Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Julian Leeser, executive director of the Menzies Research Centre, has been appointed Director of Government, Policy and Strategy, at Australian Catholic University (ACU).

Professor Greg Craven, Vice-Chancellor at ACU, said it was a coup for the University to have secured the services of such an accomplished and well-respected Australian.

“I am delighted that Julian has accepted this position,” he said. “As an experienced political operator who understands the impact of government, business and media on policy development, I am confident he will be a great asset to the University.”

The 36-year-old lawyer has been head of the Liberal’s think-tank since 2006. After a year as an Associate to High Court Justice Ian Callinan, he practised as a solicitor at Mallesons Stephen Jaques.

Julian was special advisor to former Attorney-General Phillip Ruddock and the then Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business Minister Tony Abbott.

He was a Visiting Fellow at the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2006 - 2007. In 2009, with Ryan Haddrick, he edited Don't Leave Us with the Bill: the Case Against an Australian Bill of Rights.

Julian said: “I am looking forward to working with Professor Craven and his team. I regard Professor Craven as one of Australia’s outstanding educational leaders.

“Australian Catholic University is one of the country’s higher education success stories, and it has an outstanding reputation for research and for producing high quality graduates.”

Julian, who lives in Sydney with his family, will take up the appointment in July 2012.

 

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