Leigh Heaney is a public affairs and government relations specialist who provides the SEC with extensive experience in Government and the political process.

Leigh delivers advice on evolving issues and trends at a national level, bringing a strong understanding of government and parliamentary processes and procedures, as well as a strong policy background and skills in negotiation and communication.

Leigh joined the Smart Energy Council from Transport for New South Wales where he managed a large program of road asset transfer projects. Prior to that he spent more than a decade working as chief of staff to the Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite in both the House of Representatives and the Senate working in Government in the portfolios of Pacific Island Affairs, Multicultural Affairs, Infrastructure and Transport and in opposition in the portfolios of Treasury, Financial Services, the Republic, Foreign Affairs and Immigration. Previously he had also held Industrial and Executive positions at the RTBU and the AWU.