C292/08
4 November 2008
Curtin University of Technology student Alan Barrett has become the University’s first Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) graduate and received his Masters Degree at a graduation ceremony this week.
Mr Barrett’s success marks an important chapter in the development of the EMPA course in WA which aims to enhance the skills of emerging public sector leaders from Australia and New Zealand.
A WA Department of Premier and Cabinet Policy Officer, Mr Barrett said the EMPA program was the most beneficial post-graduate course he had completed.
“It was a great privilege to be part of this course and to receive such significant support from the Department of Premier and Cabinet,” Mr Barrett said.
“It has provided me with invaluable exposure to national and international best practice approaches for addressing public policy issues and has further developed my policy analysis and development skills.”
The EMPA course is an initiative of the Australia New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) and is a prestigious degree which is recognised throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The John Curtin Institute of Public Policy at Curtin University of Technology and Faculty of Law at The University of Western Australia are joint members of ANZSOG.
During their study, participants travel between different jurisdictions throughout Australia and New Zealand to enhance the breadth and depth of their policy and management skills.
Executive Director of the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy, Professor John Phillimore, said the EMPA program brings together some of the most talented emerging public sector leaders.
“We are very excited to share in Alan’s success and that of the EMPA course,” Professor Phillimore said.
“In years to come we hope to congratulate many more graduates as they reinvest their new skills into the public sector.”
The EMPA program is supported by the West Australian and Federal Governments and had an inaugural intake of ten students in 2006, seven of whom enrolled at Curtin. A second intake of 10 students occurred in 2008, with five students selected at Curtin.
More information about the EMPA is available at http://www.anzsog.edu.au/programs/empa.php
Modified: 4 November 2008
