Andrew Leigh 2022

Introduction: The power of ideas

John Maynard Keynes once wrote ‘The ideas of economists and political philosophers, both when they are right and when they are wrong are more powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed, the world is ruled by little else.’

One of the Australian Government's announcements this year has been the creation of the Australian Centre for Evaluation. The Centre will conduct rigorous evaluations, including randomised trials, to figure out whether policies are effective.

But why do we need randomised trials? To answer this, it helps to turn to medicine, a field that has been transformed by randomised trials.

ANNA VIDOT:

KIERAN GILBERT:

Joining me live in the studio is the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr. Andrew Leigh.

STEPHEN CENATIEMPO:

Andrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Competition Charities Treasury and the Member for Fenner. Andrew, I need a bit of common sense after that, mate.

ANDREW LEIGH:

I'm sure you do, Stephen. Here I am.

CENATIEMPO:

EMMA REBELLATO:

Well, the International Monetary Fund has urged Australia's Reserve Bank to increase the official cash rate further citing the need to reduce inflation to the target rate of two to three per cent as soon as possible. Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh joins us now from Parliament House in Canberra.

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal people on whose lands we meet, and pay respects to all First Nations people present today.

It is a pleasure to be joining a distinguished panel, led by Professor Janine O’Flynn, and speaking alongside Dr Jeni Whalan and Ms Padma Raman.

LEON DELANEY:

Our local member here for the Federal Seat of Fenner, also happens to be the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Assistant Minister for Employment, and his name is Dr Andrew Leigh. Good afternoon.

ANDREW LEIGH:

The Albanese Government has appointed seven experts in business, government, law and economics to advise on competition policy settings to build a more dynamic and productive economy.

Over the coming weeks, I will hold a series of town hall meetings to meet with charity sector representatives, and continue Australia’s largest‑ever charity consultation.

The Australian Government values the expertise and the contributions of the charity and non‑profit sector, which constitutes almost one‑tenth of the economy, and over one-tenth of employment.