A University of Queensland student has been awarded a scholarship to study American politics up close and personal at the US national Democratic convention in Denver this week.
Ewan Filmer, a Master of Public Policy and Governance Student in the University's School of Political Science and International Studies, departed Brisbane last week to attend the U.S. political conventions.
He was assisted by the US Consulate General in Sydney and UQ's School of Political Science and International Studies, who through a competitive application process, provided Mr Filmer with a scholarship to attend either the Democratic or Republican national conventions.
Having chosen to attend the US Democratic National convention, Mr Filmer is currently in Denver rubbing shoulders with US presidential hopeful Barack Obama and former US President Bill Clinton.
As part of the scholarship, Mr Filmer has been participating in thought-provoking, politically-tailored seminars in the lead-up to the convention and has also had the opportunity to undertake fieldwork.
He undertook fieldwork in a secure part of the convention where he was unable to speak with the media. With this task completed, he is free to provide his views and insights into the US elections.
Mr Filmer is a manager at Rockhampton Regional Council and has over 25 years of local government experience across Queensland Councils.
The Head of UQ's School of Political Science and International Studies, Associate Professor Gillian Whitehouse, said the School was delighted that such a dedicated student had received an incredible opportunity to be involved and gain hands on experience at such a significant event.
"We are also very grateful to the US Consulate General in Sydney for generously providing an opportunity for a student from the School to attend such an historic event,” she said.
With the Democratic national convention now underway in Denver, Mr Filmer has had the opportunity to listen to speeches by Teddy Kennedy, Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton.
As part of his Scholarship, Mr Filmer will deliver a presentation to his fellow students at UQ about his time at the Democratic national Convention and has already posted a number of blogs as part of his Lobby, Communications and Public Affairs course.
Mr Filmer is happy to speak with the Australian media at the conference, with one media outlet already hoping to do a live cross to him at the Democratic Convention.
Media contact: Ewan Filmer (+ 0408 150 539) or Naomi Smith (0407 399 124) UQ School of Political Science and International Studies.
