Policy Forum Pod

On this week’s Policy Forum Pod, we take a look at the hopes and headwinds in Timor-Leste’s under new Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak – from personality politics and gender inequality, to an economy that’s on the brink of a 'fiscal cliff'. Despite being one of Australia’s closest neighbours, Timor-Leste doesn’t usually get too much attention from mainstream media. But you might see it in the news this week, and that’s because after months of political stalemate and election manoeuvring, it has a new Prime Minister – Taur Matan Ruak. On the latest podcast, hosts Martyn Pearce and Sharon Bessel ask experts Sue Ingram, Michael Leach and Sara Niner whether the new government can steer the country away from the turbulence of the past, or whether political, economic and social headwinds could once again blow it off course. Listen here: Dr Sue Ingram is an Honorary Senior Policy Fellow at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific. She has wide experience in public policy, peacebuilding and international development, in