Looking for a Chief of Staff / Office Manager
My terrific chief of staff (aka office manager) Louise Crossman has just been offered a job as women's adviser to Julie Collins, Minister for Community Services, Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, and Status of Women. Louise has run my office wonderfully well over recent years, and many in the Canberra community will have had the opportunity to get to know her at community forums and other events.
I'm very sorry to see her moving on, but am also pleased that in past years, I've seen staff happily move into jobs with Ministers Combet, Garrett and Collins. No job is forever, and having the chance to work with a team bright and energetic people is one of the things I really enjoy about this job. Over the coming years, Louise is certain to make her mark on Australian politics.
Accordingly, I'm now looking for a new Louise. You can think of the job as a hybrid of 'chief of staff' (managing people) and office manager (managing paperwork). Successful applicant will need to be politically attuned, good at teamwork, and enjoy community development. Sense of humour a plus.
The official job ad is below.
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I'm very sorry to see her moving on, but am also pleased that in past years, I've seen staff happily move into jobs with Ministers Combet, Garrett and Collins. No job is forever, and having the chance to work with a team bright and energetic people is one of the things I really enjoy about this job. Over the coming years, Louise is certain to make her mark on Australian politics.
Accordingly, I'm now looking for a new Louise. You can think of the job as a hybrid of 'chief of staff' (managing people) and office manager (managing paperwork). Successful applicant will need to be politically attuned, good at teamwork, and enjoy community development. Sense of humour a plus.
The official job ad is below.
OFFICE MANAGER
Applications are invited for the above position based in Canberra.
The duties of the positions include: managing a team of five full-time and part-time staff (plus volunteers), community engagement, liaising with government departments, preparing and coordinating correspondence, organising events and meetings.
Applicants should possess the following skills and experience:
- Experience in managing a medium-sized team in a high-pressure environment
- Passionate about community engagement
- Hard working and enthusiastic about addressing local issues
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Understanding of local media
Extensive understanding of government and parliamentary processes
A commencing salary between $67 956 and $76 548 will be paid, plus allowances up to $25 060, depending on skills and experience.
A probationary period of 3 months will apply.
Applications attaching a CV plus at least two referees should be forwarded to [email protected]
Applications close on 21 November 2012. For further information please contact Louise Crossman, acting office manager, on 02 6247 4396.
New Life
My latest Chronicle column is on parenthood.
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Wonderous Times With Newborns, The Chronicle, 6 November 2012
Ever wondered why a calf can walk after a few hours, while a baby takes a year to learn the same skill? It turns out that the problem arises from two features of humans – we stand on two legs (which requires a small and bony pelvis), but also have large brains (which are hard to fit through that pelvis). Evolution’s solution to this problem is that all humans are born – in a sense – prematurely. After emerging from the womb, we need more protection from the world than do most other animals.
I’m typing this article one-handed, with a one month old boy asleep in the crook of my left arm. There’s something extraordinary about new life – its beautiful vulnerability and that unique ‘new baby smell’ that disappears all too quickly. Zachary is our third child, and we’ve gotten a few things right this time that we wish we’d done before.
First, when the baby arrived, we politely asked friends who thought of sending flowers to please instead make a donation to the charity ‘Send Hope – Not Flowers’. The charity was established by three young Canberrans - obstetrician Steve Robson, journalist Emma Macdonald and internet entrepreneur Alex Fahey - along with Sydney writer Julie Ulbricht. For the cost of a bunch of flowers, you can save the life of a mother in the developing world. The charity works with partner organisations in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Solomon Islands, and donations can be made through their website: www.sendhope.org.
Second, I’ve really been relishing taking a bit of extra dad time with the children. A new baby is both exciting and unsettling for siblings. So the chance to kick a football or read a book with the two older boys has given them a bit of stability at what would otherwise be a chaotic time. Paternity leave isn’t so easy in my job, since no-one else becomes the Member for Fraser when I’m not at the office. But community organisations have been wonderfully understanding when I’ve told them I can’t attend an evening event because of the munchkins. Indeed, Zachary arrived only a few months before the commencement on 1 January 2013 of ‘Dad and Partner Pay’. The program will give eligible fathers and partners two weeks’ leave at the minimum wage (currently $606 a week).
