Big Ideas The diplomats — the ups and downs of life in Australia's foreign embassies
Apr 6, 2026
Grant Dooley, former Australian diplomat and China specialist, and Lachlan Strahan, former diplomat and author who served across Asia and Europe, share vivid career snapshots. They discuss real-life diplomatic work, hardship postings and mental health, crisis responses and organizing prime ministerial visits. Conversations also cover consular duties, Australia–Indonesia ties and shifting geopolitics.
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Hardship Postings Carry Real Risk And Skill
- Dangerous or hardship postings define much of modern diplomatic courage and toil.
- Grant Dooley argues public perception misses diplomats in places like Lagos or Baghdad doing brave, high-stress work without glamour.
Football And Sandwiches Kept Jakarta Staff Sane
- Personal coping relied on community, routines and small escapes during Jakarta's constant crises.
- Grant Dooley describes the embassy community, football club and 'Bridge of Death' sandwich runs as vital outlets amid riots and trauma.
You Become A Political Figure In Small Posts
- Small, visible behaviour as head of mission draws intense local scrutiny in compact posts.
- Lachlan Strahan recounts being treated as a political figure in Honiara, having coffee choices and outings closely observed and politicised.
