The next generation
MRC intern Harry Colquhoun [far right], speaking to delegates at the inaugural conference of the Robert Menzies Institute.
Harry Colquhoun reflects on what it’s like to be an intern at the Menzies Research Centre.
When I joined the MRC, I quickly realised it wasn’t a normal political office. There was no inconsequential busywork to be done, no seemingly endless data entry tasks and no reviewing of reports that have already been proofed. Instead, the MRC is a head-first dive into real policy work.
I immediately began working with Chief of Staff James Mathias on the Review of Judicial Impartiality exposing the lack of oversight and governance in the judicial sector, which when completed saw immediate press coverage and helped challenge the narrative that judges always leave their political views and history behind when they step onto the bench even when they have a record of failing to do so.
I was also involved in the Litigation Nation report, exposing the foreign-funded lawyers' picnic that class-action lawsuits have become with financial funds and large law firms unfairly reaping outsized rewards off the injuries of their plaintiffs. This report was then submitted by the MRC to a joint parliamentary committee and eventually saw then-Treasurer Josh Frydenberg adopt many of our reports' recommendations in his changes to litigation funding laws. It was the first time I ever saw my work in policy have a direct impact and I immediately realised that the MRC is unique in not only its ability to achieve this but also in its inclusion of interns in the process.
The MRC actively works to grow the networks of their interns as well. In my time here, I have helped to bring together our regular National Security Network breakfasts which see keynote addresses to the defence industry and diplomatic corps from various political leaders in the foreign policy and defence space. Our latest event was addressed by now-opposition leader Peter Dutton.
These events exemplify to me just what separates the team at the MRC from other think tanks. They are incredibly inclusive and I have experienced this first hand with Nick Cater having been kind enough to go out of his way and introduce me to people such as former federal Liberal Party leader Brenden Nelson, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, former Speaker of the House Bronwyn Bishop and many more.
The MRC’s Future Leadership Initiative is a truly exceptional program that provides ambitious young Australians with the opportunity to share their ideas and be nurtured in a professional working environment with experienced mentors who challenge and motivate.
However my placement would not have been possible without the generous support of the MRC’s donors.
By making a pledge today, you can support the development of other young professionals who are keen on making a difference in public policy.
I would like to acknowledge and express my gratitude to our donor community for supporting me on this journey.
I can personally attest to the benefits of the internship program and encourage you to support its continuation by making a donation to the MRC’s End of Year appeal. Click here to donate.
Harry Colquhoun is an intern at the Menzies Research Centre.
