Professor Anne Tiernan

About Professor Anne Tiernan

Professor Anne Tiernan is Head of Research and Professor of Political Leadership at the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership – an independent, non-partisan organisation whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness of our political leaders by building the capacity of federal, state and territory members of parliament. Since 2021, Anne has co-led the Institute’s flagship Advanced Political Leadership program.

Anne’s research focuses on the work of governing. She has written extensively on the political–administrative interface, governmental transitions, policy capacity and executive advisory arrangements – particularly the support needs of ministers, the role of the public service, policy influence and public policy agenda-setting.

She has published extensively in Australia and internationally, including The Oxford Handbook of Australian Politics (co-edited with Professor Jenny Lewis, 2021), Lessons in Governing: A Profile of Prime Ministers’ Chiefs of Staff and The Gatekeepers: Lessons from Prime Ministers’ Chiefs of Staff (both with R.A.W. Rhodes, Melbourne University Publishing, 2014), Learning to be a Minister: Heroic Expectations, Practical Realities (with Patrick Weller, Melbourne University Press, 2010) and Power Without Responsibility: Ministerial Staffers in Australian Governments from Whitlam to Howard (UNSW Press, 2007).

Read more

A Qualified Educator

Anne’s track record of curriculum innovation and program leadership across professional and postgraduate education was recognised in a 2016 National Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning by the Commonwealth Minister for Education and Training: ‘for developing the capability of emerging public sector leaders and the quality of government, through industry-engaged and research-led learning’. Previously a member of Griffith University’s senior leadership team, Anne served as inaugural Dean (Engagement) of the Griffith Business School, where she led development of the Group’s internationally acknowledged Engagement Strategy and operating model.

Professor Tiernan is a National Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia, and a Fellow of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) and has held a range of Board appointments. These include: the Commonwealth Grants Commission, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (2017-2020), Chair of the Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal (2016-19), an Ordinary Commissioner for the Crime and Corruption Commission (2017-2020). From 2008 to 2012, she was a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Queensland Public Service Commission and also served on the Board of St Rita’s College Ltd.

Read more

Publications

Books

  • Lewis, Jenny M., & Tiernan A. (Eds.) (2021). The Oxford Handbook of Australian Politics, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

  • Rhodes, R.A.W., & Tiernan, A. (2014a). Lessons in Governing: A Profile of Prime Ministers’ Chiefs of Staff. Carlton: Melbourne University Press.

  • Rhodes, R.A.W., & Tiernan, A. (2014b). The Gatekeepers: Lessons from Prime Ministers’ Chiefs of Staff. Carlton: Melbourne University Press.

  • Menzies, J., & Tiernan, A. (2014). Caretaker Conventions in Australasia: Minding the Shop for Government. Revised Edition. Canberra: ANU Press.
  • Tiernan, A., & Weller, P. (2010). Learning to be a Minister: Heroic Expectations, Practical Realities. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press.
  • Tiernan, A., & Weller, P. (2010). Learning to be a Minister: Heroic Expectations, Practical Realities. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press.
  • Tiernan, A. (2007). Power Without Responsibility: Ministerial Staffers in Australian Governments from Whitlam to Howard. Sydney: UNSW Press.

