Andrew Leigh
ALP Federal

Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury

Very Safe

22.08% Margin

Elected 2010

16 years

Member for Fenner (ACT)

Federal - ACT

Andrew was born in Sydney in 1972. He attended high school at James Ruse Agricultural High School.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Sydney (USYD). From Harvard University, he also holds a Master of Public Administration and a PhD in public policy, with his thesis entitled ‘Essays in poverty and inequality.’ Andrew is a fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia.

Prior to entering politics, Andrew worked as...

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Portfolios

  • Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury

Key Staff

  • Nick Terrell

    Chief of Staff

    ****@****.gov.au

  • Tori Barker

    Policy Adviser

    ****@****.gov.au

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See It In Action

First Speech in Parliament

18 October 2010

# Community Engagement # Education Reform # Social Equity

Personal Background and Values

  • Andrew Leigh emphasizes the honor of representing Fraser and acknowledges the responsibility it entails.
  • His upbringing in a multicultural environment fostered a lifelong passion for Australia's diversity and multiculturalism.
  • Inspired by his grandparents' values, he aims to strengthen community life in Canberra and across Australia.

Policy Focus and Goals

  • Leigh highlights the importance of education as a foundation for economic success and social policy, advocating for quality childcare, schools, and universities.
  • He expresses concern over rising inequality and its impact on social cohesion, advocating for egalitarianism and the protection of individual liberties.
  • Drawing on his background as an economist, he emphasizes the need for evidence-based policy solutions and the importance of civic engagement in fostering a connected community.

Political Ideology and Vision

  • Leigh positions the Labor Party as a champion of both egalitarianism and liberalism, advocating for the rights of minorities and collective action through the trade union movement.
  • He references historical political figures and the importance of adapting to new challenges while maintaining core values.
  • Committed to representing the diverse needs of Fraser's community, he pledges to work towards a fairer and more just future for all Australians.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

Nick Terrell is Andrew Leigh's Chief of Staff.

Andrew Leigh represents the electorate of Fenner (ACT) in the Australian Parliament.

Andrew Leigh is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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Media Releases

SPEECH - Linking the Dots

Media Release • 22 May

Health Disability Health Sector Disability Services Aged Care

AI Summary

  • Andrew Leigh underscores the potential of linked data to improve policy outcomes across various sectors, such as health and education.
  • He acknowledges the contributions of researchers like Philip Clarke and David Gruen in advancing Australia's data capabilities.
  • Leigh advocates for a balance between external expertise and internal analytical capacity within government departments.

TRANSCRIPT - DOORSTOP PRESS CONFERENCE - MORNINGTON, HOBART

Media Release • 22 May

Agriculture Consumer Affairs Consumer Rights Industry

AI Summary

  • Expansion of the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme to cover agricultural machinery announced by Andrew Leigh.
  • Potential annual savings of $97 million for the grain sector due to improved repair access for farmers.
  • Consultation period for farmers to provide feedback on the proposed Right to Repair extension until 3 July 2026.

In Parliament

DOCUMENTS › Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Presentation

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 14 May

AI Summary

  • Dr Leigh presented the National Interest Analysis related to a treaty with Indonesia.
  • The treaty focuses on common security between Australia and Indonesia.
  • The agreement was signed in Jakarta on 6 February 2026.

DOCUMENTS › Defence

Presentation

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 14 May

Defence Policy

AI Summary

  • Dr Leigh presented key documents including the 2026 National Defence Strategy and the Integrated Investment Program.
  • Richard Marles' speech at the National Press Club outlines the strategic direction for Australia's defence.
  • The documents aim to enhance national security and outline future investment in defence capabilities.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 23 May 2026

Technology Digital Technologies

What happens when AI starts reshaping identity, work, education & creativity? At 6pm on Wed 10 June, join Anna Goldsworthy and me at ANU for a conversation on her new Quarterly Essay, 'The God We Made'. RSVP: https://www.anu.edu.au/events/meet-the-author-anna-goldsworthy
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 22 May 2026

Charities are the stitching in our social fabric: a meal, a mentor, a lift, a listening ear. Thanks to Senator Carol Brown for bringing Hobart charities together.
Open Post

Posted on X • 27 February 2026

Sixty years ago, Australia ditched pounds, shillings and pence. Today, the Mint celebrates with a $1 coin featuring a 6th kangaroo. Progress hops along.🦘 Speech: #auspol https://t.co/jt46eVvLFS
Open Post

Posted on X • 27 February 2026

From the wheel to gene editing – we covered a fair bit of ground launching "The Shortest History of Innovation" at ANU. Thanks to Anna-Maria Arabia, Colin Steele, Tim Senden and Gavin Blake, who turned our words into cartoons. Read more: https://t.co/QGLTUqU6Uw
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 13 August 2025

In case you missed it, we're making some changes how we connect with you on LinkedIn. I’ll be posting updates, insights, and policy reflections over on my new personal LinkedIn profile. We're not shutting this page down, but we also won’t be actively monitoring or updating it anymore (apart from housekeeping posts like these!) Follow me here: https://lnkd.in/gzUhYVjq
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 28 July 2025

Let’s be honest. Most of the good stuff you see on LinkedIn comes from personal profiles, not company pages. That’s why I’m making the switch. From now on, I’ll be posting updates, insights, and policy reflections over on my new personal LinkedIn profile. Because we want to interact the way most people are interacting on LinkedIn. This page won’t be shut down, but we also won’t be actively monitoring or updating it anymore. So, if you’re following here and wondering why things have slo...
Open Post