07/05/2025
Dr. Anthony Deklin: Papua New Guinea’s First PhD in Law
Dr. Anthony Deklin is widely recognized as Papua New Guinea’s first PhD graduate in law, achieving this remarkable milestone in 1985. A man of towering intelligence and legal expertise, he has made significant contributions to PNG’s legal, academic, and constitutional development.
His legal prowess has earned him the highest respect among his peers, including former Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, who once described him as the greatest legal mind PNG has ever exported overseas.
Early Life & Education
Dr. Deklin was born in Vanimo Village, situated along the Vanimo Harbour in West Sepik Province. His early education was shaped by missionary educators, providing him with a strong academic foundation:
✅ St. Francis Catechist Training Center, Seleo Island – Educated by the Australian Franciscans.
✅ St. Mary’s High School, Vuvu (Rabaul) – Studied under the Christian Brothers.
✅ Channel College, Ulapia (Kokopo) – Attended school run by the Sacred Heart Fathers.
✅ St. Xavier’s High School, Kairiru Island (Wewak) – Educated by the Marist Brothers.
Following his primary and secondary education, Dr. Deklin entered the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in 1967, completing the Preliminary Year before enrolling in the Law School.
Legal Studies & Early Career
Dr. Deklin undertook a rigorous five-year law program at UPNG, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in February 1973. His legal training continued with practical articleship placements in both Australia and Papua New Guinea:
✅ O’Neill and Briggs, Solicitors (Canberra)
✅ Deputy Crown Solicitor (Canberra)
✅ Francis and Francis, Barristers & Solicitors (Port Moresby)
On 14 September 1973, he was formally admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the then Territory of Papua New Guinea.
International Postgraduate Studies
One week after his admission to the PNG Bar, Dr. Deklin was awarded the Canadian Government Commonwealth Scholarship to pursue postgraduate legal studies at the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University in Toronto, Canada. In June 1975, he successfully graduated with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree.
Following his master’s studies, he returned to PNG in 1975 and joined UPNG’s Law Faculty as a law lecturer, where he served until 1982.
Doctoral Research & Academic Leadership
In 1982, Dr. Deklin was awarded a PhD Scholarship by The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia. Three years later, in May 1985, he successfully completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, becoming PNG’s first PhD graduate in law.
During his tenure at UPNG, he held several key academic and administrative positions, including:
✅ Dean of Law, UPNG
✅ Acting Vice-Chancellor, UPNG (for three months)
His expertise was also recognized by the Government of Papua New Guinea, leading to various secondments and leadership roles in constitutional and public service institutions.
Constitutional & Public Service Contributions
Dr. Deklin’s legal expertise was instrumental in shaping PNG’s constitutional and governance structures. His major roles included:
✅ Secretary & Commissioner, General Constitutional Commission – Leading constitutional reform efforts.
✅ Chief of Staff to Former Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare – Serving in a key government advisory role.
✅ Director, Papua Regional Secretariat of the Papuan Premiers’ Council – Coordinating regional governance initiatives.
International Academic Career & Retirement
Following his distinguished service in PNG, Dr. Deklin was appointed as a law lecturer at the University of Canberra, Australia. He dedicated over 21 years to legal education in Australia, influencing generations of legal scholars and practitioners.
After a long and accomplished career, Dr. Deklin retired and now resides in Brisbane, Australia.
Legacy & Impact
Dr. Anthony Deklin’s contributions to law, constitutional development, and legal education remain a cornerstone of PNG’s legal history. His legacy continues to inspire legal scholars, practitioners, and policymakers in PNG and beyond.
He stands as a pioneer of PNG’s legal fraternity, demonstrating excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice and governance.
Amazing Papua New Guinea
