15. APP J. Economic Needs Report

AUTHOR’S QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Warwick Powell has almost 20 years’ experience in identify and assessing social and economic impacts across a
broad range of public policy propositions and development activities and initiatives.
After graduating with First Class Honours (Bachelor of Arts), from Griffith University in 1991 when his research and
academic achievements were recognised by the awarding of the University Medal for Academic Excellence, he
deferred a Department of Foreign Affairs International Studies Scholarship (China) and began work as the
Research Officer to Kevin Rudd, then Director-General of the Office of the Cabinet (Queensland Government).
There, he was responsible for undertaking analysis and reviews of a broad range of Government policy initiatives
covering areas such as languages education in schools, closure of factories and impacts on local communities
including     mitigations,   regional   economic    development    programs,    community     facilities   infrastructure
development needs and programs (e.g. community halls, community health centres) etc. He also worked directly
with the Director-General to undertake twice-yearly audits of Departmental performance against Governmental
priorities and policy benchmarks.
With a broad, whole-of-government background, he was appointed in 1994 to the role of Policy Advisor to the
Minister for Mines and Energy – a role which required coal-face assessments of the impacts of proposed policies
and actions on communities. He was intimately involved in evaluating the economic implications of the
introduction of National Competition Policy in the State’s electricity supply industry (including economic impacts
on consumers and businesses; implications for employment etc.), as well as the social impacts of proposed high
voltage transmission line projects in various parts of Queensland (e.g. Gordonvale and Eastlink). He also
evaluated the social benefits, impacts and economic benefits/costs of expanding Government support of
renewable energy initiatives.
In his Government career, he was also a Policy Analyst in the Economics Unit of the Department of Premier and
Cabinet where he undertook ongoing research and analysis of economic data and prepared briefs for Cabinet
consideration and action.
Since 1997, Warwick has worked in private practice, undertaking studies on social and economic impacts, social
attitudes and such like of a broad range of public and private projects and initiatives. As an Associate Member of
the Australian Market Research Society, he coordinates, manages and implements large scale and intimate
quantitative and qualitative research projects addressing community reactions to specific urban, social and
economic situations and proposals cognisant of industry best practice and the latest developments in research
and applied statistical methods.
He has undertaken social and economic impact assessment studies for projects involving the provision of public
recreational infrastructure, community infrastructure in areas such as GP needs, schooling demand and retirement
accommodation opportunities, as well as private-sector residential developments, housing affordability initiatives,
retail projects (large and small) and transit-oriented initiatives. He has undertaken retail specific studies across in
areas such as Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Logan, Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast (Queensland), Maclean
(NSW) and Wirrina Cove (South Australia).




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