2024 Winner: First Peoples Alumnus Award (Griffith Business School)
Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management), Class of 2010
2024 Overall winner
For Nick Williams—the Australian diplomat who recently concluded a posting at the Australian High Commission in London—no two days are alike in the workplace. “A typical day/week at work could vary quite significantly depending on my location and the particular role I am undertaking within the Department of Trade and Foreign Affairs (DFAT),” he explains. “Whether that’s is working in Canberra, on diplomatic overseas postings, delivering multi-stakeholder intergovernmental policy negotiations, working in the Minister’s office, or working in DFAT’s offices in States and Territories throughout Australia.”
Having recently completed his time working at the Australian High Commission, a typical work week for him revolved around implementing and executing the Australian Government’s strategic priorities for Australia’s bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom.
“In particular, my work focused on the implementation, promotion and business utilisation of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement, as well as supporting Australia’s science, innovation, research and technology priorities with the UK. I also undertake policy work to support the advancement of Australia’s First Nations people and priorities in the UK,” Nick says.
His career has kept him incredibly busy, with regular meetings with the UK government, industry and business stakeholders, think tanks and interest groups, as well as education and research institutions. He also represents the Australian Government at official events and meetings and provides policy advice on Australia’s bilateral relationship with the UK to inform Australian Government policies and decisions.
Nick recently returned to Australia and is now the Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Trade for the Office of First Nations International Engagement with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
As a proud Indigenous man, Nick also has a vision for successful and sustainable First Nations economic development through international trade and investment.
“I see enormous potential and opportunity for First Nations people and communities through the evolution of the Australian Government’s First Nations approach to foreign policy, including further engagement in international trade and investment for Indigenous businesses,” Nick explains. “Collaborating closely with Indigenous communities and ensuring First Nations perspectives and interests are embedded into Australia’s foreign policy will be central to this work and achieving positive outcomes.”
He continues: “Trade and investment have always played a key role in Australia’s prosperity. I see my role in supporting the continued implementation of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) and opportunities for Australian businesses and professionals as an important way to realise the Agreement’s potential for the benefit of Australia.
“Through the A-UKFTA, other FTAs, and Australia’s trade policy more broadly, contributing to work to uphold global trade rules and high standards will also be an important part of my work in the future.”
From the earliest phase of his career, Nicholas has been involved in professional activities that not only generated commendations and promotion opportunities but also had outcomes with societal impact. He is actively involved in the betterment of society and has a deep commitment to uplifting Indigenous communities and peoples.
He also aims to inspire and educate the next generation of foreign and trade policy professionals and engage academic thought leaders through his continuing involvement in the tertiary education sector.
Nick says he was spurred to pursue his journey through his family's love and support. “Both my parents worked in the public service and have been great mentors and inspiration to work in the public service,” he shares. "I now share their dedication to service and to achieving positive outcomes for Indigenous Australians, as well as their work ethic and goals. Contributing to this work in international relations through First Nations diplomacy, and trade and investment has been a strong driver in my career.”
Griffith also played a role in guiding his path to the Australian Government through providing a high-quality education and practical learning experiences. “At its core, Griffith provided me with the fundamental values, skills and lessons needed to engage successfully in life, my career in the public service and on the international stage,” he says.
He also praises the support he received from the GUMURRII, Griffith’s dedicated support unit for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. “Academically, these relationships and collaboration with other Indigenous students enabled me to succeed in my studies and further develop my career opportunities in the public service and with DFAT. GUMURRII created a culturally safe and enabling learning environment and facilitated long-lasting networks and relationships that I have engaged with throughout my professional career.”
Nick says there’s one piece of advice he has for anyone wanting to follow his path: “Through hard work, dedication, resilience, and a positive attitude, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. Challenges, mistakes, and failures are important parts of the journey—take key lessons from them, and they will strengthen you.”
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