Hugh Piper

Biography
Publications

Hugh Piper is Program Lead at the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue. He is also Deputy Editor of The Policymaker, a publication of the James Martin Institute for Public Policy. He was formerly a strategic policy adviser and ministerial speechwriter at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The opinions expressed are his own.

How Australia can speak up on human rights in India
How Australia can speak up on human rights in India
Modi won’t be prime minister for ever, so finding ways to air concerns now will actually strengthen relations long term.
Indigenous Voice: Getting ready to explain to the world if Australia votes “No”
Indigenous Voice: Getting ready to explain to the world if Australia votes “No”
The referendum is a pivotal moment for global perceptions of Australia. Diplomats must be ready whatever the outcome.
Defence Review: DFAT gets a boost
Defence Review: DFAT gets a boost
For the first time, a major Defence policy statement recommends more diplomatic funding.
Taking Australian statecraft from good to great
Taking Australian statecraft from good to great
To remain effective in Asia, Canberra must do more with less, multiplying the effects of its bureaucratic tools.
Australia should have more public holidays – but make them civic and secular
Australia should have more public holidays – but make them civic and secular
Allowing people to choose their own days of significance would better reflect our modern national identity.
Redemption complete? Australia’s image and the end of “sandpaper gate”
Redemption complete? Australia’s image and the end of “sandpaper gate”
The only truly national sport is bound to local identity – but believing in exceptionalism is a dangerous game.
“Should democracies ever lie?” Sort of. Maybe. Not really
“Should democracies ever lie?” Sort of. Maybe. Not really
Bending the truth corrupts confidence in democratic institutions and risks a race to the bottom.
There must be a better way: Australia’s diplomatic appointments
There must be a better way: Australia’s diplomatic appointments
Transparency in deciding who gets to represent the country abroad can only be a benefit.
Australia’s new government seizes the international bully pulpit
Australia’s new government seizes the international bully pulpit
Labor brings a distinct change in rhetoric to foreign and strategic policy. Here are the top five takeaways.
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