Professor Libby Hackett, inaugural CEO of the Australian Public Policy Institute, has announced her intention to step down from the role next month. This follows her appointment as CEO of The Russell Group, an association of the UK’s leading research universities, equivalent to Australia’s Group of Eight.
Since 2021, Professor Hackett has led the establishment and significant expansion of the organisation, strengthening the Institute’s partnerships with the New South Wales and Commonwealth Governments, expanding its university partnerships, and successfully spearheading the institution’s 2030 Strategic Plan. Over the last four years, the Institute has undertaken over 50 policy projects for government, provided nearly 40 Policy Challenge Grants and Fellowships totalling over $2 million in direct funding, and offered learning opportunities to over 2,000 policymakers and academics.
“I’m honoured to have led the Australian Public Policy Institute since its inception. Working with an outstanding Board of Directors, alongside our government and university partners, I am deeply proud of our collective achievements across a wide range of key policy areas. Through a unique joint-venture, we have created an enduring policy institute for Australia that straddles government and universities to address our most pressing public policy challenges,” Professor Hackett said.
“The mission of APPI to bolster expert-informed public policy has never been more important, in Australia and around the world. While I will greatly miss working with APPI partners and colleagues, I look forward to returning to the UK – and my professional roots – to continue strengthening the impact of university research and education for the public good,” she added.
The Chair of the Board, Peter Varghese AO, remarked: “Libby has done an exceptional job leading the Australian Public Policy Institute and creating lasting programs to support evidence-based policymaking. Under her direction, APPI has achieved substantial success and is well-positioned for future growth. The Board congratulates her on this appointment, for which she is exceptionally well qualified.”
Professor Hackett will commence her new role in May. The Board will be supported by Boyden Australia in the appointment of the next CEO of the Australian Public Policy Institute. An Interim CEO will be announced in the coming weeks.
