Cairns immersion gives EMPA students deeper understanding of regional economic challenges

ANZSOG’s Executive Master of Public Administration takes students outside their comfort zone and immerses them in the practical challenges facing governments. 

Students in the Governing in a Market Economy (GME) subject, led by Griffith University Professor Ross Guest, recently travelled to Cairns for the ‘teaching in place’ portion of the subject. 

They gained a deeper understanding of local conditions and how the interaction between business and government is diversifying Far North Queensland’s economic base, as well as the economic opportunities for First Nations in the region. 

The immersion included behind-the-scenes visits to the Cairns Aviation and Marine Precinct, and the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre run by the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation. 

ANZSOG EMPA Executive Director Dr Chris Walker said that the Cairns GME immersion had been delivered in close cooperation with the Queensland Government.  

It involved taking over 60 ANZSOG students through activities that connected the GME subject content with the challenges and opportunities that characterise governing and economic development in the region of Far North Queensland (FNQ). 

“This ‘teaching in place’, is an innovative practice in the EMPA that takes students to regional locations to gain first-hand experience of the applied relevance of subject material in specific locations and communities,” Dr Walker said. 

“It works because ANZSOG has such strong connections with governments which allow us to provide a rich tailored learning experience for students. 

“Students get to engage with key public service, non-government and private sector figures and get understanding of the big picture and the economic forces that are shaping North Queensland. 

“This unique teaching format also deepens the connection of subject content with First Nations priorities and ways of knowing. 

“This is part of making sure the EMPA stretches and challenges participants and helps them understand the broader landscape that they work in, and the full potential of the public sector to deliver value to the community.” 

The day commenced with a Welcome to Country from Traditional Owner, Errol at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park in Cairns.

Students were then introduced to the changing demographics, economic profile, and the social and business development priorities of the region, through a panel of regional leaders organised and facilitated by Grant Stidiford, Chair of the Far North Queensland Regional Leadership Network and Regional Director, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. 

This strategic discussion helped set the scene for the immersion activities students participated in for the remainder of the day.  

 Students heard from:  

• Andrew Buckley, Assistant Director-General, Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service, (Nick Masasso, Director, Economic Development & Advocacy, Cairns Regional Council,  
• Sonja Johnson, CEO Regional Development Australia Tropical North,   
• Patricia O’Neil, CEO Cairns Chamber of Commerce,   
• Jacinta Reddan, CEO, Advance Cairns, and   
• Suzi Woodrow-Read, Executive Director, Queensland Public Sector Commission  

Speakers stressed the value of the Far North Queensland collaborative governance framework that has helped bring partners together. They noted the high level of collaboration and coordination that is required across sectors, levels of government and agencies to respond to the current and emerging challenges of Cairns and the Far North Queensland Region. 

Students then went behind the scenes for hands-on learning at the Cairns Aviation and Marine precinct. Representatives from the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training provided a valuable contextual overview of the Aviation precinct and its economic contributions to Cairns, including a visit to JET Aviation to learn about the growing employment opportunities in the Cairns Aviation sector. 

Collaboration between industry and government has delivered vitally important skilled workers to the region, and in the five years to 2022/23 local jobs in the Cairns Aviation industry have grown by 9.9%. 

Students also visited Portsmith, for a tour of the Marine Precinct, home to another growing industry in Cairns driven by significant government investment in Defence. At the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College, students were given a tour of the campus’ high-tech training equipment. 

At the Mossman Gorge Culture Centre, students were welcomed to country and experienced a smoking ceremony. In a yarning circle discussed with staff from the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation the development of business initiatives including the Eastern Kuku Yalanji ranger program and other projects Jabalbina are managing in the region, as well as future long-term plans for the diversification of the financial base of the enterprise. On-Country Tour Guide, Angie informed the students of local history, culture and the bio-diversity of the rain forest including its social, cultural and economic value to the Kuku Yalanji people. 

“This immersion gave students an understanding of how governments need to respond to the unique needs of communities, and practical insights to consider the complexities and diverse approaches governments may take to markets and economic development both in the context of FNQ and in their own communities”, Dr Walker said. 

ANZSOG’s Executive Master of Public Administration is a unique two-year program designed specifically for the public sector and delivered with ANZSOG’s partner universities. The EMPA explores the core principles of public sector management and leadership in a contemporary context and is designed for public sector professionals who are committed to serving at the highest levels of government. Since 2003, more than 70 EMPA students have gone on to hold roles as CEOs or Secretaries (equivalents) after completing the program.  

Applications for the 2025 EMPA program are now open and more information about the program is available here.