The US Studies Centre, in collaboration with the Australian American Leadership Dialogue, hosted a conversation with two leading political advisors, Democrat Tony Podesta and Republican Barry Jackson. Discussion included the current American political scene, the presidential race, and US engagement in the Indo Pacific.

The Australian American Leadership Dialogue (AALD), founded in 1992, is a private diplomatic initiative, which brings together Australian and American leaders from government, enterprise, media, education and the community to help review and refine the parameters of the Australian-American bilateral relationship.