Barnett, Lawrences on thinktank board

Colin Barnett, Carmen Lawrence and Jennifer Lawrence are among the high profile names appointed to the UWA Public Policy Institute’s international advisory board today.

Mr Barnett was premier of Western Australia for two terms, leading a Liberal National alliance government from 2008 to 2017, while Dr Carmen Lawrence led a Labor government from 1990 to 1993.

Dr Lawrence also works at the University of Western Australia in the psychology school.

Jennifer Lawrence is chief executive of Brightwater Care Group.

Other well-known members of the 12 person board include UWA vice chancellor Dawn Freshwater and Perth USAsia Centre chief executive Gordon Flake.

Institute director Shamit Saggar and David Norman will be members, while there is an international contingent of four.

They comprise Univeristy of Cape Town vice chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng, former Indian national security adviser Shivshankar Menon, former deputy secretary in the Indonesian vice president’s office Dewi Fortuna Anwar and former Indonesian foreign minister Marty Natalegawa.

Former foreign affairs minister Stephen Smith was behind the establishment of the institute and will chair the advisory board.

“Knowledge about what works, sadly, is easily neglected in the busy world of government,” Professor Smith said.

“Our international advisory board believes passionately in the case for evidence-based policy.

“Collectively they will champion this philosophy in the work of the institute here in Western Australia and among countries of the Indian Ocean Rim.”