Tom Parker

Tom has more than 30 years’ engagement with China across international trade, government, business development, media and marketing. A Mandarin speaker, his long-term connection with China has resulted in strong networks and successful business outcomes.

Tom has held China-focused roles at Asialink, Austrade (Beijing), City of Melbourne and as writer and reporter for the ABC in both China and Australia for Radio National’s Asia Pacific Program. Tom established Red Tape Consulting, a China Advisory business that delivered the first AFL exhibition match as part of the Shanghai World Expo and conducted intercultural training programs for government and corporate clients as well as leading multi-sector trade missions on behalf of State & Territory governments to China.

In 2015, Bastion acquired Red Tape and Tom built Bastion China, to become Australia’s leading Chinese language marketing and communications business with clients including Tennis Australia, Treasury Wine Estates, and Virgin Australia. Pre-Covid, Tom joined the Australian Football League (AFL) as Head of China to drive commercial outcomes and lead their trade diplomacy as part of the premiership round in Shanghai.

Tom holds an Asian Studies Honours from ANU under Geremie Barmé, BA from University of Melbourne and has studied in China at University of International Business Economics (Beijing), East China Normal University (Shanghai) and Second Foreign Languages Institute (Beijing).

Prior to becoming ACBC CEO, Tom sat on the Victorian Executive Committee since 2008 and served as Vice President for six years. He is a well-connected Australia-China facilitator with extensive experience to assist Australian industry and business better understand and access bi-lateral opportunities.