Madeleine Cusack

Name: Madeleine Cusack
Age: 27
Born: Australia
Lived in Scotland: since May 2007

"In March 2006 the previous First Minister, Hon Jack McConnell, and the Premier of Victoria (the State of Australia) announced the establishment of a Sister State relationship between Victoria and Scotland.  I am the first policy officer to participate in a two-year secondment between the two governments, but certainly not the first Australian to work for the Scottish Government! In fact, I have met many. While there are many obvious differences between the two locations – the weather, the history, the hemisphere – there are also similarities. Victoria, like Scotland, has roughly 5 million people and has a government system derived from the Westminster model.

"There are many valuable lessons to be gained through inter-government secondments and I am keen to learn new ways of conducting the 'business' of government.

"Working in the Climate Change Division is of particular relevance for me as the Victorian Government created an Office of Climate Change in 2006 and is facing similar governance issues, if not likely impacts.

"Several similar secondments have been arranged between my home department and Whitehall departments. However, having visited Scotland as a tourist, I was keen to break the trend and strengthen links with the Scottish Government.

"There is a lot to be said for living in Edinburgh. Coming from Melbourne, a city of 4 million, Edinburgh IS conveniently small. The city is small enough that you can get to most places on foot (or a short bus ride) and yet attracts international standard festivals, has wonderful museums and galleries and plenty of places to go out. And if you tire of the city, it is really easy to get out to the surrounding beautiful countryside. While I haven't seen much of the far north yet, the little I have seen is truly breathtaking.

"I am thoroughly enjoying my time in Edinburgh. However, I wouldn't mind a little more sunshine. I've never seen so many variations on the theme of 'wet' before moving here, and its only summer!"