Third, my wife and I are realising that the right answer when anyone offers help is ‘yes’. Family and friends are invaluable at a time like this, and we’ve been lucky to have a strong network of people around us. Some of our friends came through Gweneth’s mother’s group. These groups are coordinated by ACT Playgroups, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. If you’re a new parent, I can’t recommend them highly enough.
But while we’ve learned a thing or two over the past five years, we’re still bumbling our way along – trying to work out the best way to raise our kids. It’s fun, it’s daunting, and it’s exhausting. It’s parenthood.
Andrew Leigh is the federal member for Fraser.
Sky AM Agenda - 8 Nov 2012
On Sky AM Agenda, I spoke about lessons from President Obama's victory for Australian politics, the need to better manage peak power demand, and why good governments routinely cost policy ideas that are in the public domain. The presenter was David Lipson and my co-panellist was Kelly O'Dwyer.
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ABC Capital Hill - 6 Nov 2012
On ABC24 Capital Hill, we spoke about Australia's trifecta of strong growth, low unemployment and stable inflation; about the difficult issue of live exports; and about wheat deregulation. The host was Lyndal Curtis and my co-panellist was Dennis Jensen (who bravely abstained from the Coalition's vote against deregulating the wheat export market).
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Tralee development will hurt Canberra's economy
Disappointing to see the NSW Government burying the announcement of the Tralee Development approval on Melbourne Cup day.
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JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT
Senator the Hon Kate Lundy
Senator for the ACT
Andrew Leigh MP
Member for Fraser
Gai Brodtmann MP
Member for Canberra
6 November 2012
TRALEE DEVELOPMENT WILL HURT CANBERRA’S ECONOMY
The decision by the O’Farrell Government to approve the Tralee Development on the border of NSW and the ACT is a short-sighted decision that could hurt Canberra’s economy in the long term. Federal Labor Representatives have consistently opposed the development as it against Canberra’s interests.
Planning approval for the development is contrary to every single independent assessment of the development, which recommended that the development not go ahead.
The new development will be situated under flight paths and compromises the ability of Canberra Airport to provide additional services in and out of the national capital. It also has the potential to redirect existing flight paths over long-standing residential areas of Canberra.
This will have a long-term impact on Canberra’s economy as it has the potential to reduce the amount of business and tourist travel to and from Canberra.
With Premier Barry O’Farrell calling for Canberra Airport to be Sydney’s second airport, this decision completely undermines those statements. Given the NSW Planning Minister has said no homes will be built under flight paths, we call on the New South Wales Government to give a public commitment that they will not stand in the way of future development at Canberra Airport and will not seek to divert future flight paths over Canberra.
We remain opposed to the development and will continue to advocate for planning decisions that take into account the need to balance the economic and social interests of Canberra and the broader region.
ACT punches above its weight in research funding
I was delighted with yesterday's announcement of Australian Research Council funding, particularly for projects undertaken by local researchers.
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SENATOR THE HON CHRIS EVANS
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research
Dr Andrew Leigh MP
Federal Member for Fraser
MEDIA RELEASE
6 November 2012
ACT punches above its weight in research funding
Universities in the Australian Capital Territory will receive $39.3 million for 112 research projects that will benefit Australians, drive innovation and keep Australia at the forefront of science globally.
The Australian Research Council’s 1014 major grants, worth a total $360 million, will also increase opportunities for Indigenous researchers and researchers in the early stages of their careers.
Fraser is one of 150 electorates, but has received 10% of total available research funding for 11% of all projects.
Federal Member for Fraser, Dr Andrew Leigh, today congratulated the Australian National University, the University of Canberra and the CSIRO on their success.
“Canberra always punches above its weight for research investment and I’m delighted to see this tradition continue.
“Research is a crucial part of Australia’s economic development and I’m delighted as a part of the Gillard Government to recognise the role research plays in keeping us innovative and competitive.
“Fraser would have to be one of the most research-intensive electorates in Australia. Research and innovation is a key part of Canberra’s economy and it’s great to see Government investment continuing in Canberra,” said Dr Leigh.
Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, said the Gillard Government is making an investment in research and researchers to help deliver solutions to national problems and improve the lives of Australians.
“The projects span a variety of issues – mapping the universe, reducing Indigenous incarceration, gravitational waves, energy efficient lighting, the role of mentoring, diseases and parasites,” said Senator Evans.
“This research will deliver results that not only benefit Australians, but keeps Australia at the forefront of global science,” Senator Evans said.
The new research projects will be funded under the ARC Discovery Projects, Discovery Indigenous, Discovery Early Career Researcher Award and Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities schemes. More information is available at http://www.arc.gov.au/
Climate Change Mythbusters: An Economy-Wide Carbon Price
An edited version of one of my opinion pieces appears in The Australian today.
The claim has been most often repeated in The Australian, which is why I was pleasantly surprised when they agreed to run the piece. However, they didn't want to include my list of those journalists who on the pages of The Australian have either made the claim themselves, or quoted Tony Abbott as making it (without pointing out that the claim is untrue). Here's a sampling:
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ONE of the myths in the carbon pricing debate has been the claim that "Australia has the world's only economy-wide carbon price" ("carbon" being shorthand for four greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and perfluorocarbons from aluminium smelting).
Over recent years, members of the opposition have made such a claim in parliament more than 50 times. The theme has also been picked up by many newspaper articles. Indeed, even in this newspaper it has been claimed that Australia's carbon price - uniquely in the world - covers the entire economy.
In fact, Australia's carbon price excludes agriculture, smaller emitters and household transport (although some businesses will face an effective carbon price via changes to the present fuel tax regime). Overall, it captures about 60 per cent of total carbon emissions.
One way that the opposition has "truth-proofed" it is by adding an authoritative source: the Productivity Commission. In a 2011 review of global action on climate change, the commission found that while many other countries had carbon prices, none covered all emissions. The Coalition spinners took this truth ("no country has an economy-wide carbon price"), and turned it into a falsehood ("Australia is the only country with an economy-wide carbon price").
Ideally, greater scrutiny of the Coalition might also focus on the underlying issue: whether taxes should be broad-based or narrow-based. In the debate over the goods and services tax, John Howard and Peter Costello argued strongly that narrowing the base would be distortionary, and that fairness demanded broad-based taxation. Yet today, his successors are effectively arguing the opposite: that carbon pricing should be as narrowly based as possible.
The fact is that the Australian carbon price is quite typical of international schemes. For example, the emissions trading scheme in California will cover 85 per cent of that state's emissions. Ten other US states are going ahead with carbon trading schemes. China's emissions trading pilots will cover 200 million people. Indeed, if the Australian carbon pricing scheme were internationally atypical, we would not be linking to similar schemes in the European Union and New Zealand.
Opposition to carbon pricing need not be in the DNA of conservative parties. In 1989, it was president George H. W. Bush who first proposed an emissions trading scheme to deal with acid rain. That scheme met its targets at one-third of the projected costs. In Britain and New Zealand, conservative leaders who back emissions trading schemes do so because they recognise that this approach captures the ingenuity of the market.
Under the leadership of Howard, Brendan Nelson and Malcolm Turnbull, the Liberal Party was a party that believed in emissions trading. During this era, many members of the Liberal Party articulately explained why market-based approaches were the most efficient way of cutting carbon emissions. Unfortunately, Tony Abbott has walked away from that proud legacy.It is ironic that China (a nominally communist country) is more committed to market-based approaches to reducing carbon pollution than the Liberals.
Australia's emissions trading scheme is almost boring in its adherence to standard economic wisdom on how best to design carbon markets - which is why we'd be mad to drop out and start jeering from the sidelines.
Andrew Leigh is the federal member for Fraser. www.andrewleigh.com.
