Barry O'Farrell appointed to advise on India
Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Scott welcomes Barry O'Farrell AO to the University of Sydney
In this role, Mr O’Farrell will support Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, in matters relevant to the University’s education, research and diplomatic endeavours with India, the sub-continent and more broadly.
“In line with the Federal Government’s Education Strategy for India and our own Sydney in 2032 Strategy, the University's ties with India have gone from strength to strength in 2023,” said Professor Scott.
As Australia’s most recent high commissioner to India, Mr O’Farrell brings a unique perspective to the University. I’ve no doubt the insights and intelligence he can offer us will only strengthen our bilateral ties.
“In 2023 we have more students from India than ever before, supported by scholarships such as our Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship. Our research ties are also deepening. Last week we launched our Australia-India R&D Priority Roadmap, which will see researchers from both countries work together to find practical ways to decarbonise our respective energy sectors. The roadmap is just one of a suite of research collaborations which see our two countries work together to tackle the world’s biggest challenges.
“As Australia’s most recent high commissioner to India, Mr O’Farrell brings a unique perspective to the University. I’ve no doubt the insights and intelligence he can offer us will only strengthen our bilateral ties.”
“This is India’s century, and no sector offers greater promise for both Australia and India than education,” said Mr O’Farrell. “Australia can play a key role in helping India meet its 2035 target to get 50 percent of young Indians into higher or vocational education by 2035.
“I’m excited to be working with the Vice-Chancellor to help the University expand its offering to students and research partners in India.”
Australia can play a key role in helping India meet its 2035 target to get 50 percent of young Indians into higher or vocational education by 2035.
Mr O’Farrell was Australia’s High Commissioner to India from early 2020 until June this year. Prior to this he was a member of the New South Wales Parliament for 16 years, serving as the state’s premier from 2011 until 2014.
Both he and Professor Scott have met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this year.
