In conversation with Craig Emerson and Andrew Leigh

ANU/CANBERRA TIMES MEET THE AUTHOR EVENT

Craig Emerson will be in conversation with Andrew Leigh on Craig's new book The Boy from Baradine, a deeply human tale of trauma and triumph, from Craig's troubled family childhood in outback New South Wales, to an ANU economics PhD, to joining Bob Hawke’s staff and a subsequent career in national politics. 

The book follows Craig’s roller-coaster journey from the bush of Baradine to the corridors of Canberra.. Factional powerbrokers exiled Craig to the backbench, but his perseverance and abilities earned him ministerial positions in the Rudd and Gillard governments, where he held the portfolios of trade, tertiary education, competition policy, small business, and minister assisting the prime minister on Asian Century policy. He is now the managing director of his own economic consultancy, Craig Emerson Economics and a regular commentator on Sky News.

‘A shockingly personal, honest, and compelling reflection on an extraordinary Australian life. Containing brilliant insights from the early Hawke reforms to the end of Rudd, this is a most revealing Australian political autobiography, from one of Australia’s wisest and most thoughtful public-policy economists.’ Professor Ross Garnaut

Dr Andrew Leigh is the Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT. Prior to being elected in 2010, Andrew was a professor of economics at the ANU National University. His most recent book is Randomistas: How Radical Researchers Changed Our World (2018).

Professor Helen Sullivan, Director of ANU Crawford School of Public Policy will deliver the vote of thanks.

Pre-event book signings will take place from 5.30pm and be available after the event. This event is free and open to the public.