Andrew Leigh MP: Speeches & Conversations

Speaking at the Vocal Majority Family Album Launch

On 28 August 2014, I spoke about diversity and inclusivity at the launch of Vocal Majority's "Family Album" on the lawns of Parliament House.

Vote of thanks for Greg Combet

On 7 August 2014, Greg Combet launched his new book, "The Fights of My Life" (written with Mark Davis). At the Canberra launch of the book, held at ANU, I gave a brief vote of thanks, discussing Greg's signal contribution to public life.

Talking with PhD students about studying, careers, and politics

On 1 August 2014, I spoke to an ANU conference for PhD students, organised around the topic "What will you do when your doctorate is done?"

Launch Speech for "The Economics of Just About Everything"

At the University of Queensland on 31 July 2014, I launched my new book, "The Economics of Just About Everything", and discussed some of its findings, including the birthdays of sportspeople, the economics of dating, the economics of losing weight, and how a clean desk can be as inefficient as a messy one.

ABC Sydney interview on "The Economics of Just About Everything"

On 31 July 2014, I spoke with Richard Glover about my new book, "The Economics of Just About Everything".

ABC Melbourne interview on "The Economics of Just About Everything"

On 31 July 2014, I spoke with ABC Melbourne's Red Symons about my new book, "The Economics of Just About Everything". We discussed a range of findings in the book, including Red's specialty, the economics of music.

ABC Canberra interview on "The Economics of Just About Everything"

On 30 July 2014, I spoke with ABC Canberra's Philip Clarke about my new book, "The Economics of Just About Everything".

Growth and Diversity: How Immigration Presents Challenges and Opportunities for Australia and the US

On 23 July 2014, I spoke to a breakfast gathering convened by the Progressive Policy Institute, a think-tank in Washington DC. The topic of the speech was ‘Growth and Diversity: How Immigration Presents Challenges and Opportunities for Australia and the United States’.

Discussing global poverty with Jeff Sachs

On 22 May 2014, I interviewed Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, about the role of Australian aid in reducing global poverty.

Talking economics and ALP reform with Michelle Grattan

On 2 May 2014, Michelle Grattan interviewed me to discuss the government's fiscal choices, how their policies will affect inequality, and proposals to democratise the ALP.

Giants of Australian economic reform

On 24 April 2014, I launched a book on Australian economic growth and wellbeing that was produced in honour of former chief statistician Ian Castles. I used the launch to discuss the greats who have shaped Australia's economic success over the past eleven decades.

Does Size Matter? An Economic Perspective on the Population Debate

On 13 March 2014, I spoke at the Lowy Institute in Sydney on the topic of population size, Australia's immigration mix, and the vexed issue of asylum seekers. This podcast includes the introduction and the Q&A session.

Australia After the Boom

On 21 February 2014, I took part in a panel discussion at the Perth Writers' Festival on Australia's economic future. The other panellists were Ross Garnaut, Mike Nahan, Andrew Burrell & Scott Ludlam, and the chair was Carmen Lawrence. The conversation was subsequently broadcast on ABC Big Ideas.

Ideas and Engagement: The Western Australian Economic Story

On 21 February 2014, I spoke at a business breakfast in Western Australia, discussing the role of ingenuity in the state's economic story, and talking about the late Western Australian Senator Peter Cook.

Talking Inequality with Geraldine Doogue

On 1 Feb 2014, I spoke with Geraldine Doogue on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra about the rise in inequality in Australia, using a few sporting analogies to explain why it matters and what we might do to reduce it. My fellow guest was Sieglinde Lemke.

Launching Chris Aulich's book on the Gillard Governments

On 30 Jan 2014, I launched a book on the Gillard Governments edited by Chris Aulich, and discussed the policy achievements and political challenges of 2010 to 2013.

Talking National Identity with Steve Austin

On 17 January 2014, I spoke with ABC612 Brisbane's Steve Austin about Australian national identity, arguing that our national character must be centred around values rather than stereotypes. I nominated three values - egalitarianism, mateship and the fair go - and told some of the national stories that define what it means to be Australian.

Eureka Lecture

On 3 Dec 2013, the 159th anniversary of the rebellion, I gave the Eureka Lecture in Ballarat. I argued that because of its global ideals of democracy, freedom, republicanism, multiculturalism, egalitarianism and mateship, Eureka should be a key national story.

Discussing Politics and Economics with Craig Emerson

On 8 Nov 2013, I joined former Cabinet Minister Craig Emerson on 'Emmo Forum' to discuss philosophical values, society, public policy, politics and economics.

In Conversation with Clare Wright about Eureka Women

On 5 Nov 2013, I joined Clare Wright in Canberra for a discussion about her latest book - The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka - which looks at the pivotal role that women played on the Victorian goldfields.

Labor and Liberalism

On 5 Dec 2012, I spoke at think tank Per Capita's Reform Agenda Series, arguing that Labor is a party of both egalitarianism and liberalism.

The Naked Truth - Media and Politics in the Digital Age

On 1 Aug 2012, I gave the inaugural 'Challenge Your Mind' lecture at the University of Canberra, discussing the technological changes that have impacted on the Australian media, and how we can build a stronger public conversation.

What Do We Eat After the Low Hanging Fruit? A Brief Economic History of Australia

On 18 May 2012, I spoke at the McKell Institute in Sydney, discussing Australian economic history, with some ideas for the future.

Five Science Breakthroughs That Could Change Politics

On 18 April 2012, I spoke to students at the University of Sydney on the topic of "Five Science Breakthroughs that Could Change Politics". ABC Science Show presenter Robin Williams liked the talk, so I reprised it for Ockham's Razor.

How Did Australia Become Disconnected?

On 28 March 2012, I spoke at the Battle of Big Thinking in Sydney's Carriage Works about the collapse and (hopefully) revival of Australian civic life, drawing on the ideas in my 2010 book "Disconnected".

Fragile States and Agile Aid

On 18 May 2011, I spoke at the Lowy Institute about Australia's aid program, arguing that aid has the potential to make the world a better place, and that Australia's development assistance program should focus on our comparative advantages.

First Speech to Parliament

On 18 Oct 2010, I gave my first speech to parliament, telling my personal story, and discussing some of the things I hope to achieve in parliament.

Canberra is the Best City in Australia

On 3 Oct 2010, shortly after being elected to federal parliament, I spoke at the Sydney Opera House's "Festival of Dangerous Ideas". My dangerous idea was 'That Canberra is the Best City in Australia".