Jake Sharman is a senior leader within the Department of Home Affairs (Australia) and currently servs as Commander of the Community Protection Branch. In this role, Jake leads efforts to protect the Australian community by managing complex immigration cases working closely with law enforcement and government agencies. He is responsible for shaping policy, overseeing risk management, and ensuring strong collaboration across government.
Previously, Jake was Co-Manager (Australia) of the Regional Support Office for the Bali Process, where he introduced new ways for countries to work together on migration and border security, including the first online training programmes and virtual meetings for senior officials. With over 20 years of public service experience, Jake is known for his practical leadership, ability to deliver results in challenging situations, and commitment to building effective teams. Jake has held high-profile roles across Home Affairs, including postings to Indonesia, Kenya, and Fiji, and has received an Australia Day Achievement Award for his leadership. Jake holds a Bachelor of Applied Business (Management) from the University of Canberra.

What were some of the key achievements and outcome over your time as Co-Manager of the RSO?

• Re-designed the RSO’s engagement with its membership during the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing the first online training curriculum and pioneering virtual convenings of RSO Senior Officials Meetings and working groups.
• Commissioned the re-design of the Bali Process website, enhancing accessibility and stakeholder engagement.
• Designed, convened, and led the Ad Hoc Policy Experts Gathering in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating the first virtual Bali Process meeting and enabling Member Governments to address emerging border management challenges collaboratively.
• Commissioned a number of practitioner guides and other thematic resources in cooperation with partners to support member states efforts to combat transnational crime, enhance border security and promote efforts to protect victims.
• Oversaw the development of practical guidelines for handling irregular migration during public health crises, supporting Member Governments’ preparedness and response efforts.

How did Bali Process Member States come together around different regional priorities, and what was the RSO able to contribute?

During my tenure, Bali Process Member States demonstrated remarkable adaptability and commitment to regional priorities, particularly in the face of unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The RSO played a pivotal role in:

• Convening virtual forums and working groups, ensuring continuity of dialogue and cooperation despite travel restrictions.
• Facilitating the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices among Member Governments, especially on issues of irregular migration and border management during crises.
• Supporting the development of regional guidelines and projects in cooperation with partners, including those led by the RSO, to address evolving needs and strengthen collective capacity.
• Upholding international norms and Bali Process commitments, even as Member States navigated complex policy environments.
  

Reflecting on your time as Co-Manager of the RSO, what are the most significant insights and enduring lessons you gained about effective regional cooperation and bridging policy dialogue with actionable initiatives?

Reflecting on my time as Co-Manager, the most significant insights and enduring lessons include:

• The importance of flexibility and innovation in sustaining regional cooperation, particularly when traditional modes of engagement are disrupted.
• The value of virtual convenings and digital tools in maintaining momentum and inclusivity in policy dialogue.
• The necessity of bridging policy discussions with actionable initiatives—translating shared concerns into practical projects and guidelines that support Member Governments in real time.
• The critical role of trust, transparency, and mutual support in fostering effective regional responses to complex migration and border management challenges.
• The enduring impact of the RSO as a facilitator and coordinator, enabling Member States to collectively address both immediate crises and long-term strategic priorities