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About Russell Trood

Prior to his election as Senator, Russell was Associate Professor of International Relations and Director of the Centre for the Study of Australia-Asia Relations at Griffith University in Brisbane.

He was educated at Asquith Boys' High School in Sydney and later won a Commonwealth Scholarship to study law (LLB) at the University of Sydney. Keen to pursue his interests in international relations, Russell subsequently went overseas to undertake graduate studies, completing a Masters degree (MSc.Econ) in strategic studies at the University of Wales and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in international relations at Dalhousie University in Canada.

Russell Trood
Most of Russell's professional life has been spent in the field of international relations. He has taken a strong interest in the evolution of Australia's role world affairs, in the challenges of globalisation and ways that Australia can engage effectively with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. The author of over 50 publications on many different aspects of the international affairs, he has also lectured and given papers on Australian and international security issues at conferences in Australia, Europe, Canada, the United States and throughout Asia.

Since he began his university career, Russell has taught a wide range of graduate and undergraduate courses on different aspects of international relations, including Australian foreign policy, Asian security, International organisation, American foreign policy and International politics.

Senator Trood on Australia Day at Citizenship Ceremony
Another dimension of Russell's work has been to serve as an expert advisor on various government and community organisations. He has been a member of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), and the Board of the Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII), and is currently a member of the Australian Committee of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific (CSCAP). He was formerly a member of the Australian Committee of Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (AUSPECC) and the editorial board of the Australian Institute of International Affairs' journal, the Australian Journal of International Affairs.

Actively involved in his local community, Russell has been strongly supportive of the rights of citizens to participate local government planning decisions and over a long period of time assisted the voluntary fund raising activities of local schools, scouting groups and charity organisations.

On a state-wide level, Russell has served several community organisations, including the Queensland Branch of the Australian Institute of International Affairs of which he served a term as President in 1992-93.

Senator Trood speaking in the Senate
Russell has long been an active member of the Liberal Party. After involvement in the Young Liberal movement in New South Wales during his student years, he went on to hold senior branch and organisational positions in that state. More recently, he has occupied a wide range of positions in the Queensland Division of the Party, including branch chairman, chairman and member of several federal, state and local government campaign committees and vice chairman of the Party Development Committee. He has also served three terms as a member of State Executive.

Russell was elected to the Senate in October 2004 and took his seat on 1 July 2005.

Russell currently lives in Brisbane with his wife, Dale and their two children, James and Phoebe.

Presenting medallions at Sherwood RSL

Russell's vision for Australia is available here.