John Mickel

John Mickel is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Justice at QUT, where he brings a unique blend of academic expertise and extensive real-world political experience. With a career spanning education, politics, and research, John is passionate about helping students and the public better understand the workings of government and the impact of political decisions on everyday life.

John holds a Bachelor of Teaching from Griffith University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Educational Studies, and Master of Literary Studies from the University of Queensland. He is currently completing his PhD at QUT, with his thesis submitted for examination.

Before stepping into political life, John worked as a schoolteacher, political advisor, and part-time tutor and lecturer at QUT. He has also been a guest lecturer at Bond University and Griffith University, sharing his expertise on topics such as Australian politics, international governance, and public administration.

From 1998 to 2012, John represented the electorate of Logan as a State Member in the Queensland Parliament. Between 2004 and 2009, he served as a Minister in the Beattie and Bligh Governments, overseeing several key portfolios. He went on to serve as Speaker of the Queensland Legislative Assembly from 2009 to 2012, gaining firsthand experience in parliamentary leadership and governance.

At QUT, John focuses on election commentary and political analysis, offering expert insights into electoral trends and outcomes across local, state, and federal levels. He frequently appears as a commentator on current affairs and is passionate about making political processes clearer and more accessible to students and the wider community.

John has published research in collaboration with leading scholars such as Professor John Wanna and Dr Neal Ryan, contributing to national discussions on governance, public leadership, and political practice. Outside of his professional work, John enjoys travel, photography, reading, and keeping active.