In this episode, we talk to Mr Andrew Wall MLA, Territory Member for Brindabella and Shadow Minister for Higher Education and Training; Shadow Minister for Tourism; and Shadow Minister for Business and Employment, about engaging the Australian voters in the political discourse.
Topics covered include:
- The role of a government or opposition whip in the chamber
- The disadvantages of a unicameral parliament
- The power of engaging with the community in opposition
- The economic opportunity of Canberra
- The loss of manufacturing in Australia
- Preparing for the election campaign
- The need for voters to communicate issues with politicians
- How technology plays a major role in politics
- The excitement of sitting days
- Advice on entrepreneurship
- The nature of parliamentary proceedings
- Memorable moments in politics
- The changing face of political journalism
- The ins and outs of ACT Legislative Assembly election statistics over the past 30 years
- The advantages and disadvantages of a Hare-Clark political system
- The challenges facing young people in Australia
- The dangers of social media for young people
- How we can help young people when it comes to mental health
- How people can make their voice count in a democracy
About Mr Wall:
Andrew grew up in Canberra and believes it is the best place to live and raise a family.
He has spent most of his life living in and around the Tuggeranong valley and went to school at Marist College. Andrew and his wife continue to live in Tuggeranong where they are their raising two daughters.
Andrew comes from a small business background and prior to being elected as an MLA in 2012, he worked as a Project Manager in his family’s construction business.
He is currently the Shadow Minister for Business and Employment, Higher Education and Training and Tourism as well as performing the role of Opposition Whip in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Andrew believes it is his primary responsibility to focus on the issues that residents expect to be managed well. We all pay a significant amount in rates and charges and it is fair to expect that local facilities and infrastructure are maintained to meet the needs of the community.
