2025 was the year of advocacy.
The student population was out in full force, protest attendance was at an all-time high, and there was palpable outrage in the air.
However, within the anger, it cannot be understated that some seemingly positive change did occur. With the rollback of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) changes, as well as the School of Music and the National Dictionary Centre staying open, the role of advocates in our community continues to be invaluable.
One such advocate was Thomas Emerson, MLA. As a member of the ACT Legislative Assembly, his seat of Kurrajong encompassed the ANU campus. As such, many issues that students faced were issues that were his duty to voice.
But who is he? You may have seen him walking around campus, you may have seen him on social media, or have heard of his movement studio, Praksis. However, Mr Emerson has been a long-time community advocate.
Observer sat down with Mr Emerson to discuss his political journey from former ANU student to member of the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Read the article here: https://anu-observer.org/2026/03/05/thomas-emerson-an-advocate-for-all/