Parliamentary Leaders Program is now known as Next25 Leadership
THE CONTEXT
Our first Parliamentary Leaders Program ran in 2015 and we now count approximately 8% of all sitting parliamentarians as alumni including 10% of NSW and WA parliaments. Facilitated under Chatham House Rule and a strictly non-partisan environment, those who attend choose to uncover and deeply understand their own values so that they become increasingly conscious individuals, more purposeful leaders and constructive change-makers. This series of Q&As with program alumni is designed to give all of our alumni the opportunity to get to know each other and to provide our community with new insight into the experience of being a politician and some of the work our alumni are doing in relation to their professional development.
INTRODUCING
Mr Justin Clancy MP is a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, representing Albury for the Liberal Party. He attended the Parliamentary Leaders Program in 2019 and has stayed pro-actively engaged with the Alumni Program.
The Challenge
What was one of the things you had to learn the fastest as a new parliamentarian?
How to be effective in a new, foreign environment where the 'rules of engagement' are unique to Parliament, and where there is no rule book. This meant watching closely how others went about their work - looking to adapt learnings to my own natural style. This is an ongoing learning process, as confronted by new issues it means reflecting on my own actions and incorporating new learnings.
The Course
What is the one thing you remember/ have used the most from the course and why?
The ability to elevate thinking - to take the view from the balcony - too often as a parliamentarian you get caught up in the day to day. It is useful to be able to look for the bigger picture and to operate from above the fray - to be able to step back - even while you are in the moment - and to assess what is happening.
The Core Values
If you could have the Australian public understand one key thing about life as a politician in the current Australian system, what would it be?
That the notion that the 'squeaky wheel gets the oil' is not healthy for our democracy. Increasingly we reward those who are most vocal - and the most vocal are becoming increasingly polarised, inflexible in thought and unwilling to listen to other sides of the debate. The ability to find a shared solution is reduced, and we are tempted to believe that there are simple solutions for what are increasingly complex issues.
The Check-In
What does the opportunity to check back in with the facilitators and alumni afford you?
The check-in has been perhaps one of the most important elements of the course - to be able to reinforce learnings and to flesh thoughts out more fully - I have really appreciated the opportunity and look at my check-in coaches as mentors.
The Change-Making
What takes the most of your time now? How would you rather spend that time?
COVID. Something non-COVID related! The challenge of 2020 has been crisis management - bush fires, COVID, border closures. This means re-prioritising, and finding the time to spend on other worthy projects becomes more challenging!
Responses by Justin Clancy MP, July 2020
Image of Albury from evocities.com
Image of the Clancy family from justinclancy.com.au
Know of a politician who you think would be interested or benefit from this Program? You can nominate a politician for the next Parliamentary Leaders Program here.