Meet our graduates: David Scaife MLA – from regional roots to public policy champion
David Scaife’s journey from regional Western Australia to the Australian National University’s Crawford School of Public Policy is a story of dedication, community service, and purposeful curiosity. Growing up in regional WA, David attended local public schools where he was inspired by passionate teachers and mentors who instilled in him a respect for the power of public education.
“I believe strongly that public education can be a great leveller, but that we must get the policy settings right, so that future generations can be assured access to the kind of learning experiences and social mobility that I got from the public education system”, he emphasizes.
After moving to Perth, David studied a double degree in Law and Arts at the University of Western Australia, supported by a UWA-Fogarty Foundation Regional Scholarship. His career began as an industrial relations lawyer with Slater and Gordon. Later, he co-founded a boutique law firm representing workers who had been treated poorly by employers. “Representing workers kept me humbled and reinforced my view that workplaces are most productive when there's a fair balance between the employer and employees”, he reflects. He also undertook a Master of Laws at University College London during this time.
David’s commitment to community service led him to run for office in the WA State Election in March 2021. His successful election as the Member of Parliament for Cockburn allowed him to influence government decisions on a wide range of issues, from education to energy policy, which he says “has been a dream job”.
David’s work as a state MP highlighted a need for a deeper knowledge and motivated him to study at the Crawford School of Public Policy, supported by an ANU Fogarty Foundation Scholarship. “I decided I could be more effective on behalf of my community if I educated myself on the processes of government and public policy”, he explains. He initially enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Public Policy, which he later credited towards a Master of Public Policy.
Choosing the Crawford School was a strategic but simple decision for David. “It was a no-brainer to enrol at ANU because it's the leading university situated in the heart of Australia's public policy system”, he notes. The school’s emphasis on practical experience and its world-class faculty were significant draws for him.
David’s interests in public policy are broad but are focused on strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring effective governance. He is particularly interested in public sector ethics, the role of elected officials, and anti-corruption efforts.
“It was a no-brainer to enrol at ANU because it's the leading university situated in the heart of Australia's public policy system”
“As a Member of Parliament, I'm interested in how we can strengthen democratic institutions and get the balance right between taking expert advice and letting people have a real say in government decisions”, he says.
At the Crawford School, David found a supportive, like-minded community. “The biggest advantage of studying at Crawford is meeting first-class teachers and exceptional peers”, he says. Many of his peers were public servants, which he found provided a stimulating and collegiate online study environment.
David’s coursework included engaging and practical units like Cases in Contemporary Public Policy. “It's a great unit because it requires you to engage with big public policy challenges in a very practical way”, he explains.
His research projects, particularly those focused on the effects of COVID-era policies, have been instrumental in shaping his thinking about how governments should deal with the next crisis, and he was excited that his MPP gave him the opportunity to research and write about this issue on several occasions, he says.
One of David’s most memorable experiences at Crawford was the dynamic and positive learning experience created by his teachers. “Sara Bice brings a lot of energy and positivity to the course, making hard topics feel accessible and exciting”, he recalls.
David’s dedication to his studies saw him awarded the Crawford School’s Master of Public Policy Prize, as the scholar with the best overall aggregate results in the Master of Public Policy program.
Winning the prize was “an unexpected privilege”, he says, “particularly given the calibre of my peers”.
For prospective students considering the Crawford School, David's advice is clear: “Do it! I’d highly recommend the Master of Public Policy. The required units arm you with a lot of knowledge you can use day to day in public policymaking”. He also encourages students to take advantage of the elective units available at other schools within ANU to broaden their knowledge.
As for his career plans with his new degree in his belt, David will be standing for re-election in the WA State Election in March this year. If re-elected, he aims to continue advocating for his constituents and addressing policy challenges from housing supply to decarbonisation.
David’s postgraduate journey is a powerful example of how studying at the Crawford School provides the knowledge and skills for a deeper, more meaningful public service career. David’s experience at ANU has enabled him to become a better leader in his local community—and beyond.