By Saffron Geyle
The ANUSA election season has come to an end, with Leila Clarke securing the position of ANUSA President 2027. Heading the impact. ticket, Clarke has served as ANUSA’s Welfare Officer for 2026, notably expanding the Union Pantry in her role this year. With Clarke’s elected presidency, she brings policies and promises to students’ future.
impact. has run an extensive campaign this year, with their key policies being to “unfuck student hubs”, provide students with $5 meals, and to hold “one big gig on campus every single term”. They have previously stated that they are confident in being the “only ticket with the expertise required to continue to expand campus social offerings in a meaningful way”.
So what can we expect in 2027? impact. has campaigned several policies, promising to bring large scale changes for students into next year.
In her President Policy, Clarke promises $5 meals for students on campus, which she believes will deliver “a really meaningful form of cost of living support”. She also states that she will work with newly elected Vice-President, Flynn Wade-Schneiders, to “provide free ramen noodles in the BKSS as a quick and easy dinner option for students”.
Another key policy that Clarke will be introducing is to “unfuck student hubs”, an initiative promising to improve the current ANU Student Hub. Clarke states that “students face long wait times, inconsistent and incorrect advice, and a system that often makes it harder to get the help you need”. Notably, Clarke also promises to increase university accountability when it comes to staff providing incorrect information or advice to students.
Clarke has also promised to work with elected Clubs Officer, Phoebe Bourke, to “deliver a massive student gig every single term to bring students together, build campus culture and support local bands and artists at ANU”. Clarke states that impact. is “committed to bringing community back to campus and creating events for all students, whether you live in a residential hall, live off campus, or are a part of the wider ANU community”.
Clarke has also been vocal in advocating for its SASH policy, which will ensure delivering disclosure training for all ANUSA representatives, building stronger reporting and support frameworks, and fighting for greater transparency in ANU disclosure processes. Notably, impact. claimed to be the “only ticket” advocating for improved SASH disclosure procedures strongly.
While this season of ANUSA elections has brought controversies and camaraderie, it has now come to an end. Congratulations to Leila Clarke and impact., and all candidates who ran in the 2026 ANUSA elections.
More to come as we follow whether Clarke and impact. can rise to the occasion and action their policies.
Graphics by Anushkaa Ahuja
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