"Government, irrespective of its political persuasion, does not have a monopoly on policy wisdom.
To thrive and prosper in the future we need to draw on a range of talents, ideas and energy from across the Australian community."
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

"Left Right Think-Tank will conduct research, discussion and the formulation of policy on political issues."
Former Treasurer Peter Costello
INTRODUCTION

Left Right is Australia's first independent, non-profit and non-partisan think-tank of young minds dedicated to the advancement of innovative ideas, discussion and policy.

Due for public launch in early 2009, Left Right allows young people to contribute in a substantive manner to their society through policymaking processes from their genesis in academia to their implementation through local, state and federal governments.

Left Right's volunteer staff conduct policy research and development in a professional, inclusive and supportive environment delivering proposals to the community as they are educated, trained and empowered as the next generation of leaders. Left Right's members will be involved in policy development and discussion through a variety of avenues, including structured debates, workshops, focus groups and other events.

Left Right membership will open in late 2008 ahead of the organisation's public launch in early 2009. In the interim those interested are encouraged to join the mailing list.  
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KEY INITIATIVES

Left Right will engender more than the development and publication of policy positions – it understands a holistic approach is the most effective means of driving change by young people within the public policy sector.

* The production of quality and timely policy based on sound research and development, addressing the greatest challenges of our generation across the public policy spectrum.

* The broad advocacy of innovative policy ideals within the community and across government to promote a new genre of thinking within the public policy cycle.

* The publication of a regular print journal encapsulating key policy ideas and viewpoints designed to create an environment more conducive to young people discussing and debating matters of public policy.

* The conduct of events designed to stimulate discussion and debate on matters of interest to our members surrounding public policy challenges, including an annual policy summit of young Australians and professionals.

* The education of young Australians on matters across the public policy spectrum, motivating individuals to harness their potential in contributing to the development of policy.

* The sponsorship of young Australians through a scholarship fund to undertake short-term placements overseas or attend conferences relevant to the development of a policy position for the organisation, including an annual study tour of members and non-members surrounding public policy approaches overseas.
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MEDIA COVERAGE

'Melbourne Arts Student Drives New Policy Agenda'
Media Release - 28 August 2008

'Non-Partisan Ideas'
University of Western Australia Newsletter - 28 July 2008

'Call for Broader Political Debate'
Monash University Memo Newsletter - 23 July 2008

'Monash University Student Returns from American Political Discovery'
Media Release - 17 July 2008

'Perth University Student Appointed CEO of New Think-Tank'
Media Release - 1 June 2008

'Student Thinks Big'
Monash University Memo Newsletter - 21 May 2008
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MAKE A DONATION
As a non-profit and volunteer based organisation Left Right relies on the kind provision of ongoing support from the community. Without donations Left Right is unable to continue its crucial role assisting young people to contribute to the democratic process of our nation.

If you would like to donate to Left Right we would be most grateful for your support. Donations can be made through a secure online donation by clicking on the button below. This will take you to the PayPal website to make the donation via Credit Card or Direct Debit.

Alternatively cheques made out to 'Left Right Think-Tank' can be mailed to the address below.  

If you plan to make a donation to Left Right in excess of $500, please contact the CEO – Richard Newnham at rick@leftright.org.au
MAILING LIST

Please sign-up to receive periodical email updates and to join our mailing list ahead of our public launch in early 2009. This does not constitute membership of Left Right.

     
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NEW STAFFING OPPORTUNITIES
Left Right is now recruiting for ten key staffing positions on a part-time volunteer basis within the Operations and Policy Departments (see Organisational Structure Diagram).

Each position will provide an exciting and career-defining opportunity for a young person to be involved in the founding stages of an organisation with extensive development and networking opportunities.
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
POLICY DEPARTMENT POSITION DESCRIPTION (GENERIC)
Each position is for a period of 6-months, commencing in early October 2008 and running through until the organisation’s public launch in early 2009. Applicants must be aged 16 – 24 years old and based within Victoria.

Applications for these positions close at 5PM AEST on Monday 29th September.

To register your interest email a copy of your current CV and a cover letter to recruiting@leftright.org.au  Applications are to be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Richard Newnham. If you are applying for a policy position please nominate three portfolio preferences.

Questions on these positions may be directed to the same address. Short-listed applicants will be expected to be available for interviews between Thursday 2nd – Saturday 4th October, and induction on Sunday 5th October in Melbourne.

Left Right encourages VCE and university students with forthcoming exams to apply and we will remain considerate of your availability during that period. Interested applicants are encouraged to sign-up to the mailing list to receive a reminder about application deadlines.
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SENIOR EXECUTIVE STAFF

Click portraits or names for professional biographies
Thomas J. Woodroofe
Founder & Executive Director
thom@leftright.org.au

Richard J. Newnham
Chief Executive Officer
rick@leftright.org.au

Richard Griffin
Operations Officer
r.griffin@leftright.org.au

Sandru Anandaraj
Policy Officer
s.anandaraj@leftright.org.au

Hayley Caulfield
Executive Assistant
h.caulfield@leftright.org.au
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Australia's first think-tank of young minds...
Left Right is Australia's first independent, non-profit and non-partisan think-tank of young minds
dedicated to the advancement of innovative ideas, discussion and policy.

Copyright © 2008 Left Right Think-Tank
C/O YACVic, Level 2, 172 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
info@leftright.org.au  |  www.leftright.org.au