Born in London from Mauritian parents, Jacques grew up on the Indian Ocean island. He studied Economics at University College London and the Institute of Development Studies in Sussex England before returning to Mauritius to work as a Project Analyst for three years in the 80s. Jacques went on to live in France and Cyprus, spending a couple of years in each country, before immigrating to Australia. There he embarked on a distinguished public service career.
In the 90s, Jacques moved from Sydney to Melbourne, where he's resided for over twenty years now, with his long-time partner. He