ALL Over Bar the shouting, Atlassian and NSW Parliament House site visits

The LIP had a jam packed day in Sydney on 8 August, comprising of site visits, learning lunch and lots of shouting, fortunately not at each other.

Commencing with a tour with Jonathan Srikanthan, Foundation Director, Global Engagement Programs, of both Atlassian buildings, (thanks to Susan’s inability to get the location correct,) the cohort were amazed and impressed by the relaxed and dynamic environment and atmosphere enjoyed by Atlassian team members.  Jono shared his passion for the Atlassian Foundation and the story of the 1% Pledge. When Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar founded the company they made a pledge to divert 1% of equity, 1% of product, 1% of profit, and 1% of employee time to charitable causes, and have stuck to the pledge and made a significant impact in the process.
Rachel rounded out the short but powerful visit with an overview of Atlassian’s structure and operations, and most importantly their culture and mission.

The cohort were impressed by the emphasis on team-work and putting the customer at the centre of all decisions and activities, and the no nonsense, plain English and easy to interpret values that underpin all interactions at all levels.

Lunch followed, during which Alison Covington of Good360 Australia shared her personal story of a start up with a difference, which solves the problem of excess product for Australia’s retail industry. Inspired by a desire to do better, Alison encouraged the cohort to lead authentically and with vulnerability, and not be afraid to ask for help, as this is what allows her and her team at Good360 to achieve more on a limited budget.

After lunch the mood changed considerably, with a visit to NSW Parliament House, beginning with Question Time.  With QT running a little late, the cohort were present to see a vote on one of the amendments to the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill 2019, which was ultimately passed by the Lower House much later that evening. QT itself was political theatrics at its finest, and quite the eye opener for anyone having not experienced it before.
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Ryan Park, Member for Keira, and Gareth Ward, Member for Kiama then hosted afternoon tea in the Speakers Dining room which was a privilege and once in a lifetime experience for the LIP, joined by Paul Scully, Member for Wollongong and Anna Watson, Member for Shellharbour.  It was a far cry from Question Time, when the members shared their mutual respect for each other as well as joint commitment for their constituents and love for the Illawarra.