Lachlan Macquarie Internship
The Lachlan Macquarie Internship is a unique course aimed at fostering a greater appreciation of the relevance of a Christian worldview to public policy. It is offered selectively to high achieving post tertiary Christians considering careers in areas with influence on public policy, and aims to give them a foundational understanding of the intersection between religion and politics in Australia before they go into public life.
What we seek to achieve by this program is the transformation of the nature of politics and governance in Australia. By helping develop the character and intellectual foundations of future politicians, advisors and public policy influencers before they begin their careers, we will see more decisions made based on well-formed values and vision. We also hope to see networks develop across organisations, party lines and political philosophies, which will help improve the nature of politics and government in Australia.
Program Description
The Internship program will run for a period of 14 weeks with the program being offered twice a year (starting mid-February and mid-August). Character, knowledge and experience will be developed using tools including academic discussion, reaction education, coaching and mentoring, networking, relationship development and community living. Days will be broken up in such a way as to allow for a balance between lecturer seminars, academic reflection, community conversation, public service and contributions, and regular dinner discussion with a range of prominent Australians. There will also be opportunities to experience a week with an MP in Parliament House, as well as networking with various heads of Christian organisations, welfare agencies and NGOs.
In running the curriculum and programs with this focus we seek to enable the interns to build solid relational networks, more thoroughly form their understanding of values, and develop visions which can then be brought into public life and governance.
Purpose and Curriculum
By providing an academic and creative environment in which to grow in knowledge of history, theology, law, politics and Australian culture, participants of diverse political persuasions will enter the political realm with a more robust motivation and purpose. We believe that this brief experience of living and learning in a close community of faith will create deep relationships that will contribute to a better and more productive environment in our often adversarial parliament. This, along with exposure to distinguished leaders in the public domain who exhibit Christ like values and bearing, will encourage and better equip these future leaders to retain their integrity and effectiveness.
In order to develop leaders with the spiritual, intellectual, and professional fortitude for public service, the academic residency consists of a core curriculum of interdisciplinary studies in theology, philosophy, ethics, history, politics, and law. The Lachlan Macquarie Internship uses a “block course” system with 3-week long sequential courses that build upon one another. These courses include biblical foundations for culture, society and politics, historical traditions and development, modern political thought, and religion and politics in the Australian context.
Classes are conducted Monday through Friday in the Socratic teaching method. Each class day is framed by morning and evening devotions that encourage common prayer, Scripture meditation, spiritual reflection, and service. There will also be occasional trips into our nearby Capital for meetings, lectures and cultural studies, as well as regular dinners with prestigious Australian Christians.
Residency and Scholarship
The Lachlan Macquarie Internship is a 14 week live-in residency, and is to be held just outside of Canberra on a property overlooking the beautiful mountains of the Tinderry Nature Reserve. The “Avalanche Homestead” has been previously used as an award winning bed and breakfast for the last 20 years, and has now been transformed into an academic Christian community among a working farm.
Due to our commitment into developing good Christian leaders into areas of public policy, sponsorships are awarded for all successful interns into the program. The scholarships offered are worth $10,000 each. We are able to do this due to some generous donations from people who share our vision to help shape the future of Australian public life. Interns will still be required to make a contribution to cover some basic food and rent expenses over the 14 weeks. If you would like to help contribute to the program financially please click here.
Academic Calendar
The Lachlan Macquarie Internship runs twice a year, the Autumn Course beginning in mid-February through until mid-May, and the Spring Course from mid-August until mid-November. The exact dates for the next two courses are below:
Autumn 2012
Application Deadline: This deadline has now passed but we will still accept applications if spots are available
Notification of Selection: December 10th 2011
Academic Residency: February 12th 2012 to May 18th 2012
Graduation: May 19th 2012
Spring 2012
Application Deadline: March 31st 2012
Notification of Selection: April 30th 2012
Academic Residency: August 20th 2012 to November 23rd 2012
Graduation: November 24th 2012
For more information, please visit the Lachlan Macquarie Website at www.lachlanmacquarieinternship.org.au
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