My professional experience has taught me quite a number of things. These things help me do my job (and do it well) and they also help put dinner on the table because being an engineer is currently what I get paid to do. Unfortunately having an encyclopedic knowledge of public policy ISN'T what I get paid to do and I don't think it is necessarily important. However, in the recent MTC forums I had the feeling that people were "testing" me on this - fair enough I suppose. I'll put my hand up now and say don't bother testing me 'cause I'll fail.
Food for thought - when Sarah Hanson-Young was involved in her pre-selection for SA Greens did anyone ask her about Veteran's Affairs? They should have because that's one of her portfolios. My point is this....Sarah probably knew nothing about VA, but she is still a senator and VA is still her portfolio.
I have a great capacity to learn....my Masters, PhD and varied professional background are testimony to this. My experience has taught me to adapt quickly to a changing professional environment. Having a capacity to learn is a quality needed to be a successful representative.
Unfortunately I fear that I will be discounted in the pre-selection because government related acrymns don't roll off my tongue like melted honey or because I can't quote environmental policy verbatim. I fear this is a potential mistake voters may make.
