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This is the text of a speech given by Andrew Leigh, ALP member for Fraser in the ACT, to the McKell Institute.
Leigh was elected to parliament in 2010. Previously, he was a professor of economics at the Australian National University.
The speech was originally published on Andrew Leigh’s blog. [Read more…]
There are thirty-two new members of the 43rd Parliament, elected on August 21st. Three of them are returning after a voluntary or enforced absence. As a group, they constitute one-fifth of the House of Representatives, a significant turnover and renewal of the lower house. Many of them will be there for years to come.
Over the past month, I have made a point of watching the maiden, or first, speeches of these members. On the whole, it is difficult not to be impressed by these fledgling parliamentarians.
There has been much comment on the moving speech from the Western Australian Liberal, Ken Wyatt, the first indigenous member of the House, but others also delivered considered and thoughtful speeches.
Take Andrew Leigh, the member for Fraser in the ACT. His reputation as an economist and thinker preceded his election. In his speech, he spoke of the importance of education for the nation’s future, of “optimistic experimentation” and of rebuilding “a sense of trust between citizens and politicians”. Leigh’s book, “Disconnected”, has just been published. [Read more…]
This is Andrew Leigh’s maiden speech to the House of Representatives as the ALP member for Fraser.
Leigh won the safe seat in the Australian Capital Territory, succeeding Bob McMullen, who had held it since 1998. Leigh secured 64.20% of the two-party-preferred vote.
Leigh, 38, is a former Professor of Economics at the Australian National University. [Read more…]