Theory & Practice is a boutique consultancy providing a range of research services for Commonwealth, State & local government authorities and community organisations.

Principal Researcher and sociologist Louise McCarthy has extensive experience in social and cultural research in academia and across the public and private sectors in New South Wales. A Social Sciences graduate of the University of Technology Sydney, Louise has conducted social planning and community consultation for Sydney metropolitan councils since the mid 1990's.

A former Ministerial speechwriter with over 15 years experience in front line service delivery in family & children's services and vocational education & training, Louise has strong and credible networks across all facets of Commonwealth, State and local government. A talented communicator with a solid grounding in qualitative research methods, Louise is able to engage at ease with a diverse array of project stakeholders.