Andrew Leigh MP
@aleighmp.bsky.social
Labor MP in the Australian Parliament. Dad of 3. Economist. Triathlete. Author of 'The Shortest History of Economics', ‘Randomistas’, ‘Reconnected’ and more. All my links: https://linktr.ee/andrewleigh Authorised: A. Leigh ALP, ACT
The August "Leigh Report" covers the Census, bulk billing, ethical conversations & more. Read it: https://mailchi.mp/australianlabor.com.au/the-leigh-report-8134644?e=0e4789320e Subscribe: https://www.andrewleigh.com/splash (just one email a month) #auspol
The best productivity reform? Deleting the paywall. We’re making mandatory Australian Standards free. https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2026/08/05/australian-standards-changes #auspol
Freeing the rule book backs those who build, manufacture and repair
It will soon be free to access mandatory Australian Standards. This means savings for tradies, businesses and consumers.
thenewdaily.com.au
As technology occupies more of our lives, the challenge is using it to bring people together not leave us feeling further apart. At the AIIA and Hands Across Canberra Tech for Good luncheon, I spoke about how we use digital technology as way to connect with charities and communities.
Happy to notch up my fifth official finish of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra 100km, summiting Red Hill, Mt Taylor, Mt Arawang, Mt Stromlo, Black Mountain, Mt Majura & Mt Ainslie. Thanks to race director extraordinaire Prachar Stegemann, who's been organising endurance events in Canberra for four decades
Census night is Tuesday 11 August. If you already know where you’ll be that night, you can complete it now, joining more than one million Australians who have already done so.
At the Grand Mathematics Quiz, I spoke about Carl Friedrich Gauss, Ada Lovelace and Alan Turing, and how mathematics helps us see the patterns that shape our world. Good luck to all students! https://www.andrewleigh.com/speech_why_maths_matters_1_august_2026 #maths
Labor members are fundamental to who we are as a party. Thank you to the extraordinary people who keep Australia’s oldest and greatest political party going strong. #auspol
On News24 this morning: why Angus Taylor cannot out-Hanson Pauline Hanson and how Labor is easing cost-of-living pressures as inflation moderates. And yes, that’s our dog barking in the background. But I’d never shout at her. https://www.andrewleigh.com/transcript_news24_1_august_2026
Bulk billing is back. Across Australia, we’re strengthening Medicare and boosting the number of fully bulk-billing clinics. #auspol
A worker’s biggest pay rises often come from moving to a better job. Yet new figures show job mobility at a record low. From next year, Labor will ban non-compete clauses for workers earning under $190,000, making it easier to switch jobs and move up. #ausecon
Ignorance is usually just an insult. Michael Smithson reckons it deserves a richer hearing. On my Good Life podcast, we discuss his new book “The Psychology of Ignorance”. Links in my bio.
Consumer ministers have wrapped up talks in Darwin. Here's a quick update on what we discussed. Whether Australians shop in-store or online, the goal is simple: safer products and fairer markets #auspol
Labor built Medicare. We’re strengthening it so more Canberrans can see a doctor with their Medicare card, not their credit card. My ABC Canberra interview: https://www.andrewleigh.com/transcript_abc_radio_canberra_29_july_2026 #auspol
The Coalition warned Australians could face fuel rationing. But that never happened. Instead, we worked with industry to keep supplies flowing. Australia’s fuel reserves are now higher than when the crisis began https://www.andrewleigh.com/transcript_abc_afternoon_briefing_28_july_2026 #auspol
A new fully bulk billing GP clinic is now open in the Gungahlin town centre. Since Labor came to office, we’ve tripled the number of fully bulk-billing clinics in my electorate. More free GP appointments closer to home and fewer people putting off care because of the cost. #auspol
The Australian social media law has not failed. In fact, it has changed the game for the better for everyone.” A new piece in Time magazine by Ravi Iyer, Jonathan Haidt & Zach Rausch https://time.com/article/2026/07/18/the-world-should-learn-from-australia-s-social-media-law/
What the World Should Learn from Australia’s Social Media Law
Half a year since Australia restricted social media companies from providing accounts to kids under 16, signs of success are beginning to show.
time.com
High-pressure tactics from salespeople are hurting consumers, according to a new report. Thanks to the Consumer Action Law Centre and ACCC for their important work on this issue. https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/misleading-and-high-pressure-unsolicited-sales-practices-widespread #auspol
The national test of AusAlert will take place today at the following times: NSW, ACT, QLD, TAS, VIC: 2.00pm AEST SA, NT: 1.30pm ACST WA: 12.00pm AWST A test Critical Alert will be sent to all compatible mobile devices in Australia
My favourite landscape architect, Gweneth Leigh, has just produced the Schoolyard Greenprint with her @UniCanberra team. It’s a practical roadmap for creating greener outdoor spaces where young people can play, learn, connect and thrive. Link in my bio.
Fifty National Conferences on, the nation's oldest political party is still looking forward, and still delivering for Australians. Great to share the occasion with my outstanding Canberra colleague Alicia Payne MP. #auspol
Labor is the party of aspiration, including the aspiration to get a better job. From next year, we'll ban noncompete clauses for anyone earning under $190,000. My speech to Labor's National Conference. #auspol
New on “The Good Life: Andrew Leigh in Conversation”: novelist Jessy Wu on Young Love and Good Intentions. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-good-life-andrew-leigh-in-conversation/id1147502226 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1F4RWwmswbCUJw8PV3o8k6 #auspolreaders
Labor’s triennial National Conference takes place in Adelaide this week. Here’s what to expect. #auspol
As part of ANU Community Day on Sat 15 Aug, I’lol be in conversation with John Keane about his new book, “Demagogues and Despots”. Join us: https://www.anu.edu.au/events/meet-the-author-john-keane #auspolreaders
AI should work for consumers. We're examining how Australian consumer law should tackle emerging risks such as retail surveillance pricing and agentic commerce, so Australians can use AI with confidence. https://www.andrewleigh.com/media_release_ai_consumer_safety_priorities_20_july_2026 #auspol
At 5.30pm on Mon 27 July, I’ll be in conversation with ACT Women in Economics committee members Mary Lewicka and Dr Alicia Mollaun. Join us: https://esaact.org.au/event/66751/wen-book-club-july #ausecon
Why do our feeds feel like pokies for grievance? On my Good Life podcast, Ed Coper discusses Angertainment: how platforms turned fury into clicks and what a calmer digital life might look like. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1F4RWwmswbCUJw8PV3o8k6
A new US randomised trial offers 4 year full scholarships to the University of Michigan. It finds that attending a better university boosts earnings by 18-25%. https://www.nber.org/papers/w35434 #randomistas
