Andrew Leigh 2022

I acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and all First Nations people present today. Thank you to the organisers for the chance to address you on a topic that is a passion of mine – using better evidence to create a fairer society and a stronger economy.

ROSS SOLLY:

Andrew Leigh, good afternoon to you.

ANDREW LEIGH:

Good afternoon, Ross. Great to be with you.

SOLLY:

Economists know two big facts about mergers. On the upside, size can bring economies of scale. Larger firms can deploy their network to produce goods and services more efficiently.

STEPHEN CENATIEMPO:

This morning joining us to talk all things federal politics is the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, and the Member for Fenner, Andrew Leigh. Andrew, have we become unrecognisable as a country?

ANDREW LEIGH:

Seventeen‑year‑old Charlotte landed her first casual job as a dance teacher. It was her dream job, but she was forced to quit after experiencing harassment.

Recent years have seen an explosion in interest in artificial intelligence and big data. The technology is promising, but its use in government rightly makes people nervous.

Yet it's useful to see areas where artificial intelligence and big data have helped produce better outcomes for citizens, without undermining key ethical values of transparency, privacy and human oversight.

In the 1950s, Sweden’s national electricity company noticed something curious. Although they managed a network of high‑voltage cables, the biggest risk of death didn’t come from electricity. Instead, the greatest danger came when their employees were driving. At the time, cars either had no seat belts, or simple lap belts. If they crashed, deaths were common – even at low speeds.

ROSS SOLLY:

Great to have you on the show, Dr Leigh.

ANDREW LEIGH:

Great to be back with you, Ross.

SOLLY:

The Albanese Government will reform Australia’s merger rules to boost competition and productivity in our economy.

Our new reforms will make our merger approval system faster, stronger, simpler, more targeted and more transparent.

I acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, the traditional owners of these lands, and pay respects to all First Nations people present.

Professor Goldfeld, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute staff, and researchers across laboratory, clinical, public health, and health services: Thank you for inviting me here today.