Nitasha Bhatia
Sydney
Summary
Strategic and outcomes-driven Executive Public Policy Professional with over a decade of experience in international macroeconomic analysis, regulatory and trade policy. Extensive leadership of cross-agency teams delivering nationally significant programs across Southeast Asia, India, and China. Proven record in synthesising economic developments into strategic briefings, supporting high-level policy decisions, and promoting public value through economic diplomacy and reform.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director / Assistant Director – Southeast Asia, South Asia & Pacific
AUSTRALIAN TRADE AND INVESTMENT COMMISSION (Austrade)
01.2022 - Current
- - Led cross-functional teams advising on economic trends in Southeast Asia, India and China.
- - Delivered ministerial briefings on regulatory risks and macroeconomic developments, especially in healthcare and investment sectors.
- - Supported trade policy design and implementation, including AI-ECTA.
- - Input into Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 on healthcare investment.
- - Selected for the 2025 China Primer Program.
Director – Business Track, ASEAN-Australia Special Summit
DEPARTMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET
01.2023 - 01.2024
- - Led the strategic delivery of Summit economic programs with 400+ delegates.
- - Coordinated a $2 billion regional investment facility, supporting health and infrastructure sectors.
- - Produced strategic economic material for Cabinet on regional economic integration.
Senior Analyst – Consumer Data Right & Foreign Investment Policy
COMMONWEALTH TREASURY
01.2019 - 01.2021
- - Negotiated international data frameworks; relevant to digital economy and regulatory harmonisation.
- - Led investment compliance guidance during COVID-19, focusing on risks from foreign strategic actors.
Senior International Policy Officer
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH – TGA
01.2017 - 01.2019
- - Represented Australia in regulatory forums with China’s NMPA and other international bodies.
- - Developed MOUs and managed technical cooperation to support regulatory alignment and trade in pharmaceuticals.
Policy and Advocacy Officer
ARTHRITIS AUSTRALIA
01.2015 - 01.2016
- - Drafted national submissions and economic impact reports influencing chronic disease strategy.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours with Distinction) - Economics, International Business Strategy
UNSW
Higher School Certificate - undefined
Pymble Ladies’ College
Skills
- Macroeconomic Policy & Global Risk Analysis
- Asia-Pacific & China Economic Engagement
- Economic Strategy & Scenario Planning
- Inclusive Leadership & Team Development
- Regulatory Reform & Trade Policy
- Public Interest Economic Communication
- Stakeholder Engagement & Intergovernmental Coordination
- Strategic Policy Advice & Briefing
Awards
2025 Australia Day Award – Austrade, 2025 China Primer Program – Government Selection, 2023 Asialink Asian Australian Leadership Award – Public Sector, 2019 Australia Day Award – Dept of Health, Finalist, NSW Multicultural Young Journalist of the Year, High Distinction, PwC Economics Competition
Leadership & Culture
- Built and led diverse, high-performing teams in Treasury, PM&C and Austrade.
- Fostered inclusive cultures through mentoring, feedback, and professional development.
- Recognised for aligning team outputs to broader strategic policy goals.
Additional Information
- Citizenship: Australian
- Security Clearance: [Insert if applicable]
- Languages: [Insert if relevant]
Timeline
Director – Business Track, ASEAN-Australia Special Summit
DEPARTMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET
01.2023 - 01.2024
Director / Assistant Director – Southeast Asia, South Asia & Pacific
AUSTRALIAN TRADE AND INVESTMENT COMMISSION (Austrade)
01.2022 - Current
Senior Analyst – Consumer Data Right & Foreign Investment Policy
COMMONWEALTH TREASURY
01.2019 - 01.2021
Senior International Policy Officer
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH – TGA
01.2017 - 01.2019
Policy and Advocacy Officer
ARTHRITIS AUSTRALIA
01.2015 - 01.2016
Higher School Certificate - undefined
Pymble Ladies’ College
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours with Distinction) - Economics, International Business Strategy
UNSW
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