3 December, 2020

E102 – Clare O’Neil MP, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Technology and the Future of Work

In this episode, Phaedon is joined by Clare O’Neil MP, the Shadow Minister for Innovation, Technology and the Future of Work and Federal Member for Hotham, Victoria. We don’t often feature politicians on the podcast but we believe that it is important to understand the view of government and how government policies impact the startup ecosystem. Clare speaks with candor and openness on the changes she wants to see in the future of politics.
To start, Clare talks about her background, including her path to politics (starting when she joined the Labour party at 16!), what it was like growing up with entrepreneurial book publishing parents and how her experience working in the private sector shapes her outlook as the Shadow Minister for Innovation, Technology and the Future of Work. She also shares her views on the role of government and her advice for anyone considering a career in politics.
After Clare covers her personal journey, the conversation shifts to the startup ecosystem. Phaedon and Clare discuss:

• Clare’s ideas for nurturing the startup ecosystem, such as a more strategic approach to technology from government, amendments to the R&D Tax Incentive Program, and improved immigration and education programs to attract and nurture essential tech skills
• How to amp up Australian angel investing
• Whether the attitude towards failure is changing in Australia

Quickfire Round Recommendations

• Book: The New Class War by Michael Lind
• Podcast: Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin
• News Source: New York Times
• Holiday Location: South Coast NSW
• Favorite Founder/CEO: Didier Elzinga(Culture Amp)
• Productivity Tool: Trello
• TedTalk Topic: Why We Care About Our Children but Don’t Give Them a Voice in Society

Check out The Long View, Clare’s podcast and her book Two Futures.