Book Chapters

  • Deem, J., & Tiernan, A. (2019). Beyond the Canberra Bubble: Rebuilding Trust in Federal Australia. In Evans, M., Grattan, M. & McCaffrie, B. (Eds.), From Turnbull to Morrison: The Trust Divide (pp. 93-108). Carlton: Melbourne University Press.
  • Tiernan, A. (2018). Trans-Tasman perspectives on transparency in decision-making: A view from Australia. In Wanna J. & Vincent, S. (Eds.), Opening Government Transparency and Engagement in the Information Age (pp. 55-63). Australian National University Press.
  • Tiernan, A. (2018). What Are the Consequences of Incessant Reform? Losing Trust, Policy Capacity and Institutional Memory in the Queensland Core Executive. In Rhodes, R.A.W. (Ed.), Narrative Policy Analysis: Cases in Decentred Policy (pp. 165-195). Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Tiernan, A. (2016). Beyond the nadir of political leadership. In Schultz, J. & Tiernan, A. (Eds.), Griffith Review 51: Fixing the System (pp. 11-23). Melbourne: Griffith University in conjunction with Text Publishing.
  • Menzies, J., & Tiernan, A. (2015). Caretaker conventions? In Galligan, B. & Brenton, S. (Eds.), Constitutional Conventions in Westminster Systems: Controversies, Changes and Challenges (pp. 91-115). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Menzies, J., & Tiernan, A. (2015). Caretaker conventions? In Galligan, B. & Brenton, S. (Eds.), Constitutional Conventions in Westminster Systems: Controversies, Changes and Challenges (pp. 91-115). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Rhodes, R.A.W., & Tiernan, A. (2015b). Executive governance and its puzzles. In Massey, A. & Johnston, K. (Eds.), International Handbook of Public Administration and Governance (pp. 84-103). Chelmsford: Edward Elgar.
  • Tiernan, A. (2012). Delivering public policies. In Smith, R., Vromen, A. & Cook, I. (Eds.), Contemporary Politics in Australia: Theories, Practice, Issues (pp. 249-259). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Tiernan, A. (2012). Delivering public policies. In Smith, R., Vromen, A. & Cook, I. (Eds.), Contemporary Politics in Australia: Theories, Practice, Issues (pp. 249-259). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Journal Articles

  • Walter, J., Tiernan, A., Head, B., & Edwards, Meredith. (2019). Policy capacity in disruptive times. Australian Journal of Political Science. https://doi.org/10.1080/10361146.2019.1686118
  • Tiernan, A., Drennan, L., Nalau, J., Onyango, E., Morrissey, L., & Mackey, B. (2018). A review of themes in disaster resilience literature and international practice since 2012. Policy Design and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1080/25741292.2018.1507240
  • Simshauser, P., & Tiernan, A. (2018). Climate change policy discontinuity and its effects on Australia’s national electricity market. Australian Journal of Public Administration. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8500.12328
  • Drennan, L., McGowan, J., & Tiernan, A. (2016). Integrating recovery within a resilience framework: empirical insights and policy implications from regional Australia. Politics and Governance, 4(4), 74-86. http://dx.doi.org/10.17645/pag.v4i4.741
  • Rhodes, R.A.W., & Tiernan, A. (2016). Court politics in a federal polity. Australian Journal of Political Science, 51(2), 338-354. https://doi.org/10.1080/10361146.2015.1127890
  • Tiernan, A. (2015). The dilemmas of organisational capacity. Policy and Society, 34, 209-217
  • Tiernan, A. (2015). Reforming Australia’s federal framework: priorities and prospects. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 74(4), 398-405
  • Rhodes, R.A.W., & Tiernan, A. (2015). Focus groups as ethnography: the case of Prime Ministers’ Chiefs of Staff. Journal of Organizational Ethnography, 4(2), 208-222
  • Dickinson, H., Katsonis, M., Kay., A., O’Flynn, J., & Tiernan, A. (2015). Looking to the Past and the Future of the Australian Journal of Public Administration. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 74(1), 1-4
  • Tiernan, A. (2015). Craft and Capacity in the Public Service. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 74(1), 53-62
  • Tiernan, A. (2011). Advising Australian Federal Governments: Assessing the Evolving Capacity and Role of the Australian Public Service. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 70(4), 335-346
  • Arklay, T., Tiernan, A., & White, H. (2011). Advising Ministers – the Special Problem of Defence. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 70(4), pp 365-376
  • Milligan, V., & Tiernan, A. (2011). No Home for Housing: The Situation of the Commonwealth’s Housing Policy Advisory Function. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 70(4), 391-407
  • Lindquist, E.A.L., & Tiernan, A. (2011). The Australian Public Service and Policy Advising: Meeting the Challenges of 21st Century Governance. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 70(4), 437-450
  • Tiernan, A., & Weller, P. (2009). Un trop fort movement de balancier ou l’angoisse exisentielle des hauts fonctionnairs australiens. Télescope, 15(1), 35-49
  • Tiernan, A. (2007). The Council for the Australian Federation: A new structure of Australian Federalism. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 67(2), 122-134
  • Tiernan, A. (2007). The learner: John Howard’s system of national security and advice. Australian Journal of International Affairs, 61(4), 504-520
  • Tiernan, A. (2006). Working with the stock we have: The evolving role of Queensland’s Implementation Unit. Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis, 8(4), 371-391
  • Tiernan, A. (2006). Overload or overblown? Ministerial staff and dilemmas of executive advice. Social Alternatives, 25(3), 7-12
  • Tiernan, A. (2006). Advising Howard: Interpreting changes in advisory and support structures for the Prime Minister of Australia. Australian Journal of Political Science, 41(3), 309-324
  • Tiernan, A., & Burke, T. (2002). A load of old garbage: Applying garbage-can theory to contemporary Australian housing policy. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 61(3), 86-97

