Andra Putnis
Social Policy Lead, Equity Economics and Development Partners
Andra is a writer, researcher and policy analyst, currently working as Social Policy Lead at Equity Economics and Development Partners. She has extensive experience writing and researching on key social challenges facing Australia, including on 'place' as a driver of identity and opportunity in health, education and employment, and working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led policy, service delivery and community development.
Andra has also worked at senior levels of the Commonwealth Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Health and Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. She is currently finalising a Masters of Culture, Health and Medicine at the Australian National University specialising in qualitative research methods and storytelling.
Her conference session will draw on recent work on how place-based approaches are critical to addressing Australia’s policy challenges and the important role of the adult and community education sector: Where are we? Place-based Approaches to Tackling Community Challenges in Australia.