User:JakeSpi/Left Right Think Tank

The Left Right Think-Tank is an Australian non-profit think tank founded in 2008, to involve young people in public policy. Left Right seeks to involve people aged 15-24 in public policy, whilst remaining committed to the principles of independence and non-partisanship. Left Right Think-Tank has produced several policies with recommendations on subjects including economic sustainability, improving energy efficiency in Australia and the transparency of Government in Australia. The institute was founded in Melbourne in 2008 by Richard Newnham and Thom Woodroofe. Ryan Harvey is the current Chief Executive Officer.

History
Founded by Thom Woodroofe and Richard Newnham in 2008, Left-Right was created to provide young people with the opportunity to contribute to public policy discussion without being limited by the constraints of the political spectrum. The creation of this organisation has enabled young people to engage in politics and public policy, unfettered by party ideology or undue influence. The organisation started within Victoria in 2008, holding its official launch on March 24th, 2009. The launch was held at the BMW Edge Theatre at Federation Square, launched by Charles Firth of The Chaser.

In 2009, Left-Right brought together prominent industry, government and academic experts for the Ennovate Conference on the future of Australia’s sustainability.

In 2010, it hosted the Australian Youth Led Convention, which saw delegates provided with professional skills training and advise on how to run organisations.

Organization
The Left Right Think-Tank has a Board of Directors comprising of eight members. It also has the support of four Patrons: Barrie Cassidy, Peter Shergold AC, Craig Reucassel, and Melinda Cilento. As of December 2009, The Left Right Think-Tank has 60 volunteer staff members, and has had 72 young Australians in total participate as staff within the organisation.

Initiatives
The Fellowships Program is the flagship program of the Left Right Think-Tank, aimed at senior secondary, and first year university students. The program is run twice per year across the participating states. Successful applicants (fellows) participate in a series of intensive and interactive seminars, combined with a group project.

In August 2009, Left Right hosted the Ennovate Conference, a summit relating to climate change. The conference fostered discussion around the impact of global warming on the energy industry, as well as broader sustainability issues.

In 2010, Left Right also begun a series of policy makers' dinners. In these events, guests have the opportunity to hear a presentation from a high profile stakeholder in the policy making process, and engage in a question & answer discussion.

Furthermore, the Left Right policy team works across the public policy spectrum to generate ideas for the future in the following areas:
 * Economics & the Environment
 * Foreign & Strategic Affairs
 * Health & Education
 * Governance & Justice
 * Rural & Indigenous Affairs
 * Youth & Community Affairs

Funding
Contributors to Left Right include the Foundation for Young Australians. Left Right does not accept funding from political parties.

Additional Sources

 * "Will Emmett in The Zone" The Age, August 2010