MEDIA RELEASE:
Tuesday 3 February 2014
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM SHAPES LEEANNE ENOCH’S HISTORIC WIN
Leeanne Enoch’s election as Queensland’s first female Indigenous MP stands out as a truly historic
achievement amid an extraordinary few days in state politics.
Ms Enoch proved herself a determined leader as she won the seat of Algester, and along with
Queensland’s first Indigenous male MP, Billy Gordon, is blazing a significant trail in politics and
leadership.
But Ms Enoch’s story stretches back much further than the headlines of recent days. She is a Fellow of
the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP), from which she graduated in 2009. And this unique
experience still resounds in her drive to lead and represent her community in politics.
“The things I learned about myself and about leadership during ARLP Course 15 have really started to
make sense in the past few years,” Ms Enoch said of the iconic Program run by the Australian Rural
Leadership Foundation.
“I know it sounds strange to think that a lesson may not find its mark until years after its delivery, but I
have found myself recently reflecting on my ARLP experiences and having a lot of light-bulb moments.”
Ms Enoch’s political success follows a very different path to that of Federal MP Cathy McGowan, who
in 2013 won the seat of Indi. However, both leaders are Fellows of the ARLP, and both credit the direct
investment made in them as key to the political leadership they are engaged in today.
Senator Nigel Scullion, Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, similarly credits his transition from
Northern Territory fisherman to political leader, to his life-changing graduation from the ARLP in 1996.
“I can't thank the Foundation enough for all the gifts that keep presenting themselves years later. The
course really did change my life, even though I may not have realised it at the time,” Ms Enoch said.
Foundation CEO Matt Linnegar, also a Fellow of the ARLP, said the dividends from investing in people
and focusing on leadership development, are realised over time.
“Our work develops people and supports leaders to make a tangible impact wherever they are living in,
or working for regional, rural and remote Australia,” he said.
“Leeanne’s leadership caught the nation’s eye this week, but her drive has its roots in years of work.
“Her words are so important. I relate to the maturing of lessons learned through the ARLP that bear
fruit years down the track. This is the case for many of my 800-or-so fellow alumni,” Mr Linnegar said.
“Leeanne must be congratulated for her commitment to representing her community and her state,
and her readiness to dive into the rigours of political life as a capable leader.”
For interviews and enquiries, please contact the Foundation on (02) 6281 0680 or email
Communications Officer Claire Delahunty claired@rural-leaders.com.au.