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Colin Filer

Associate Professor
BA, PhD (Cantab)

Contact Details
Telephone: +61 2 6125 3039
Room: HC Coombs 5020
Email: colin.filer@anu.edu.au

Colin has a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge. Between 1975 and 1994 he taught anthropology and sociology at the Universities of Glasgow (1975-82) and Papua New Guinea (1983-94). From 1991 to 1994 he also managed the UPNG business arm, Unisearch PNG. From 1995 to 2000, he was head of the Social and Environmental Studies Division at the PNG National Research Institute. Since 2001 he has been Convenor of the RMAP Program.

Research interests/expertise

The social context, organisation and impact of policies, programs and projects in the mining, petroleum, forestry and conservation sectors, with particular reference to Papua New Guinea and other parts of Melanesia.

Career highlights

  • Member of WWF Australia’s Scientific Advisory Committee (2002–07)
  • Member of Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Sub-Global Working Group (2002–04)
  • Member of Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development Project Assurance Group (2001–02)
  • Member of PNG National Economic and Fiscal Commission (1998–99)
  • Member of PNG National Forestry and Conservation Action Program Steering Committee (1990–92)

Publications

Books | Book chapters | Journal articles | Occasional papers and working papers | Reports

Books

  • Filer, C., 2006.  ‘Space Wars.’  In B.V. Lal and A. Ley (eds), 2006.  The Coombs: A House of Memories, pp. 243-250.  Canberra: Australian National University, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies.
  • Filer, C., 2005.  ‘The Role of Land-owning Communities in Papua New Guinea’s Mineral Policy Framework. [PDF, 2889KB]’  In E. Bastida, T. Wälde and J. Warden-Fernández (eds), International and Comparative Mineral Law and Policy: Trends and Prospects, pp. 903-932.  The Hague: Kluwer Law International.
  • Filer, C., 2005.  ‘Bridges and Escalators: Metaphorical Engagements with Non-Scientific Knowledge in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment.’  In M. Minnegal (ed.), Sustainable Environments, Sustainable Communities: Potential Dialogues between Anthropologists, Scientists and Managers, pp. 79-87.  Melbourne: University of Melbourne, School of Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Studies (Research Paper 21).
  • Gitay, H., C. Raudsepp-Hearne, H. Blanco, K. Garcia, H.M. Pereira, R. Biggs, C. Filer, Y. Gokhale, K. Kok, C. Musvoto, A. Patwardhan, A. van Jaarsveld and R.T. Watson, 2005.  ‘Assessment Process.’  In D. Capistrano, C.K. Samper, M.J. Lee and C. Raudsepp-Hearne (eds), Ecosystems and Human Well-being – Volume 4: Multiscale Assessments, pp. 119-140.  Washington (DC): Island Press.
  • Lebel, L., P. Thongbai, K. Kok, J.B.R. Agard, E. Bennett, R. Biggs, M. Ferreira, C. Filer, Y. Gokhale, W. Mala, C. Rumsey, S.J. Velarde, M. Zurek, H. Blanco, T. Lynam and T. Yue, 2005.  ‘Sub-Global Scenarios.’  In D. Capistrano, C.K. Samper, M.J. Lee and C. Raudsepp-Hearne (eds), Ecosystems and Human Well-being – Volume 4: Multiscale Assessments, pp. 229-260.  Washington (DC): Island Press.
  • Filer, C., with N.K. Dubash and K. Kalit, 2000.  The Thin Green Line: World Bank Leverage and Forest Policy Reform in Papua New Guinea.  Boroko: National Research Institute (Monograph 37).  Canberra: Australian National University, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Resource Management in Asia-Pacific Project.
  • Filer, C. (ed.), 1999.  Dilemmas of Development: The Social and Economic Impact of the Porgera Gold Mine, 1989-1994.  Canberra: Asia-Pacific Press (Pacific Policy Paper 34).  Port Moresby: National Research Institute (Special Publication 24).
  • Filer, C., with N. Sekhran, 1998.  Loggers, Donors and Resource Owners.  London: International Institute for Environment and Development in association with the PNG National Research Institute (Policy That Works for Forests and People, Papua New Guinea Country Study).
  • Filer, C. (ed.), 1997.  The Political Economy of Forest Management in Papua New Guinea.  Boroko: National Research Institute (Monograph 32).  London: International Institute for Environment and Development.

