Katrina Cooper is a Deputy Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She has also been a Deputy Secretary at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, responsible for national security and international relations.
She has represented Australia internationally in a wide range of roles, including as G20 Sherpa to Prime Minister Albanese (2021-22) and as Ambassador to Mexico (2008-12). She was Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Washington during President Trump’s first term (2017-21). Other overseas assignments include Papua New Guinea and Chile.
As Senior Legal Adviser at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2013-17) she was responsible for the Department’s international and domestic legal advice to government. In that role, she led Australia’s delegation to the 6th Committee of the UNGA and the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings. She has negotiated many international agreements, including the maritime boundary with Timor-Leste.
