The Regional Universities Network (RUN) welcomes the appointment of Professor Tom Calma AO and the Hon Fiona Nash to the roles of Commissioners of the interim Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC).
RUN Chief Executive Officer Alec Webb said both Professor Calma and Ms Nash are highly respected leaders who bring a wealth of diverse experience to each of their roles.
“Throughout each of their careers, Commissioners Calma and Nash have proven to be tireless champions for a robust and resilient education system that benefits all Australians, regardless of background or geography.
“Their incredible respective skill sets and career experiences make Professor Calma and Ms Nash highly effective choices as Commissioners to the interim ATEC,” said Mr Webb.
As the new acting First Nations Commissioner, Professor Calma brings decades of leadership in human rights, social justice, and higher education to the role, including as a former Chancellor of the University of Canberra and as a Professor of Practice (Indigenous Engagement) at the University of Sydney.
As Australia’s current Regional Education Commissioner, a member of the Australian Universities Accord expert panel, and a former Senator and Commonwealth Minister, Ms Nash brings deep expertise and bipartisan support to her new role.
“RUN commends the Government for appointing Professor Calma and Ms Nash to these important roles during a pivotal time for higher education reform as the legislation for the ATEC’s establishment currently sits before Parliament.
“RUN looks forward to working alongside Professor Calma, Ms Nash, and the Government to ensure the workings of the ATEC, and thereby the outcomes of the Accord, are implemented to the benefit of all Australians,” Mr Webb said.
For media enquiries:
Alec Webb, Chief Executive Officer, 0408 482 736