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Book chapters

  • Filer, C. and B. Imbun, 2009.  ‘A Short History of Mineral Development Policies in Papua New Guinea, 1972-2002. [PDF, 285KB]’  In R.J. May (ed.), Policy Making and Implementation: Studies from Papua New Guinea, pp. 75-116.  Canberra: ANU E Press.
  • Filer, C., 2009.  ‘A Bridge Too Far: The Knowledge Problem in the Millennium Assessment. [PDF, 3602KB]’  In J. Carrier and P. West (eds), Virtualism, Governance and Practice: Vision and Execution in Environmental Conservation, pp. 84-111.  New York: Berghahn Books.
  • Filer, C., J. Burton and G. Banks, 2008.  ‘The Fragmentation of Responsibilities in the Melanesian Mining Sector. [PDF, 1750KB]’  In C. O’Faircheallaigh and S. Ali (eds), Earth Matters: Indigenous Peoples, the Extractive Industries and Corporate Social Responsibility, pp. 163-179.  London: Greenleaf Publishing.
  • Filer, C., 2007.  ‘Local Custom and the Art of Land Group Boundary Maintenance in Papua New Guinea. [PDF, 196KB]’ In J.F. Weiner and K. Glaskin (eds), Customary Land Tenure and Registration in Australia and Papua New Guinea, pp. 135-174.  Canberra: ANU E Press.
  • Filer, C., 2004.  ‘The Knowledge of Indigenous Desire: Disintegrating Conservation and Development in Papua New Guinea. [PDF, 2632KB]’  In A. Bicker, P. Sillitoe and J. Pottier (eds), Development and Local Knowledge: New Approaches to Issues in Natural Resources Management, Conservation and Agriculture, pp. 64-92.  London: Routledge.
  • Filer, C., 2002.  ‘Fear and Loathing in Nuku Station.’  In R.G. Ward and S.W. Serjeantson (eds), …And Then the Engines Stopped: Flying in Papua New Guinea, pp. 75-83.  Canberra: Pandanus Books.
  • Filer, C., 2000.  ‘Resettlement and Mining in Papua New Guinea [PDF, 159KB].’ In Resettlement Policy and Practice in Southeast Asia and the Pacific: Proceedings of Workshops Held in Manila and Port Vila 1998, pp. 55-73.  Manila: Asian Development Bank.
  • Dubash, N.K. and C. Filer, 2000.  ‘Papua New Guinea.’  In F.J. Seymour and N.K. Dubash, with J. Brunner, F. Ekoko, C. Filer, H. Kartodihardjo and J. Mugabe, The Right Conditions: The World Bank, Structural Adjustment, and Forest Policy Reform, pp. 29-58.  Washington (DC): World Resources Institute.
  • Filer, C., 1999.  ‘Introduction.’  In C. Filer (ed.), Dilemmas of Development: The Social and Economic Impact of the Porgera Gold Mine, 1989-1994, pp. 1-18.
  • Filer, C., 1999.  ‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Mining, “Indigenous People”, and the Development of States. [PDF, 1385KB]’  In S. Piegsda (ed.), Schatzinseln in der Südsee - Bergbau im Südpazifik: Modernisierungskonflikte in jungen Staaten und Perspektiven nachhaltiger Entwicklung, pp. 7-19 (Special Issue V/99 of Entwicklungs-Politik).
  • Filer, C., 1999.  ‘The Dialectics of Negation and Negotiation in the Anthropology of Mineral Resource Development in Papua New Guinea. [PDF, 1001KB]’  In A.P. Cheater (ed.), The Anthropology of Power: Empowerment and Disempowerment in Changing Structures, pp. 88-102.  London: Routledge (ASA Monograph 36).
  • Filer, C., 1998.  ‘Social Monitoring Programs and the Management of Social Risk in Papua New Guinea.’  In J. Strongman (ed.), Mining and the Community for Asia and Pacific Nations.  Washington (DC): World Bank (CD-ROM).
  • Filer, C., 1997.  ‘West Side Story: The State’s and Other Stakes in the Ok Tedi Mine.’  In G. Banks and C. Ballard (eds), The Ok Tedi Settlement: Issues, Outcomes and Implications, pp. 65-102.  Canberra: Australian National University, National Centre for Development Studies (Pacific Policy Paper 27).
  • Filer, C., 1997.  ‘The Melanesian Way of Menacing the Mining Industry.’  In B. Burt and C. Clerk (eds), Environment and Development in the Pacific Islands, pp. 91-122.  Canberra: Australian National University, National Centre for Development Studies (Pacific Policy Paper 25).  Reprinted (1998) in L. Zimmer-Tamakoshi (ed.), Modern Papua New Guinea, pp. 143-173.  Kirksville (MO): Thomas Jefferson University Press.
