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Hugh Piper

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.

Articles by Hugh Piper (15)

Hugh Piper 16 May 2023

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.
Melissa Conley Tyler, Hugh Piper 24 Apr 2023

Defence Review: DFAT gets a boost

For the first time, a major Defence policy statement recommends more diplomatic funding.
Hugh Piper, Susannah Patton 13 Mar 2023

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.
Hugh Piper 17 Jan 2023

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.
Hugh Piper 28 Nov 2022

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.
Hugh Piper 2 Sep 2022

“Should democracies ever lie?” Sort of. Maybe. Not really

Bending the truth corrupts confidence in democratic institutions and risks a race to the bottom.
Hugh Piper 9 Aug 2022

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.
Hugh Piper 19 Jul 2022

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.
Hugh Piper 5 May 2022

Scott Morrison wins. So where to next for Australia in the world?

A returned Coalition government faces immediate headaches (and opportunities) in its foreign policy.