Paul Grandoni is from Perth, Western Australia. With major trading partners to the north and west, he developed a deep appreciation of the Indo-Pacific and the bearing this has for Australia. Moving east to study, Paul undertook several years of study in Canberra, WA, Sydney, Adelaide (the latter two concurrently!). At St Andrew’s, Paul enjoyed the College’s focus on academic life along with its sporting edge. His time underscored the importance of relationships with a diverse coalition of people. At the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade he has represented Australia as head of delegation at the G20, worked on AUKUS including at the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce, and was a lead for Australia’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. Our chat with him explored his formative years and time at College.
Where are you originally from, and where did you grow up?
In Perth, we tend to see the world from a slightly different perspective. Growing up, I remember watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean and running on the beach in the mornings, always mindful that our western shores connect us to the vastness of the Indian Ocean, and that to our north lie the critical neighbours of South and Southeast Asia. My focus rarely shifted to the eastern seaboard; instead, it was naturally drawn to Australia’s interests in the Indo-Pacific and whether our relationships were advancing or inimical to those interests. For me, growing up in Western Australia wasn’t just about geography—it was a state of mind.
Like many West Australians, I chose to study abroad—or rather, interstate, which was much the same. I undertook an undergraduate program at the Australian National University and postgraduate studies in international business and law at the University of Sydney. Between study and co-curricular activities, I had a great time – particularly rowing (which Canberra is great for). Put me in a regatta and I’m in my element.
Why did you choose to reside at St Andrew’s College?
I still vividly remember the call I received a couple of months before submitting my thesis at ANU. It was from Principal Wayne Erickson—such a great guy. At the time, everything was a whirlwind as I wrapped up at ANU and prepared to move to Sydney. Yet one thing was clear: I wanted to join St Andrew’s College. It wasn’t just about the academic rigour but also the College’s ambition for its residents—both in their studies and in life—and the strong alumni network that has shaped Australia in so many ways. I aspired to be part of that kind of company. What truly sets Drew’s apart from other colleges at Sydney Uni, though, is its sporting pedigree, which I couldn’t wait to take on.
What parts of college life were you involved in, and do you have a favourite memory you’d like to share?
Life after completing undergraduate studies can feel like a major transition. At Drew’s, I embraced the social scene—easily the best I’d experienced at any university, even if the pub was in desperate need of a reno. But beyond the social life – which is undeniably important – I went headfirst into my studies. In fact, I took things a step further by enrolling simultaneously at the University of Adelaide.
Yes, for half my time at Drew’s, I was also full-time at Adelaide, flying there several times a week and returning to Drew’s just in time for dinner. It was intense, but it allowed me to graduate with both degrees in the same year. Looking back, would I recommend studying full-time in two capital cities? Probably not —but at that stage of my life, it made sense. I’m deeply grateful for the support Drew’s provided throughout that demanding period. I remember the home dinners, good friendships, and all-around electricity pulsating through Drew’s throughout the semester.
One of my standout memories was mentoring students as part of the academic program. Drew’s has a great library and common room areas, and supporting the community in this way was particularly rewarding – and set me up for similar roles in the future, including tutoring at the Australian National University, which I have been able to continue alongside my role at DFAT. For me, mentoring and teaching are meaningful ways to give back. So much of our lives is spent in a one-way “receiving” mode, but stepping into a two-way relationship of sharing and reciprocating knowledge is deeply satisfying. It not only enhances the value of what you’ve learned but also reinforces its significance in a broader context.
I also remember hosting my local member of parliament from Perth, the Hon. Julie Bishop, then Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, at a formal dinner. Julie graciously accepted my invitation, and I still recall the two of us seated at the high table with the Principal – it was a truly memorable occasion. After dinner, Julie delivered an inspiring speech, and we celebrated in the Senior Common Room. She had been a mentor to me over the years, particularly during my time back in Perth, and her guidance played a key role in encouraging me to apply to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – where she later served as portfolio minister. Anyway, I hope these couple of examples give some idea of Drew’s supportive and energetic environment.
While residing at St. Andrew’s, you completed a Master of International Business & Law. Before that, you earned a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours and pursued further studies at several other institutions. What motivated you to continue your education journey? How did you stay motivated over ten years of tertiary study?
It all starts with a deep love for Australia and a desire to place that within a broader global context—understanding how we engage with the world. I always wanted to explore our country and what better way to do that than to combine it with study, especially with the flexibility of long academic breaks. I had planned to spend my 20s traveling while continuing my education along the way. I was fortunate to have the support of good mentors and scholarships, and was interested in broadening my bachelor’s degree with a broader international lens – to international business and law, then international trade and development, then international relations, and then finally a research degree at ANU’s National Security College focussed on Australia-Indonesia counterterrorism diplomacy. So, each degree gave me a sharper focus – a more pointed and nuanced international perspective of Australia’s global positioning. It was during this period that I applied for DFAT – I still remember receiving an offer on my birthday – and starting my career at age 29. That steady pace—from broad to increasingly specialised fields—kept me motivated and focused throughout. Each step built on the last, helping me stay driven and clear on where I was headed.
You’ve worked at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for eight years. Can you describe your responsibilities and provide more details about what this role involved?