What our graduates say about us

The Advanced Political Leadership program delivered by the McKinnon Institute is a rare and completely unique opportunity for parliamentarians to step out of the day to day of political life and reflect on what we hope to achieve for our country during our time in office and how best to achieve it. I’m grateful for the insights gained about how to navigate complex policy issues, achieve ambitious reform and deliver for our constituents. The program also provided a forum for honest dialogue with parliamentary colleagues across the aisle about the challenges our country faces, and the shared sacrifices and burdens of public life. I thoroughly recommend it.

Senator James Paterson

Senator for Victoria
Advanced Political Leadership 2022 Graduate

To the incredibly dedicated team at the McKinnon Institute, thank you for the fantastic opportunity to be a scholar in the Class of 2022 from your Advanced Political Leadership Program. It was clear from day one that the coursework and guest presenters were relevant, meaningful and thought provoking across wide and varied topics and discussions. As a professional development opportunity for MPs and Senators, I highly recommend this course to those who seek to develop the necessary skills to prepare for the road ahead-life in politics and beyond.

Angie Bell MP

Federal Member for Moncrieff
Advanced Political Leadership 2022 Graduate

I was very fortunate to be one of the MPs who participated in the 2022 McKinnon Institute Advanced Political Leadership program. Throughout this year’s program, we experienced a series of workshops, and a week-long residential intensive program full of high-quality presentations from experts in politics, academia, economics and foreign policy. One of the most valuable aspects of participating in the McKinnon Institute was getting to know MPs from other states and other parties. The McKinnon Institute granted us the unique experience of engaging in deep thinking on where our country is, where it can go and what our role is to lead it there. Anyone who is serious about the craft of politics and the future of our country should seriously consider applying for the McKinnon Institute’s Advanced Political Leadership program.

Josh Burns MP

Federal Member for Macnamara
Advanced Political Leadership 2022 Graduate

I am very grateful to have been able to participate in this amazing program. The calibre of presenters and the depth and breadth of knowledge was outstanding. I learned so much and took away useful tools, knowledge and contacts. Collaborative and supportive environment. Highly recommend the Advanced Political Leadership course.

Nicole Lawder MLA

State Member for Brindabella, ACT Parliament
Advanced Political Leadership 2022 Graduate

When you’re elected to Parliament there is a very steep learning curve. It can take months to learn the ropes and longer again to be competent and comfortable in the role. And unlike the commercial sector, there is very little relevant professional development available to MP’s. The McKinnon Institute’s Advanced Political Leadership Program builds on the skills MP’s have built early in their careers so they can become the next generation of leaders - leaders who are more effectively able to deliver on their visions because they have the right tools and training. The course covers a broad range of topics and encourages participants to think deeply about why they entered politics and how they can be most effective at their jobs. I particularly enjoyed some of the theory we learnt about power and leadership – they’re lessons that carry over beyond parliament. Any MP who is serious about taking the next step in their career should seriously consider this course – you won’t regret it.

Gurmesh Singh MP

State Member for Coffs Harbour, NSW Parliament
Advanced Political Leadership 2022 Graduate

I commend the McKinnon Institute for the APL course, and thank them for the opportunity to engage with expert practitioners in politics, public service, policy institutions and the media. This was a unique opportunity to learn alongside colleagues from State and Federal Parliaments from different political Parties, challenging us to explore how we might practically enhance our nation’s democratic system, our Parliament and improve outcomes for our constituents. As a Member of Parliament for 14 years, having served as a Minister and a Leader of my Party, I found it to be instructive, affirming and thought-provoking. I would recommend APL without hesitation to my colleagues from both sides of the Chamber.

