John Mickel

John Mickel serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Justice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), bringing extensive real-world political experience to his academic role. His career uniquely bridges academia, politics, and public commentary, with a focus on making political processes accessible to students and the wider community.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Teaching from Griffith University
• Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland
• Bachelor of Educational Studies from the University of Queensland
• Master of Literary Studies from the University of Queensland
• PhD (submitted for examination) at Queensland University of Technology

Mickel's research interests center on Australian political systems, with particular expertise in Queensland politics, electoral processes, governance structures, and political leadership. His work often examines the intersection of political theory and practical governance, especially analyzing how electoral systems shape political outcomes and leadership styles. He frequently provides expert commentary on election results and political trends at local, state, and federal levels in Australia.

Mickel has published research in collaboration with leading scholars including Professor John Wanna and Dr. Neal Ryan, contributing to national discussions on governance and political practice. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in analyzing political documentaries and historical political figures, particularly focusing on the Bjelke-Petersen era in Queensland politics.

With significant experience as a political practitioner, Mickel has served as a State Member in the Queensland Parliament representing Logan from 1998 to 2012. During this time, he held ministerial positions in the Beattie and Bligh Governments from 2004 to 2009, and served as Speaker of the Queensland Legislative Assembly from 2009 to 2012. Before entering politics, he worked as a schoolteacher, political advisor, and part-time tutor and lecturer at QUT, and has also been a guest lecturer at Bond University and Griffith University.