15 minutes in Canberra

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in foreign policy? Canberra is buzzing with seasoned foreign affairs and strategic policy experts, but for newcomers and mid-tier professionals, the ‘Canberra bubble’ can be tricky to navigate.

Join host Hayley Channer on the ground as she speaks with colleagues from government, academia, and the private sector, to bring you their unique policy insights and career advice in a neat 15 minutes.  

Based in Canberra, Australia, Hayley Channer is a Senior Policy Fellow at the Perth USAsia Centre.

Celebrating young Australian women in international affairs

Monday, 8 March 2021 was International Women’s Day (IWD). As well as highlighting persistent gender inequalities in society, IWD provides an opportunity to celebrate the women who have made a significant contribution in their field. Mercedes Page is one of these women.    As well as her recognition as one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence, and being a finalist in the 2019 Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards, Mercedes is the founder and CEO of Young Australians in International Affairs (YAIA). YAIA provides a forum for young Australians interested in contributing to international affairs, foreign policy, and defence and security.

If you are a young Australian seeking to get involved in international relations, this episode of 15 Minutes in Canberra is for you. On the podcast, Mercedes reveals her motivation in establishing a non-profit, volunteer-run organisation for young Australians, explains how YAIA is celebrating IWD, and reflects on her experience as a woman in the traditionally male-dominated foreign affairs field.