Tom Calma appointed to University Senate
Professor Tom Calma is joining the University of Sydney Senate as a ministerially appointed external fellow.
The University of Sydney welcomes Professor Tom Calma AO as the newest member of its Senate, appointed by the NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education as an external fellow. Professor Calma is appointed for a four-year term, commencing this month.
A Kungarakan elder and member of the Iwaidja people, Professor Calma has spent his career advocating for human rights and social justice, and has extensive experience in public service as well as the education and higher education sectors.
The University community is fortunate to continue to benefit from Tom’s significant and wide-ranging work in social justice and Indigenous affairs – and his invaluable insights into higher education.
Chancellor, Belinda Hutchinson AC, said she was delighted by the appointment and pleased to be able to formally welcome Professor Calma in person at Senate’s next meeting on 28 June, which will be her final as Chancellor after more than a decade in the role.
“Tom is a long-standing friend of the University of Sydney, notably through his vital work with our Poche Centre for Indigenous Health,” Ms Hutchinson said. “The University community is fortunate to continue to benefit from Tom’s significant and wide-ranging work in social justice and Indigenous affairs – and his invaluable insights into higher education, not least stemming from his 10 year tenure as Chancellor of the University of Canberra.”
Incoming Chancellor, David Thodey AO, FTSE also welcomed the appointment, noting Professor Calma’s deep experience and expertise.
“I look forward to working closely with Tom and all members of Senate as we support the University to achieve its aims: research that tackles the world’s greatest challenges, education that is transformative, and an abiding commitment to promoting equity, cultural diversity and inclusion,” Mr Thodey said.
Professor Calma’s appointment follows renowned investigative journalist and alumna Kate McClymont stepping down as an external fellow after a decade of service at the end of 2023. Lisa McIntyre has since moved into that role, from her previous role as a ministerially appointed fellow.
“We thank Kate for her dedicated and passionate support of the University, conducted on a voluntary basis over 10 years,” said Ms Hutchinson. “It has been a pleasure working with her to bolster the future of the University and its operations, and to see it thrive as it continually pursued its ambition of research and educational excellence.”
The University of Sydney Senate approves the mission and strategic direction of the University, and is responsible for staff appointments and welfare, student welfare and discipline, financial matters and the physical and academic development of the University. It also awards all degrees and diplomas and is responsible to the Parliament of NSW.
