Policy Bites – Polling in Australian elections and policymaking

With the federal election imminent, join the Sydney Policy Lab, Dr Rebecca Huntley and Dr Luke Mansillo for a special pre-election Policy Bites panel on the place of opinion polling in Australia. Hear from these experts in polling methods, analysis and commentary as they discuss the evolution of the art and science and its influence on policymaking and elections.

Light lunch will be provided. Space is limited. Please register to secure your place.

The Panel

Dr Rebecca Huntley is one of Australians foremost researchers on social trends. In addition to her current role as Director of Research at 89 Degrees East, Rebecca's polling experience including leading research at Essential Media. For nearly nine years she was the Director of The Mind & Mood Report, Australia's longest running social trends report.

Rebecca is the author of numerous books, most recently "How to Talk About Climate Change in a Way that Makes a Difference," and has written for and contributed commentary to the full gamut of Australian media including the ABC, The Guardian, The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald. Rebecca holds degrees in law and film studies and a PhD in Gender Studies. She is active as a board member and advisor to advocacy groups.

Dr Luke Mansillo is a prominent researcher and analyst specialising in public opinion, politicial behaviour, Australian elections and survey methods. He provides regular analysis in the media and has contributed to election models like the 7NEWS Election Needle and the Guardian's polls tracker for the upcoming election.

Luke holds a PhD in political science from the University of Sydney where he is a sessional academic and a Master of Social Research from the ANU. He has conducted research at the United States Studies Centre, Harvard University and the London School of Economics, and consults on social and political statistical tasks.

Format

30 minute panel discussion followed by audience questions.

Time and location

When: 1:00 pm, Tuesday 1 April. Refreshments served from 12:45.

Where: Seminar Room 203, RD Watt Building (A04), Science Road, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050.

See more information about getting to the Lab.

Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring our spaces are safe, accessible and enjoyable for all. The RD Watt building is fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids and service animals are welcome. Enter via the rear door of the RD Watt Building, near the entrance to the Social Sciences Building at the University of Sydney. Our meeting and events space is equipped with PA and assistive listening systems.

If you have any other access requirements, please do let us know when you register.

About Policy Bites

The Sydney Policy Lab’s lunchtime seminars – Policy Bites – are a forum for researchers and practitioners to present their exploratory and applied policy work in its early stages. Each public seminar gathers the Lab community in our collaborative space to hear and discuss new research as we exchange ideas across disciplines.

Policy Bites are organised by Dr Kate Harrison Brennan (Director, Sydney Policy Lab), Dr Assel Mussagulova (Lecturer in Public Policy and Public Administration, School of Social and Political Sciences) and Associate Professor Meru Sheel (Sydney School of Public Health).

About the Sydney Policy Lab

The Sydney Policy Lab was created by the University of Sydney to be a non-partisan space where people from all walks of life gather to set the agenda, experiment and make public policy that transforms lives.

The Lab’s prime focus is on and with the community. To kickstart a new ecosystem of public policy research and development, our projects build on deep relationships with civil society organisations, government and philanthropy. We prioritise working with people who have been excluded from decision-making, leadership and power.