The claim has been most often repeated in The Australian, which is why I was pleasantly surprised when they agreed to run the piece. However, they didn't want to include my list of those journalists who on the pages of The Australian have either made the claim themselves, or quoted Tony Abbott as making it (without pointing out that the claim is untrue). Here's a sampling:
- “We are the only country in the world that has put in place an economy-wide carbon tax of more than a symbolic level, and done so at a punitive level far above global levels.” (Terry McCrann, 24 March 2012)
- “And as noted by the Productivity Commission, Australia is the only country with an economy-wide price on carbon; the efforts of other countries tend to be more selective and directed at particular industries.” (Judith Sloan, 7 July 2012)
- “In contrast to Labor's rhetoric, [Gary Banks] cautions that no other country now imposes an economy-wide carbon tax or emissions trading scheme.” (Michael Stutchbury, 26 March 2011)
- “Last night business groups were already calling for a new inquiry into how a carbon price in Australia would compare with key competitor countries such as Brazil and Indonesia. And Tony Abbott maintained his campaign, saying no other country was contemplating an economy-wide carbon price.” (Sid Maher, 10 June 2011)
- “Tony Abbott said the report showed that there was "no other comparable country which is imposing an economy-wide carbon tax on itself, there is no other comparable country which is imposing an emissions trading scheme on itself'.” (Sid Maher and Joe Kelly, 10 June 2011)
- “Tony Abbott said the report showed there was no other comparable country that was "imposing an economy-wide carbon tax on itself'. "What that means is that any move towards a carbon tax or emissions trading scheme would be an economic own-goal. It would be an act of economic self- harm by Australia," the Opposition Leader said.” (Sid Maher, 10 June 2011)
- “It is not all bad news for the Coalition. Abbott will seize upon and promote the statement that no other country has an economy-wide tax on greenhouse gas emissions. The report contradicts the previous week's final Garnaut review, which argued Australia was left behind by much of the world on climate change action.” (Paul Kelly, 11 June 2011)
- “Tony Abbott said the package was "a world first" and accused Ms Gillard of using her carbon tax plan as a cover for a redistribution of wealth, describing it as "socialism masquerading as environmentalism". Noting that "no other country on the face of the earth" had an economy-wide carbon tax, the Opposition Leader said 10 per cent of households would receive no compensation, while 60 per cent would be worse off or "line ball".” (Sid Maher, 11 July 2011)
- “Noting that "no other country on the face of the earth" had an economy-wide carbon tax, Mr Abbott said 10 per cent of house-holds would get no compensation, while 60 per cent would be worse off or "line ball". "This is a redistribution pretending to be compensation, it's a tax increase pretending to be an environment al policy," he said. "It's socialism masquerading as environmentalism."” (Matthew Franklin, 11 July 2011)
- “Please explain why no other comparable country with resource-rich and trade-exposed industries is imposing an economy-wide carbon tax?” (Janet Albrechtsen, 13 July 2011)
Energy efficiency grants now open
More grants are available to improve energy efficiency for community groups. These grants are offered as a part of the Gillard Government's Clean Energy Future package and are a great chance for community organisations to reduce energy use and save money. More information is below.
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JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Andrew Leigh MP
Member for Fraser
Gai Brodtmann MP
Member for Canberra
31 October 2012
ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS TO CUT COSTS STRENGTHEN OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
Dr Andrew Leigh, Federal Member for Fraser, and Gai Brodtmann, Federal Member for Canberra, today opened a new round of national funding for three energy efficiency programs designed to drive smarter energy use across the community.
“These grants will help the ACT Government, businesses and community organisations save money and cut pollution by improving energy efficiency in buildings, homes and streetscapes,” said Dr Leigh.
“The money saved from energy costs can be put right back into community projects. It also boosts the bottom line for small and medium businesses. These grants will strengthen our local economy at the same time as tackling pollution,” said Dr Leigh.
Ms Brodtmann said the ACT Government was already leading the way on reducing its carbon footprint. “The ACT Government has reduced its energy use by using grants such as these to upgrade 12 Community Hubs. Other not-for-profit organisations, such as sporting and community groups, can also access these grants to upgrade local facilities.”
New funding rounds for the following three energy efficiency programs opened today:
- Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP): a $200 million program to help local government and not-for-profit and organisations undertake energy efficiency upgrades to community infrastructure such as council buildings and recreation centres.
- Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP): a $100 million program to demonstrate smarter energy use and provide practical advice and assistance to low income households across Australia.
- Energy Efficiency Information Grants (EEIG): a $40 million program to support small and medium sized businesses and community groups by providing tailored information and advice on how to save energy and cut costs with smarter energy choices.
“Today, I encourage all eligible applicants to apply. The government is committed to promoting better energy efficiency – it saves money, cuts pollution and improves our living standards at home and in the community. These are the benefits of moving towards a clean energy future,” said Ms Brodtmann.
The guidelines for each of these programs are now available and applications open on the 30 October. To find out more about the package of energy efficiency programs visit: www.climatechange.gov.au
The Effects of Household Stimulus Payments
In 2008-09, I was seconded to Treasury. It was an extraordinary time to be there, seeing how a good response to fiscal stimulus gets crafted. And while I was an SES officer, my short stint meant that I did much more listening than talking.
But one thing I can claim credit for is the suggestion that when the $900 tax payments were being delivered in 2009, that the timing should be randomised by postcode, so as to allow the possibility of a subsequent randomised evaluation.
I’m pleased to report that such an evaluation has now been done, with my former ANU colleagues Emma Aisbett and Ralf Steinhauser (along with Markus Brueckner and Rhett Wilcox) combining a list of random postcodes with household spending data from AC Nielsen’s Homescan survey.
While their research finds little impact on some types of spending, it’s not hard to see why this is at odds with other studies - including mine- which find a large impact of the Australian fiscal stimulus on expenditure.
The problem is that while the Homescan dataset is the only one that lets you measure week-to-week spending patterns, it only captures groceries. So if someone spends their cheque on a washing machine, bicycle or restaurant meal, it gets missed.
The other factor is that this new study is very short-term. So if groceries spending went up after a two-month delay, it wouldn’t be captured.
So it’s perfectly consistent to note that the stimulus had a big overall effect, while also observing more limited impacts on narrow categories of spending. And I think the totality of the evidence is useful - unlike some evidence from the US, Australian households are typically not so badly off that their initial response to receiving a $900 payment is to stock up the fridge.
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But one thing I can claim credit for is the suggestion that when the $900 tax payments were being delivered in 2009, that the timing should be randomised by postcode, so as to allow the possibility of a subsequent randomised evaluation.
I’m pleased to report that such an evaluation has now been done, with my former ANU colleagues Emma Aisbett and Ralf Steinhauser (along with Markus Brueckner and Rhett Wilcox) combining a list of random postcodes with household spending data from AC Nielsen’s Homescan survey.
While their research finds little impact on some types of spending, it’s not hard to see why this is at odds with other studies - including mine- which find a large impact of the Australian fiscal stimulus on expenditure.
The problem is that while the Homescan dataset is the only one that lets you measure week-to-week spending patterns, it only captures groceries. So if someone spends their cheque on a washing machine, bicycle or restaurant meal, it gets missed.
The other factor is that this new study is very short-term. So if groceries spending went up after a two-month delay, it wouldn’t be captured.
So it’s perfectly consistent to note that the stimulus had a big overall effect, while also observing more limited impacts on narrow categories of spending. And I think the totality of the evidence is useful - unlike some evidence from the US, Australian households are typically not so badly off that their initial response to receiving a $900 payment is to stock up the fridge.
Paternity Leave until 1 Nov
I'm on paternity leave from parliament from Mon-Thu this week (thanks to the Opposition granting me a rare pair).
In between helping Gweneth wrangle our 5 year-old, 3 year-old and 1 month-old boys, I'll be checking email sporadically. But I may be a little slower in responding than usual. And while 16-hour parlimentary days are tiring, I have a feeling that I'll be working harder still at home this week!
Incidentally, two-week dad and partner pay starts on 1 January 2013.
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In between helping Gweneth wrangle our 5 year-old, 3 year-old and 1 month-old boys, I'll be checking email sporadically. But I may be a little slower in responding than usual. And while 16-hour parlimentary days are tiring, I have a feeling that I'll be working harder still at home this week!
Incidentally, two-week dad and partner pay starts on 1 January 2013.