For many students the most exciting destination is Parliament House,
Canberra. ANIP lets you find out what really happens in the office of
a Senator or Member. You may get to do policy research for a minister
or shadow minister. Other possibilities are joining the secretariat
of a parliamentary committee, or a senior parliamentary official.
The broad-ranging interests of Members of Parliament lead them to nominate
research projects covering all areas of public policy, from global politics,
defence and development issues to social and environmental policy and
issues of governance, such as executive accountability and republicanism.
There are parliamentary committees, which mirror the executive portfolios
and run inquiries into current or possible fields of government activity.
You may be asked to write a background paper for a committee that's
starting a new inquiry; you could assist with analysis of public submissions
and evidence given at public hearings; or you may help prepare a report
at the conclusion of an inquiry.
The parliamentary departments commission research on aspects of their
operation. Former Interns have investigated procedural changes in the
Houses, the reactions of Australians who have given evidence to committee
inquiries and health programs run by the Parliament's gymnasium.
At the Territory level, former Interns have worked on multicultural,
social and environment issues. The Assembly is regarded as a pioneer
on social issues such as euthanasia, treatment of juvenile offenders
and consumer issues.
Daniel Murnane (with Senator Meg
Lees), Kelly Mellenthin (with Senator
John Hogg) and Collette Hull (with
the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade)
have been placed at Parliament House. Hear what they say.
First Semester 2005 intern, Robert Hardie (right), placed at Parliament
House with Senator the Hon. Amanda Vanstone, met with the Deputy Prime
Minister (left) to talk about his research project.
