Alumni Dialogue Canberra: Australia in a Changing World – Policy Challenges and Opportunities

Jim Chalmers with Rebekah Brown

On 6 November, alumni and friends gathered at the iconic Shine Dome in Canberra to celebrate local alumni and explore the topic of Australia in a Changing World: Policy Challenges and Opportunities. The evening brought together graduates, academics, and policy professionals to reconnect and discuss the forces shaping Australia’s future.

The event opened with a keynote address from The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, Treasurer of Australia, who reflected on his appreciation for ANU and the Crawford School of Public Policy. He began his keynote with a memorable metaphor for the School and University: “If politics is carbs, and policy is protein, then this school and this university are like some enormous bain marie of intellectual nourishment.”

He went on to offer insight into the nation’s economic direction and the value of courageous policymaking. “We can’t spend our time ambling slowly along the path of least resistance. That path of least resistance leads to mediocrity and malaise,” he said.

A lively panel discussion followed, featuring Penny Williams PSM, Dr Helen (Hang) Hoang, and David Scaife MLA, who shared their insights on leadership, reform, and public policy innovation.

  • David Scaife MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier of Western Australia, reflected that “whenever we look back, we only look at the crises... there are always economic transformations and developments happening over the years.”
  • Dr Helen Hoang, founder and CEO of HP GlobalX and Economics for Kids (EconTech), shared that “Studying at Crawford not only gave me knowledge, it also taught me empathy.”
  • Penny Williams PSM, Trustee of The Asia Foundation, an international non-profit development organisation focused on Asia and the Pacific, observed that “an impediment to good policy is the fight for the dollar. To combat this, we need to find innovative ways to engage people.”

Earlier in the evening, ANU Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Rebekah Brown opened the event, highlighting the University’s commitment to research and engagement that deliver real-world impact. The event closed with remarks from Professor Janine O’Flynn, Director of the Crawford School of Public Policy, who reflected on the power of education to inspire global change: “By bringing together students from across the world to learn together, it is our aspiration to help make a difference in the world.”

Guests then enjoyed networking over refreshments — a chance to reconnect with peers, exchange ideas, and celebrate the achievements of our alumni community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an inspiring evening of ideas, conversation, and connection. We look forward to welcoming our alumni back for future events.

We invite our alumni to follow the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy on LinkedIn. Explore more Alumni Dialogue events here.

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