The Y appoints inaugural National Director of Advocacy and Public Policy

The Y in Australia (formerly the YMCA) has announced the appointment of Jarrod Dobson as its inaugural National Director of Advocacy and Public Policy.

Most recently Chief of Staff to former Victorian Minister, Jaala Pulford, Dobson was the Minister’s principal policy adviser across diverse portfolios including Employment, Innovation, Regional Development, Small Business and Roads.

Dobson brings more than 20 years of experience in government, policy reform, strategy and delivery, across a range of policy areas. In recent years he led Minister Pulford’s team on the Victorian Government’s COVID response, delivering a $619 million employment program, developing a major economic stimulus program and supporting small businesses to reopen safely.

Dobson has also overseen state-wide community engagement programs that have enabled thousands of regional Victorians to have their say, and supported communities amidst crisis, with the development of crisis relief support.

Announcing the appointment, The Y’s National Chief Executive, Tal Karp started “Jarrod brings extensive experience in advocacy, government and public administration, strategic nous, and proven strength in people leadership, to the inaugural role of National Director.

“Our new National Advocacy, Public Policy and Research function provides the mechanism to harness our deep knowledge ‘in’ the system, to work ‘on’ the system - to enable the Y to collectively step up, speak out, and shape a better world with and for young people. We are more than excited to have Jarrod’s expertise and energy on board in building what promises to be a game-changing function for the Y, the young people and the communities we serve.”

Looking forward to his new position, Dobson (pictured) stated “it’s an organisation bursting with potential, working with communities in every corner of the land.

“With this new role, I’m committed to help turn up the voices of young people in the national conversation, to influence governments and to deliver wins that make a real difference to our communities.”