Tuesday 19 - Wednesday 20 June 2007

About HASS on the Hill

HASS on the Hill (HOTH) is for people from the humanities, arts and social sciences, with experience ranging from early-career to senior positions.

The event allows people working in research, education or practice to discuss the value of their work with members of parliament. It is an important opportunity to speak directly to the decision-makers - and this is an election year!

"The chance to talk at length with a Liberal Senator about the impediments to adequate funding for research was extremely useful. He was sympathetic and made some suggestions on the strategy to win over members of the Liberal party in any CHASS campaign." (Registrant, 2006)

What contribution does your work make to Australia? What is its value in economic, cultural or social terms? What is its relevance to parliamentarians and the individual electorates they represent? How could Australia benefit from a greater investment in this area?

HOTH features a Briefing Day at the National Museum of Australia, breakfast with a federal government minister, morning tea with the Opposition, lunch at the National Press Club, and an optional dinner at a fine Canberra restaurant.

"The training afternoon was excellant and well and truly surpassed my expectations. The social function on Tuesday night, great venue, great company, great food and vino!" (Registrant, 2006)

You must be a member of, or associated with, one of our financial members to participate! Entry is restricted to people who belong to one of our 72 member organisations.

"It was terrific listening to people talk about their work contexts and research: their dedication and enthusiasm affirmed my own beliefs in the value of what we do as HASS practitioners." (Registrant, 2006)

Highlights include individual meetings with members and senators. All registrants will be paired with a colleague for an appointment with a parliamentarian.

"It was great to get an idea of the varying personalities and styles of politicians and what they expect. This part encouraged me to think about how I could make my research more relative to the public arena generally."