The Canberra Institute Pty Ltd is a Canberra based Commonwealth and ACT Government registered lobbying organisation.

The Institute has undertaken work for a range of international and local companies and organisations in their attempts to gain access to Government.

Peter Conway is Director of The Institute. He is currently a member of the National Press Club and The Commonwealth Club.

Prior to founding the Institute in 2005, Peter spent ten years as a consultant and lobbyist in Canberra and 8 years as Executive Director of the ACT Office of Sport, Recreation and Racing. He also held the position of part-time Chief Executive Officer of the Canberra Property Owners Association.

Between 2009 and 2016, Peter was a member of the ACT Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (ACAT). He sat on Tribunals dealing with liquor licensing, planning, registration of legal practitioners, mental health and guardianship matters and obtained credit as a mediator.

From 1983 to 1988, Peter was a Senior Advisor in the Hawke Government to Ministers for Environment, Arts, Sports, Tourism and Territories.

Between 1974 and 1983, Peter worked in State and Central Offices of the Commonwealth Departments of: Education; Social Security; Industrial Relations; Home Affairs; and Environment, Arts, Sport, Tourism and Territories.

Education:  before joining the Australian Public Service, Peter was a monk in the Passionist Order and undertook Divinity studies at the University of Melbourne and the Australian Catholic Theological College between 1968 and 1973. 

Government Board Memberships

2016 – 2008                Member, ACT Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal

2008 – 2005                Member, ACT Liquor Licensing Board

1994 – 1993                 Chair – Race Course Development Fund (ACT Government)

1993 – 1989                 Member – Bruce Stadium Trust (ACT Government)

1987 – 1985                 Member – Australian Tourism Commission

Community Interests:

Carbine Club of the ACT (Foundation Secretary)

Director, Braddon Forum

Rugby Union Referee (retired)

Former Chair, Inner North Local Area Planning and Advisory Committee (LAPAC)

ACT Bushfire Recovery Advisory Panel

Member, ACT Honour Walk Advisory Panel

Committee member, Braddon Tennis Club