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April 15, 2025
UOW expert commentary (15 April)
UOW academics provide expert commentary, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing and breaking news stories
ABS data release – Labour Force Survey (Thursday 17 April)
Professor Martin O’Brien can discuss the ABS Labour Force Statistics which will be released on Thursday 17 April. He can discuss employment, unemployment, underemployment, participation and hours worked in March 2025 from the monthly Labour Force Survey. is an economist and the Director of the Centre for Human and Social Capital Research.
Federal election – household budgets
Professor Martin O’Brien can also comment on policy announcements related to the labour market, public sector wages, skills shortages and household budgets.
Federal election - aged care
Associate Professor Lyn Phillipson can talk about the upcoming election and need for greater support and funding for aged care. is an award-winning public health academic who engages in research and action to promote aged and dementia-friendly communities. She is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences.
Federal election – energy
Honorary Fellow Ty Christopher can discuss energy related policy announcements. He is the Director of UOW’s Energy Futures Network. The Energy Futures Network’s research includes renewable energy systems and integration, power systems, sustainability (including building design), power quality and reliability, battery energy storage and management systems, distributed energy generation, microgrids, infrastructure modelling and economics, and R&D leading to a more hydrogen-intensive economy.
Federal election – diet and health
Professor Karen Charlton can discuss diet and health related policy announcements to reduce preventable diseases. Professor Charlton can also talk about the impact financial distress is having on food budgets and the effect this can have on long-term health and well-being. is a research dietician in the School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences.
Federal election – Indigenous affairs
Associate Professor Summer May Finlay is a Yorta Yorta woman and Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences who can talk about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander related policy announcements. She has over 20 years of experience working in and with Indigenous organisations, the tertiary sector, local, state and federal governments. Associate Professor Finlay’s work focuses on Indigenous health service delivery, policy and overcoming health disparities.
Federal election – mental health
Professor Timothy Wand can provide expert commentary on mental health related policy announcements. is a registered nurse and has worked in the field of emergency mental health for more than 20 years. He is an advocate for more dedicated mental health nurses in emergency departments. Professor Wand is from the School of Nursing.
Federal election – Medicare
Dr Mona Nikidehaghani can discuss policy announcements related to Medicare. is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Business. Her research expertise lies at the intersection of accounting information and public accountability, with a particular focus on how the digitisation of public service delivery shapes accountability.
US President Donald Trump and tariffs
Professor Markus Wagner can talk about US President Donald Trump, US politics, constitutional law and trade tariffs. is an internationally recognised expert in international economic law and governance, international peace and security, as well as US and Australian constitutional law. He is the Director of the Transnational Law and Policy Centre at UOW.
Chocolate Scorecard
As Easter approaches Associate Professor Stephanie Perkiss can discuss sustainability policies and practices of chocolate traders, manufacturers, brands and retailers. In an article for Associate Professor Perkiss writes:
This year, there have been some improvements across the board. Transparency has increased, with 82% of companies now fully disclosing child labour data, up from 45% in 2023. The data reported also shows the discovery of child labour is down in the sector.
On other measures, the sector is less commendable. Deforestation is still high, with more than a third of cocoa bought by companies coming from deforested or unknown sources.
is a former professional accountant who now researches in areas including corporate social responsibility, social and critical theory, sustainability accounting and reporting. She is an Associate Professor in the School of Business.
Russia and Ukraine
Dr Stephen Brown can provide commentary on recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine war. The Russian history expert says Putin has thrown out his own playbook with this conflict. is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Humanities and Social Inquiry.
UOW academics exercise academic freedom by providing expert commentary, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing social issues and current affairs. This expert commentary reflects the views of those individual academics and does not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp.