Jack Emanuel | |
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| Born | Errol John Emanuel 13 December 1918 Enfield, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 19 August 1971 (aged 52) Kabaira plantation, Territory of Papua and New Guinea |
| Occupation | District commissioner in New Guinea |
| Known for | Local administration |
| Awards | George Cross (1972) |
Jack Emanuel (in some records spelt Emmanuel) GC (13 December 1918 – 19 August 1971) was an Australian colonial administrator who served as district commissioner in the East New Britain district of Papua New Guinea who was posthumously awarded the George Cross, the highest British (and Commonwealth) award for bravery out of combat, for gallantry displayed between July 1969 and 19 August 1971. Emanuel served as a police officer and fireman in Australia before accepting a posting as patrol officer (kiap) to the Australian-administered United Nations trust territory of New Guinea, shortly after the Second World War. Emanuel was appointed acting district commissioner for East New Britain in 1969, and was confirmed in this role in 1971. He was well-respected as a local government official and noted for his willingness to negotiate resolutions to local disputes without police escort. Emanuel was trying to discuss a resolution to a land dispute between European settlers and the Tolai people in August 1971 when he was stabbed to death during negotiations. His killers were brought to trial and his death shocked the Tolai who largely abandoned the dispute.