Political experts join the teaching team at UQ

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like being an Australian diplomat?

Students enrolled in UQ’s School of Political Science and International Studies will gain a better understanding than most thanks to a series of guest lectures from former diplomats, policy makers and parliamentarians this semester.

As part of the undergraduate subject Australian Foreign Policy (POLS2201), students will learn from foreign and strategic policy heavy-hitters such as Alexander Downer’s former advisor and Chief of Staff, William Tweddell.

Mr Tweddell is currently the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) First Assistant Secretary, Americas Division, and has previously held diplomatic posts in countries including Vietnam, Greece, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.

Also teaching into the course is Bill Paterson, the former head of DFAT’s Anti-Terrorism Task Force at the time of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. Mr Paterson has acted as Assistant Secretary in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, advising and supporting former Prime Minister John Howard on Asia, APEC and trade issues.

“The opportunity to learn from the experiences of key policy-makers and diplomats is one of the great strengths of the undergraduate program in the school,” said the Head of POLSIS Associate Professor Gillian Whitehouse.

“We are keenly aware that for many students there is a desire to understand how the knowledge they gain in their studies is applied and practised by practitioners be it as diplomats, security experts, or politicians. This also gives students an idea of the career options available to them.”

Other contributors to the course include Queensland Liberal Senator Russell Trood, formerly Associate Professor of International relations at Griffith University and a Visiting Fellow at the Lowy Institute for International Policy.

Further information about POLS2201 and other courses offered by the school is available on their website.

Media: Kevin Smith (07 3365 2858, k.f.smith@uq.edu.au) or Naomi Smith at POLSIS (07 3365 1524, naomi.smith@uq.edu.au)