SECRETARY

Our Q and A with the candidates for 2018 LSS Secretary

​What does the Secretary bring to the character and functioning of the LSS? Why are you suitable for the role?

​Ben Henry
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Although the core role of the Secretary is to manage the administration of the LSS, it provides so much more. The Secretary has the responsibility to provide representation and advocacy for all student concerns. This facilitative element complements the function of year level representatives in maintaining a dialogue between the LSS, the cohort, and faculty.

So why me? I pride myself on my organisation and sociability; two vital parts of a good Secretary. I also have a ton of experience from my involvement in a number of student societies including the LSS, GLSA, and OSS. Above all else I have a real love for the work of the LSS.

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Alli Berry

The Secretary plays a pivotal role in the LSS. They’re the administrative backbone of the organisation, and are responsible for keeping everything running smoothly. As part of the leadership team, they also work alongside the likes of the President, and are thus capable of having an influence on the decisions made at the highest level of the LSS.

As to suitability, I’m the administration manager of a boutique law firm, where I manage the entire administrative workload. I’m therefore extremely familiar with the type of work the Secretary undertakes, as well as its magnitude. Most importantly, I’m extremely passionate about everything I do, and would be sure to give the role my absolute all.

Anna Tupicoff

Planning, scheduling, emailing, strategising, staying abreast of every detail – leave it to the Secretary! This role is a fundamental cog in the LSS machine, requiring a high-level of organisation and administrative management, as well as the ability to support all portfolios at any given moment.

I know this – not having been in the LSS before – but because prior to starting at MLS this year, I spent a few years as a Production Secretary on loads of TV productions around Melbourne, coordinating hundreds of cast, crew and schedules.
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I would be stoked to bring my experience to the Secretary role and to the LSS more generally

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If successful, what do you most hope to achieve, and do differently, in your term as Secretary?

​Ben Henry

My experience at MLS has been overwhelmingly positive largely because of the support and engagement of the LSS. That said, I believe the LSS still has so much room for growth. Key to this is making the LSS more transparent, communicative and inclusive. I believe students feel their voice isn’t being fully heard by the LSS and I am determined to end that. I have a great vision for the future of the LSS and I believe that as Secretary we could see this become a reality.

Building on the amazing work of my predecessor Ruveena, my greatest hope would be to evolve the role of Secretary to become more engaged with giving students a voice on the LSS. Secretary has so much potential to improve student experiences and bring our cohort together. I want to be a Secretary for change.

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Alli Berry

​Anyone aware of my campaign will know I stand for diversity and inclusion, not just in terms of race and gender, but also class and background. Melbourne Law School and its LSS are world-class legal institutions, and as such carry a certain stigma which I hope to break through. Coming from a humble background, I know how difficult the law school environment can be for those who don’t fit the stereotype. I hope to demonstrate that all MLS students can have an impact, regardless of where they have come from. I would also like to put forth suggestions as to how the experience can be improved for those who live far from campus or need to work throughout their degree. These are issues I have personally experienced during first year.

Anna Tupicoff

​I’m the first to admit that I have some amazing and hugely competent shoes to fill by the outgoing Secretary, Ruveena – since first arriving at MLS, I’ve really admired her passion and dedication to the role, and I want to continue this legacy.

Central to the Secretary position is to organise and promote the Co-Op appointments and the General Elections, but I want to see a more diverse range of candidates run for positions, and not just those who have previously been on the LSS or those who were born to shine!

This can be done by making the roles of LSS Directors more accessible and understood by fellow students, like snapshots of the role of each portfolio in a ‘week-in-the-life’ video, and removing any stigma of a cliquish-LSS.
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MLS comprises such diverse perspectives, so it’s my aim to get these perspectives represented!

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Don't forget to Vote! Unlike Malc's stupid postal survey your vote will actually impact the result! The voting form is live now HERE

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