I began at DFAT working in the aid program, focusing on designing and implementing projects across the Pacific, while ensuring we were accountable to the Australian public (I remember being one of the lead authors of the annual Performance of Australian Aid report). However, my background was more security-focused, so it wasn’t long before I felt a pull in that direction. I remember visiting a senior staff member to ask about our aid program in Pakistan, and she took an interest in my background. This was just a few months into my time at the department. I spoke about my experience at the National Security College and my research interests, and she immediately saw where I could be a better fit. A few days later, we ran into each other at the lift foyer, and I’ll never forget her words: “Good news, Paul—you’ve been released.” From that moment on, everything shifted into high gear. It really instilled in me the importance of going for what you want – to shape your own career. After all, if you can’t advocate for your own interests, then how can others expect you to advocate for Australia’s.
A few highlights of include combining my development and multilateral interests in work with the World Bank, which was particularly important in terms of our joint support for the Pacific during the COVID-19 pandemic. I also had the opportunity to visit PNG, where I asked tough questions about the effectiveness of our aid program. Later, I served as the UK and European Union lead for Australia’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which allowed me to contribute to our broader regional vision. But perhaps the most significant was being one of the few officers briefed into AUKUS – the trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US. I led our international engagement efforts and was later seconded to the Defence-led Nuclear Powered Submarine Taskforce to lead our international engagement. I’m incredibly proud of the 18 months we spent on the optimal pathway for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability. But more than that, it was about strengthening partnerships and ensuring a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific – something I’d thought about since those formative years in Western Australia.
Currently I represent Australia as Head of Delegation at the G20. In many ways, this role feels like a natural continuation of the international engagement and multilateral focus I led during my time on AUKUS. These are critical multilateral frameworks that safeguard the rules and norms we all depend on, and being part of this preservation effort has been an immense responsibility and one I’ve also enjoyed. Working with our partners and keeping others in check is a critical part of my work – whether when making an intervention, wading through negotiations, or advocating for our interests.
This year, you have been posted to Brazil as one of the G20 leads for Australia. Can you explain what this role entails and what a typical day might include?
Australia has been an active participant in the G20 since its inception, particularly focused on the global economic governance agenda. Over the past several years the G20’s agenda has broadened to include other areas – linked to its original economic mandate. So, as Australia is a G20 member, my job is to represent and support our engagement across the full spectrum of the G20’s working groups – from women’s empowerment, anti-corruption, tourism and others. All these lead to the final declaration made at the last meeting – being the leaders’ summit.
When I’m at a G20 meeting, a typical day involves reviewing briefing from capital, arranging bilateral meetings I want to have with our counterparts, thinking about how to synchronise messaging with likeminded countries so it’s amplified during official G20 meetings, and ensuring we are represented in a way that best reflects our interests. No two days are the same but there is a continuity between the different working groups and the format they take on. A clear sense of Australia’s strategic interests and how our engagement in each of the working groups support us meeting those interests keeps me grounded. Overall, my focus at the G20 is on promoting economic growth, stability and development globally insofar as they’re supportive of our interests. (I also can’t help but mention that this has been a great opportunity to see Brazil – with meetings held in different parts of the country, it’s been a privilege – thank you).
What drew you to pursue a career in International Relations?
Well, I’ve never really been too exercised over the separation between ‘international’ and ‘national’ for Australia. As a trading nation we’re so outwardly focused – and rely on good relations with our neighbours and free, open and secure regional architecture to support our way of life – that the Indo-Pacific was a natural extension of how I saw Australia’s interests. But I suppose the friends I made from all over the world during my earlier university days, a keen sense of how Australia’s prosperity and security is intertwined with the region, and travel, all fostered a deep sense of interest for international relations and Australian diplomacy – as a key way we engage with the world – as part of that.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role?
It’s not so much a challenge as a responsibility – ensuring that I bring others along with me to make sure they not only know what we’re advocating for but why, and this includes everyone – not just the public service. Their ideas are equally as important and so is being accountable to them. As public servants, we don’t operate in a vacuum; there’s always that sense of accountability, even on the smaller projects. Growing up in Western Australia, I was keenly aware of the need to hold our representatives in Canberra accountable despite the physical distance. That sense of responsibility has stayed with me, and I’m always mindful of the audiences I’m addressing, including those indirectly impacted or with a stake in the outcomes.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
A couple – representing Australia at the G20 and touring a US nuclear-powered submarine before the AUKUS optimal pathway announcement. Both very different but each are needed to support the other – strong global governance supports our economic interests at home, and our own sovereign security capability ensures we have the means to back-in our interests if that time ever came.
What advice would you give to current students looking to pursue a career in International Relations?
Australians are inherently curious about our place in the world – we’re a large island deeply integrated with global markets, with a particularly strong interest in multilateralism which allows Australia to influence global issues despite our relatively small population. So, it’s natural for us to want to progress this curiosity into a career. But I’d also suggest a diversified approach – have a few interests, and chances are some of these will have an international dimension. In my own profession, I’ve also found diplomats with more interests are more effective at understanding cultures, making friends and opening doors for their countries. So, be interesting and curious. In Brazil, the former South Korean Ambassador was known for his karaoke skills – and so that made him a particularly known and sought personality during his posting.
What do you like to do outside of work? How do you unwind?
Rowing! But also chess, reading…searching for that perfect coffee. I do enjoy a morning run, row or ride – so rain, hail or shine I’ll be up getting something in. I find this sets me up for the day and grounds me. I’m a meditative runner, rower and cyclist.
How did your time at St Andrew’s influence your life after College?
St Andrew’s exposed me to a diverse groups of people all driven to succeed in their respective fields. It underlined the need to seize the day – to make the most of every opportunity, but also to make your own. Living and learning with each other reinforced how important coalitions and relationships are to work and life. It’s something that I’ve kept close to this day and taken to building my own diplomatic constellation of relationships.