Charles Darwin University
A truly unique institution.
With our home and our heart in the Northern Territory, we embrace the inclusive, resilient, and courageous spirit of the NT in our campuses and delivery sites. Our footprint is diverse - from the capital cities of Darwin, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney to the regional hubs of Alice Springs, Palmerston and Katherine and our remote locations in Jabiru, Tennant Creek and Yulara, and on Country – in community, with the community.
Our multi-campus, dual-sector status, virtual and online expertise, course profile, research activities, delivery methods, and operations result from our commitment to the regions in which we operate.
The Northern Territory spans approximately one-sixth of Australia’s landmass but is home to just one per cent of the population, of whom 30 per cent are First Nations Peoples.
Our location puts us in an important and enviable position to contribute to the future prosperity of Northern Australia and in the Asia Pacific through our innovative and impactful training, education, and research.
The University’s Strategic Plan guides our priorities and the development of our university over the next five years. It provides us a very clear road map to building a bigger, better and stronger university, valuing and empowering our people to make a difference.
CDU believes in the transformative power of training, education and research to change people’s lives for the better. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that our training, education and research are both high quality and delivered by outstanding educators and researchers and accessible and meaningful. What we do matters to our communities.
We are a deeply connected university, working in partnership and collaboration with First Nations peoples, our communities and industries, government, and alumni to address the needs of the Northern Territory and regional, rural, and remote people nationally and globally.
We are committed to contributing to and expanding the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the NT and Northern Australia and to exporting our expertise nationally and globally.
Governance at
Charles Darwin University
Governance at CDU provides support to the University Council, the Vice-Chancellor, the Senior Executives, and the operational areas across the University.
The Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Attestation was approved by the University Council on 26-November 2024. You can view the full statement on the CDU Governance website.
The Hon Paul Henderson AO
Chancellor of Charles Darwin University
Early years: Paul Henderson was born in Croix-Chapeau, France, where his father was serving with the United States military. He was educated in the United Kingdom and studied marine engineering through the City and Guilds of London Institute. He worked as an apprentice marine fitter in Southampton before emigrating to Australia in 1982, where he worked as an underground fitter at the zinc mines in Rosebery, Tasmania. He moved to Darwin in the Northern Territory in 1983, working as a marine fitter. In 1985 he began working for the Northern Territory Government as a computer operator, later becoming IT Operations Manager for the Health Department.
Member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly: Mr Henderson was elected to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly in August 1999, representing the Darwin-based electorate of Wanguri. From 2001 – 2007, he was a senior Government Minister responsible for many portfolios including Education and Training, Business, Asian Relations and Trade, and Regional Development.
Northern Territory Chief Minister: Mr Henderson was elected unopposed as Parliamentary Leader of the Labor Party and Chief Minister of the Northern Territory in 2007 and held those posts until August 2012. As Chief Minister he dealt with a range of issues and challenges and helped guide the Northern Territory on the path to sustainable economic growth. His Government delivered the $34 billion lchthys LNG project for Darwin, the second largest investment in Australia’s history and the largest investment by any Japanese company outside of Japan.
Recognising that economic prosperity must be translated into social benefits, Mr Henderson is committed to the development of Northern Australia. He is equally focused on forging closer economic, social and cultural ties to our Asian neighbours and retains close relations with many leaders across South-East Asia.
As Chief Minister he was instrumental in establishing both the NT Medical Program and the North Australian Centre for Oil & Gas at CDU.
Post political career: Since retiring from politics in January 2013, Mr Henderson has co-founded and been Managing Partner of a Darwin-based consultancy focusing on business development and project facilitation.
Family: Married to Stacey for 30 years with 3 children Alasdair, Liam and Isabel.
Honours:
On 26 June 2013, granted the title "The Honourable" for life by the Governor-General.
Made an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2019 Australia Day Honours list for his contribution to the Northern Territory.
Appointed Chancellor of Charles Darwin University in February 2019 and inducted to the position in March 2019.
The University Council
The Council, comprising 15 members, is the principal governing body of the University. It is established under the Charles Darwin University Act 2003, led by the Chancellor and a Deputy Chancellor (elected by the Council members).
The Council is responsible for the governance of the University, acts in its best interest, drives performance through strategy and stewardship, provides overall strategic guidance, and oversees senior management in carrying out that strategic direction.
The University Secretary provides executive support for the Council. Any questions concerning the Council or the information on this site should be directed to governance@cdu.edu.au.
Council Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: The Hon. Paul Henderson AO (to 30 June 2025)
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Scott Bowman AO
Chair of Academic Board: Professor Louise King (to 31 December 2026)
Appointed Members (State Administrator)
Mr Ken Davies PSM (to 29 June 2025)
Mr Dick Guit OAM (to 27 June 2026)
Mr Craig Graham (to 30 July 2026)
Mr Mark Munnich (to 26 February 2027)
Emeritus Professor Charles Webb (to 17 February 2025)
Dr Ruth Schubert (to 17 February 2025)
VACANT
VACANT
Elected Members
Academic Staff (HE): Associate Professor Jon Mason (to 31 December 2026)
Academic Staff (VET): Mr Raymond Simpson (to 31 December 2026)
Postgraduate Student: Mr Maged Mohamed (to 31 December 2025)
Undergraduate Student: Mr Mir Asif Hossain (to 31 December 2025)