The Australian Public Policy Institute has welcomed The Hon. Linda Burney and Professor Michael Wesley to its Board of Directors, with Amy Persson appointed Deputy Chair.
The Hon. Linda Burney brings extensive experience in education, public administration and government leadership. A Wiradjuri woman, she was first elected to the NSW Parliament in 2003 as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Canterbury, then became Deputy Leader of the Opposition and held several shadow portfolios. She was elected the federal representative for Barton in 2016 and was appointed the Australian Minister for Indigenous Australians in 2022, becoming the first First Nations woman to serve in Federal Cabinet. Before her parliamentary career, Ms Burney worked as a teacher in Western Sydney and later served as President of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.
With my experience in politics and the education sector, I look forward to contributing to the Australian Public Policy Institute's work. Education and research play powerful roles in our society, and evidence-informed public policy is needed now more than ever.
The Hon. Linda Burney
Professor Michael Wesley is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) and Professor of Politics at the University of Melbourne. With extensive experience in higher education and government, Professor Wesley previously served as Dean of the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University and as Director of the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at ANU. Earlier in his career, Professor Wesley was Executive Director of the Lowy Institute for International Policy, Director of the Griffith Asia Institute at Griffith University, and Assistant Director-General for Transnational Issues at the Office of National Assessments.
Greater collaboration between governments and universities is critical to meet current and future challenges. I look forward to contributing to the Australian Public Policy Institute’s mission to inform robust, evidence-based public policy and strengthen public sector capabilities.
Professor Michael Wesley
Ms Burney will serve as a Government-appointed Director, replacing Jillian Kilby. Professor Wesley is a University-appointed Director, replacing Prof. the Hon. Verity Firth AM. Amy Persson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Social Justice and Inclusion) at the University of Technology Sydney, has been appointed Deputy Chair of the Board, a role previously held by Prof. Firth.
