Economic Report · MCU18/0019

AUTHOR’S QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Warwick Powell has over 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
Directors-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 that required
coalface 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.


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