← Contributors

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 (12)

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 26 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.
Hugh Piper 3 May 2022

Imagining Labor’s first 100 days in foreign policy

It’s 22 May. And although Anthony Albanese is yet to get his feet under the desk, priorities are already piling up.
Hugh Piper 13 Apr 2022

Time to think big on the future of Australian diplomacy

A good start would put the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the centre of decision-making and coordination.
Hugh Piper 16 Mar 2022

Australian cricket’s soft power opportunity

A hat trick of factors calls for all-round success, and a recognition of bigger issues, including gender equality.