The MRC appoints a new Executive Director
Incoming MRC Executive Director David Hughes [left] with Nick Cater.
statement from Paul espie, chairman of the board of the menzies research centre.
I am delighted to announce a key appointment by the Menzies Research Centre (MRC) board that will allow us to strengthen our policy work and contribution to the national policy debate on the primary issues confronting our country.
David Hughes will be taking over the role of Executive Director from April, with the support of Nick Cater, who will be focusing on policy advocacy and development as an MRC Senior Fellow.
David is a graduate of the University of Sydney and brings a wealth of experience in policy development and advocacy. He served in senior roles advising three prime ministers, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison and is currently the senior political adviser to leader of the Federal Opposition, Peter Dutton.
Over the last 16 years David has worked on wide ranging and important policy issues. He was instrumental working with Michaela Cash to secure the passage of the double dissolution legislation establishing the ABCC and the Registered Organisation Commission.
David has been at the forefront of policy development since 2010. He has a strong analytical mind and deep appreciation of Australian Liberal principles and values.
I look forward to supporting David as he takes over management responsibilities of an organisation that has grown considerably in stature and influence in recent years.
With the Coalition in Opposition in Canberra, we have an opportunity to help shape a strong policy agenda for the next Coalition government. David’s arrival will increase our capacity and range of expertise.
Politics, as Robert Menzies once said, is the art of persuasion. Nick, in his new role, is looking forward to spending more time writing, speaking and presenting through the media opportunities available in the digital age.
The board of the MRC at this time of transition is immensely grateful for the work, initiatives and development agenda under the guidance of Nick Cater during his more than eight years at the helm. We are very pleased that Nick has helped us with these developments and for taking on his new role. This combination will be of significant value to the MRC and its projects in the period ahead.
During Nick’s directorship, much has been achieved in public policy debates including in energy and climate. The support base of MRC grew significantly and the Robert Menzies Institute was established. Through the Watercooler newsletter, numerous book publishings and events across the country, the MRC conversation with its support base expanded substantially.
Nick and David will be announcing a series of events around the country after Easter regarding our policy agenda, introducing David to our friends and supporters.
ENDS