The Hon Mia Davies MLA

Member for Central Wheatbelt, WA Parliament
Advanced Political Leadership 2022 Graduate

The Advanced Political Leadership Program is an opportunity to step back from the daily cut and thrust of politics and reflect on why you’re there and what you want to do. The McKinnon Institute was able to draw together some of the greatest leaders and minds for a real-world perspective on political leadership, warts and all. The course covers the entire gamut of challenges on your political journey and you’re able to engage in a way where you get a practical and lived experience of how to get things done. It’s rare in politics to be able to get this opportunity and I’d recommend the Advanced Political Leadership Program to all of my colleagues not just for their own development, but the development of better public policy across our Parliaments.

The Hon Scott Farlow MLC

Member of the Legislative Council, NSW Parliament
Advanced Political Leadership 2022 Graduate

The programs of the McKinnon Institute are professional, engaging and targeted to parliamentarians wanting to undertake professional development. Through undertaking relevant courses, colleagues have better equipped themselves to meet the challenges of political leadership, whilst also enhancing their promotion prospects. I thoroughly recommend MPs personally invest in a McKinnon program.

Hon Jonathan O’Dea MP

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Member for Davidson
Political Leadership for 2021

I was honoured and excited to be selected for the inaugural McKinnon Institute Australian Political Leadership Program. The sessions were well presented covering both theoretical as well as real world experience. Working with a cross-partisan cohort from State and Federal jurisdictions ensured we didn’t get mired down in policy conversations but focused on the “how” of delivering on policies. I definitely think that through this Program…I will be better prepared to navigate the system, work with the bureaucracy and deliver effective programs.

Senator Perin Davey

Senator for New South Wales
Advanced Political Leadership 2021

I enjoyed getting different perspectives from other MP’s and political people from around the country about topical issues particularly COVID-19 and the response.

Shane King MP

Member for Kurwongbah, Queensland Parliament
Political Leadership for 2021

APL was a fantastic program. It provided me with the tools and insights to be effectively prepared to become a Minister. I found the speakers engaging and content incredibly useful. I cannot recommend the course highly enough to other Parliamentarians.

Hon James Griffin MP

Minister for Environment and Heritage & Member for Manly
Advanced Political Leadership 2021

Ministers play a central role in the Westminster system. Many who take on this role do so after having gained some experience as a backbencher. However, there are qualitative differences in the role of being a minister that many are unprepared for: making decisions as part of a team and then collectively owning those decisions; working directly with the public service; crafting and seeking the passage of legislation; and assuming responsibility for the messy implementation of agreed policy in the real world. The Advanced Political Leadership course fills a gap by offering early and mid-career politicians aspiring to become a minister with both the theoretical and practical tools to be better prepared should a future opportunity arise. It is wide in scope yet uniformly exceptional in both the quality of course content and the standard of high-profile expert presenters. Participating in the course was extremely useful in helping me to think about the longer term needs of my electorate and society more generally.

Dr Daniel Mulino MP

Member for Fraser
Advanced Political Leadership 2021

When I was first asked to be a part of this course, I thought two things — firstly, do I really need to do this, and secondly, do I have time for this?

Well, the answer to the first question was yes — I absolutely needed to do this, and the answer to the second part of the question — I have to find time to do this, there's no excuse. We've never experienced a situation like COVID-19, whether as a Member of Parliament and as a member of the community. It's something that we are learning to deal with.

So what the McKinnon Institute team are doing is absolutely brilliant and we need you to keep doing it, and we need to be encouraging our colleagues to attend more of your courses. So, thank you for putting this all together.

John Ajaka

Former President of the NSW Legislative Council
Political Leadership for 2020 Graduate

In a year of so many obstacles and unprecedented events such as drought, bushfires and of course the COVID-19 pandemic, the course provided a unique environment to help shape our approach and objective thinking, as we are tasked with responding to these crises.

The expert guest speakers across the various panels and modules of the course were brilliantly diverse and well versed in their fields. They provided excellent first-hand experience, advice and challenges for us to consider, for which I am grateful.

Please know that I shall have no hesitation in commending the course to colleagues and political affiliates considering undertaking professional development. Raising the standard for our civic leaders is vital and the opportunity to participate in such a forum is most worthwhile.

The Hon. Natalie Ward MLC

Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General
Parliament of New South Wales
Political Leadership for 2020 Graduate

If you’d like to know more, we’d love to hear from you.

If you would like to get involved and find out more about our upcoming courses,
please get in touch with our team who can assist you.