a comprehensive history of Sir Julius’ time in governance and is the first time he has ever commented publicly about his role in the 1997 Sandline Affair,” Ms Duffy said.

Playing the Game is available from the UQP website and in bookstores. 

Sir Julius Chan will visit Australia later this month.

Media: University of Queensland Press, Rachel Crawford, rachelc@uqp.uq.edu.au, 07 3346 7932.