  • Filer, C., 1997.  ‘Logging and Resource Dependency in Papua New Guinea: A Response to Henderson.’  In B. Burt and C. Clerk (eds), Environment and Development in the Pacific Islands, pp. 69-77.  Waigani: University of Papua New Guinea Press.  Canberra: Australian National University, National Centre for Development Studies (Pacific Policy Paper 25).
  • Filer, C., 1997.  ‘Compensation, Rent and Power in Papua New Guinea. [PDF, 1202KB]’  In S. Toft (ed.), Compensation for Resource Development in Papua New Guinea, pp. 156-189.  Boroko: Law Reform Commission (Monograph 6).  Canberra: Australian National University, National Centre for Development Studies (Pacific Policy Paper 24).
  • Filer, C., 1997.  ‘A Statistical Profile of Papua New Guinea’s Log Export Industry.’  In C. Filer (ed.), The Political Economy of Forest Management in Papua New Guinea, pp. 207-248.
  • Filer, C., 1997.  ‘Introduction.’  In C. Filer (ed.), The Political Economy of Forest Management in Papua New Guinea, pp. 1-13.
  • Filer, C., 1997.  ‘Resource Rents: Distribution and Sustainability.’  In I. Temu (ed.), Papua New Guinea: A 20/20 Vision, pp. 222-260.  Canberra: Australian National University, National Centre for Development Studies (Pacific Policy Paper 20).  Boroko: National Research Institute (Special Publication 22).
  • Bass, S., J. Mayers, J. Ahmed, C. Filer, A. Khare, N-A. Kotey, C. Nhira and V. Watson, 1997.  ‘Policies Affecting Forests and People: Ten Elements That Work.’  In P. Mushove, M. Mubaiwa, M. Mukwekwerere, and C. Pfukwa (eds), Forestry in a Changing Political Environment: Challenges for the 21st Century, pp. 18-23.  Harare: Zimbabwe Forestry Commission (Proceedings of the 15th Commonwealth Forestry Conference).
  • Filer, C., 1996.  ‘The Policy and Methodology of Social Impact Mitigation in the Mining Industry.’  In D. Gladman, D. Mowbray and J. Duguman (eds), From Rio to Rai: Environment and Development in Papua New Guinea up to 2000 and Beyond - Volume 4: Warning Bells, pp. 59-80.  Waigani: University of Papua New Guinea Press.
  • Filer, C., 1996.  ‘“Steak and Grease”: A Short History of Political Competition in Nuku.’  In Y. Saffu (ed.), The 1992 Papua New Guinea Election: Continuity and Change in Electoral Politics, pp. 168-218.  Canberra: Australian National University, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Department of Social and Political Change (Monograph 23).
  • Filer, C., 1996.  ‘The Social Context of Renewable Resource Depletion in Papua New Guinea.’  In R. Howitt, J. Connell and P. Hirsch (eds), Resources, Nations and Indigenous Peoples: Case Studies from Australasia, Melanesia and Southeast Asia, pp. 289-299.  Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
  • Filer, C., 1995.  ‘Participation, Governance and Social Impact: The Planning of the Lihir Gold Mine.’  In D. Denoon et al. (eds), Mining and Mineral Resource Policy Issues in Asia-Pacific: Prospects for the 21st Century, pp. 67-75.  Canberra: Australian National University, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Division of Pacific and Asian History.
  • Filer, C., 1994.  ‘The Nature of the Human Threat to Papua New Guinea’s Biodiversity Endowment’.  In N. Sekhran and S. Miller (eds), Papua New Guinea Country Study on Biological Diversity, pp. 187-199.  Waigani: PNG Department of Environment and Conservation.  Nairobi: Africa Centre for Resources and Environment.
  • Filer, C., 1992.  ‘The Escalation of Disintegration and the Reinvention of Authority.’  In M. Spriggs and D. Denoon (eds), The Bougainville Crisis: 1991 Update, pp. 112-140.  Canberra: Australian National University, Research School of Pacific Studies, Department of Social and Political Change (Monograph 16).
  • Filer, C., 1990. ‘Diversity of Cultures or Culture of Diversity?’  In N. Lutkehaus et al. (eds), Sepik Heritage: Tradition and Change in Papua New Guinea, pp. 116-128.  Durham (NC): Carolina Academic Press.

