Following his posting as First Secretary in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1980, he served as Acting High Commissioner in Lusaka, Zambia, from 1980 to 1983.

The protesters passed a petition to Potts through the gates of the High Commission demanding an apology from the Australian Government.

[5] In 2006, Potts was replaced by Chris Moraitis[6] and was appointed First Assistant Secretary in the International Organisations and Legal Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a position he held until 2009.

Potts was charged with managing the relationship with one of Australia's closest neighbours, and was also posted to the Cook Islands.

[10] Potts represented Australia at official functions, including the annual Māori Koroneihana at Tūrangawaewae, at the invitation of King Tuheitia.