Commerce Class Q&A with the Hon Joe Hockey

The budding economists of our Year 10 Commerce class were recently given a unique opportunity to experience international public affairs. The students hosted a highly informative Q&A with none other than the Honourable Joe Hockey.

The topic for the 30-minute session via Zoom on 26 October was “Political Involvement and Global Links.”  Questions focussed on political processes rather than political perspectives. 

“It was a constructive and informative interview, that helped us further understand the topics we have been learning about, explained student, Mia Boyle. “Joe Hockey complimented our questions and gave insight into his own notable political career and experience.” 

Mr Hockey, whose career includes recently serving in the prominent diplomatic post of Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, was introduced to the class by student Gabrielle Umbrazunas. 

His 20-year service in the Australian Parliament culminated as Federal Treasurer in the Abbott and Turnbull Governments. In all his roles he used his considerable expertise in such diverse areas as business, finance, employment, health and welfare.  Mr Hockey has also served as Chair of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bankers Group, cementing his stature on the global stage. 

Mr Hockey’s post-political life has seen him continue living in the United States where he is a Visiting Fellow at American University, Washington DC.  Mr Hockey is also the founding partner and President of Bondi Partners, an advisory firm focussing on business strategy solutions with personnel both in Australia and the US. 

Our students are grateful to Mr Hockey for his valuable insight and – with the impending US presidential elections almost upon us – a timely and welcome additional perspective.

The old adage ‘it’s not what you know, it is who you know’ has truth to it and we acknowledge with appreciation the work of Gabriella and her mother Marie, who are family friends with Mr Hockey.

As student Zara Morgan highlighted, “The interview shed light on global issues with direct relevance to our Commerce content, helping make links between the real world and our classroom learning.”