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Journal articles

  • Filer, C., R.J. Keenan, B.J. Allen and J.R. McAlpine, 2009.  ‘Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Papua New Guinea. [PDF, 207KB]’  Annals of Forest Science 66: 813.
  • Filer, C., 2008.  Comment on ‘Tourism as Science and Science as Tourism’ (Paige West).  Current Anthropology 49(4): 612-613.
  • Filer, C., 2008.  ‘Development Forum in Papua New Guinea: Upsides and Downsides. [PDF, 2797KB]’  Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law 26(1): 120-150.
  • Filer, C. and M. Macintyre, 2006.  ‘Grass Roots and Deep Holes: Community Responses to Mining in Melanesia. [PDF, 660KB]’  Contemporary Pacific 18(2): 215-231.
  • Filer, C., 2006.  ‘Custom, Law and Ideology in Papua New Guinea. [PDF, 132KB]’  Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology 7(1): 65-84.
  • Filer, C., 2004.  ‘A Serious Case of Conditionality: The World Bank Gets Stuck in the Forests of PNG. [PDF, 127KB]’  Development Bulletin 65: 95-99.
  • Filer, C. and K. Kalim, 2003.  ‘The Water Resource Management Regime in Papua New Guinea.’  Development Bulletin 63: 79-83.
  • Filer, C., 2002.  ‘Should Mining Companies “Break New Ground” in Papua New Guinea?’  Development Bulletin 58: 115-118.  Revised version included in CD-ROM proceedings of the ‘Mining and Community II’ conference hosted by the World Bank, PNG Department of Mining and PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum.
  • Filer, C., 1991.  ‘Logging or Conservation in Southern New Ireland.’  Research in Melanesia 15(1): 66-75.
  • Filer, C., 1991.  ‘Two Shots in the Dark: The First Year of the Task Force on Environmental Planning in Priority Forest Areas.’  Research in Melanesia 15(1): 1-48.
  • Filer, C. and L. Waho, 1990.  ‘The RIM Research Records: New Ireland Province.’  Research in Melanesia 14: 41-65.
  • Filer, C., 1990.  ‘The Bougainville Rebellion, the Mining Industry and the Process of Social Disintegration in Papua New Guinea.’  Canberra Anthropology 13(1): 1-39.  Reprinted (1990) in R.J. May and M. Spriggs (eds), The Bougainville Crisis, pp. 73-127.  Bathurst (NSW): Crawford House Press.
  • Filer, C., 1985.  ‘What Is This Thing Called “Brideprice”?’  Mankind 15(2): 163-183.
  • Filer, C., 1984.  ‘The RIM Research Records: East Sepik Province.’ Research in Melanesia 8(2): 7-98.
  • Filer, C., 1984.  ‘The RIM Research Records: Organisation and Access.’  Research in Melanesia 8(1): 88-94.
  • Filer, C., 1983.  ‘The Compleat Fieldworker.’  Research in Melanesia 7(3/4): 35-46.

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Occasional papers and working papers

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Published consultancy reports

  • Filer, C., 2006.  ‘Pacific 2020 Background Paper: Mining and Petroleum’  Canberra: AusAID.
  • PNG Department of Mining, 2003.  Sustainable Development Policy and Sustainability Planning Framework for the Mining Sector in Papua New Guinea: Green Paper.  Port Moresby: PNG Department of Mining.
  • Filer, C., 2002.  ‘Analysis of Ten Key Policy Issues. [PDF, 444KB]’  Port Moresby: PNG Department of Mining (Sustainable Development Policy and Sustainability Planning Framework, Working Paper 7).
  • Filer, C., 2002.  ‘Implications of the “Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development” Project. [PDF, 279KB]’  Port Moresby: PNG Department of Mining (Sustainable Development Policy and Sustainability Planning Framework, Working Paper 1).
  • Filer, C., D. Henton and R. Jackson, 2000.  Landowner Compensation in Papua New Guinea’s Mining and Petroleum Sectors.  Port Moresby: PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum.
  • Filer, C., 1994.  ‘Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of the Tolukuma Gold Mine, Central Province.’  Research in Melanesia 18: 1-84.  Revised version of 1993 report to Dome Resources NL and the PNG Department of Environment and Conservation entitled Tolukuma Gold Mine: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment.
  • Australian International Development Assistance Bureau and PNG Department of Finance and Planning, 1993.  ‘Renewable Resources Sector Study: Social Impact and Gender Equity Working Paper.’  Canberra: PNG-Australia Development Cooperation Program.
  • Filer, C., 1991.  ‘Ok-Fly Social Monitoring Project Baseline Documentation.’  Research in Melanesia 15(2): 121-187. Summary version of report to Ok Tedi Mining Ltd entitled Ok-Fly Social Monitoring Project -  Report No. 1: Baseline Documentation.
  • Filer, C. and R.T. Jackson, 1989.  The Social and Economic Impact of a Gold Mine on Lihir: Revised and Expanded (2 volumes).  Konedobu (PNG): Lihir Liaison Committee. 

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