Roundtable Discussion
Changing times, evolving practice – Australian diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific with Pamela Currie, DFAT State Director for WA
Date: Thursday, 15 October, 2026
Location: Winthrop Hall, The University of Western Australia
Event summary
Hosted by the Perth USAsia Centre, the roundtable provides an opportunity for a candid, policy relevant discussion on the ways Australian diplomacy is changing, and the practical challenges of pursuing national interests in a region that is both more contested and more interconnected.
The discussion will provide an opportunity for an open exchange on the practical challenges of contemporary diplomacy, including how Australia works with regional partners, responds to emerging challenges and brings different areas of government policy together.
Context
The strategic environment facing Australia is becoming more complex, with governments drawing on a wider range of diplomatic, economic, technological and regulatory approaches to advance national interests and shape outcomes in the Indo-Pacific.
Pamela will draw on her experience in government, including her work on undersea cable security and connectivity, as a case study in considering these broader shifts. The discussion will consider the tools and initiatives available to government, how they are being used, and how Australia can work with regional partners to respond to shared challenges in an increasingly complex Indo-Pacific.
The roundtable will also consider:
• The role of infrastructure, technology and economic policy alongside traditional diplomatic engagement
• The role of DFAT and government in working across diplomatic, economic, technological and security policy, and how diplomacy is changing across these domains
• How Australia can use different forms of engagement and cooperation to work with partners across the Indo-Pacific
• What the experience of undersea cable security and connectivity can tell us about the relationship between national security, resilience and modern diplomacy
• How Australia can work effectively with regional partners on shared challenges while recognising their different interests and priorities.
This event is invitation only, held under Chatham House Rule, with discussion focused on practical policy questions and informed exchange among participants.
Registration
Places are strictly limited. RSVP is essential to secure your spot.
Guest Speakers
Pamela Currie, Director Western Australia State Office
During her career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pamela has held diplomatic postings in Wellington, New Zealand, including a secondment to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Pretoria, South Africa. Her Canberra-based roles have included work supporting Australia’s engagement with key international partners across the Pacific and contributing to the establishment of the Office of the Pacific.
Previously serving as the inaugural Director of DFAT’s Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre, she worked with governments and industry to support secure and resilient telecommunications cable connectivity across the Indo-Pacific.
In January 2026, Pamela commenced as DFAT’s State Director, WA bringing extensive experience across Australia’s international engagement, diplomatic relations and Indo-Pacific partnerships.
Pamela began her career in the Australian Public Service with the then Department of Immigration and Citizenship in 2008, before joining DFAT in 2012.
Pamela holds a Master of International Affairs from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies) with Honours / Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia.
Venue
Winthrop Hall
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009
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