I am a doctoral student and tutor in Australian politics at the University of Sydney. My thesis is on the (changing) relationship between the ALP and unions. In semester 1, 2012, I am tutoring in Australian Politics (Govt 1101) and Australian Foreign and Defence Policy (Govt 2116). Between 1982 and 2007, I worked in federal politics (as a Ministerial adviser in the Hawke Government), the Australian public service and public relations. I have been blogging since November 2003 and over the past decade I have written many articles on politics, public relations and social media for newspapers, magazines and websites. I love literature particularly John McGahern and James Joyce.