News Archive

In May, the University established the UWA Public Policy Institute (UWA PPI) as a new way to share our world-class research and expertise with decision makers and community leaders.

UWA PPI Director, David Norman says the Institute recently met with Local Government Professionals WA (LGPWA) CEO, Candy Choo, to discuss commissioning research into the mental health impacts on employees in the sector.

“We know that council CEOs and senior managers are feeling the stress of their jobs , driven by increasing community demands and tight budgets.

“This is particularly an issue in rural and regional WA, but also affects people in Perth. It has negative effects on the individual and their families, and also on service delivery by the councils,” David said.

As a result, LGPWA has commissioned UWA, through UWA PPI, to conduct state-wide research investigating the scale and scope of the problem.

Staff from UWA’s Business School and School of Psychological Science will complete the work, led by Associate Professor Andrew Timming.

“The aim of UWA PPI is to create a ‘shop front’ for industry, government and community organisations to directly access the University and we’re very happy to work with LGPWA on this issue, which impacts on all of us as Western Australians.

“We’re focussed on the translation of UWA research to assist evidence based decision-making and it’s through projects such as these where we can make a difference,” David said.

As well as providing policy-focused reports on social and economic indicators and offering thought-leadership on issues which impact on WA, Australia, the Indian Ocean region and the Indo-Pacific, the Institute will also run short-courses and professional development programs.

“We will be running a workshop in September on the current crisis in recycling in WA, and other policy focussed events on a regular basis,” he said.

Read the Government News article here.