Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM
Chancellor of Macquarie University
Former Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM, was elected as the seventh Chancellor of Macquarie University on 24 October 2019.
Dr Parkinson was the nation’s chief economic adviser and one of its most respected senior public servants for nearly four decades, retiring from his role as Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet at the end of August 2019.
He was made a Companion in the Order of Australia in 2017 “for eminent service to the Australian community through leadership in public sector roles, to innovative government administration and high-level program delivery, to the development of economic policy, and to climate change strategy”. He was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2008 for his contribution to the nation through the development of economic policy.
Dr Parkinson brings a deep understanding of the role Australia can play in a rapidly changing world and has a strong interest in how Macquarie, along with all universities, has a key responsibility in securing a bright future for our nation.
University Profile
A place of inspiration and connection
Macquarie University is uniquely located in the heart of Australia’s largest business technology precinct. Macquarie Park Innovation District is a thriving hub that is predicted to double in size in the next 20 years to become the fourth largest CBD in Australia. Macquarie has 3000 corporate and business partnerships involved in student learning. We are collaborating with progressive local businesses, start-ups, as well as leading organisations around the world including Cochlear Ltd, Optus and National Australia Bank.
Macquarie’s park-like campus spans 126 hectares, offering open green space and the freedom to think and grow. The University is home to world-class facilities, including Australia’s only University-owned and operated integrated Academic Health Sciences Centre and private teaching hospital. It has excellent transport links to the city and suburbs, and an on-campus metro station.
Renowned for excellence
Founded just over 55 years ago, Macquarie is a progressive and influential institution both locally and internationally. Macquarie is ranked among the top one per cent of universities in the world, and with a 5-star QS rating, it is renowned for producing graduates that are among the most sought-after professionals in the world. Macquarie is an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.
A proud tradition of discovery
Macquarie University has an enviable research reputation – with 100 per cent of the University’s research ranked at world standard or higher. We take pride in having some of the world’s most highly cited researchers on staff and many more rising stars. Our research renown has global significance and is making undeniable public impact to people, places and communities.
Building successful graduates
Our pioneering approach to teaching and learning is built around a connected learning community, where students are considered partners and co-creators in their learning experience. Face-to-face learning is paired with sophisticated, flexible and interactive digital resources, while courses are linked to the latest research discoveries and dynamic industry content.
To find out more, visit the Macquarie University website mq.edu.au
Governance
Macquarie University Council
Macquarie University is a statutory authority, created under the Macquarie University Act 1989 (NSW) (as amended). The University Council is the governing body of the University. Under Part 4 of the Act, the Council acts for and on behalf of the University in the manner best calculated to promote the objects and interests of the University.
The University Council comprises 14 members who contribute a blend of commercial, governance, legal, academic, administrative and public sector expertise to the business and operation of the Council. Members are elected or appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Macquarie University Act 1989 (NSW) and the Macquarie University By-Law 2005 (NSW).
Membership of Macquarie University’s Council is as follows:
Ex-Officio Members
Dr Michael Parkinson AC PSM – Chancellor (to 24 October 2023)
Professor S Bruce Dowton MD – Vice-Chancellor (to 1 September 2024)
Professor Mariella Herberstein – Chair of Academic Senate (to 30 June 2021)
Appointed Members – Ministerial
The Hon. Patricia Forsythe (to 31 December 2020)
Ms Louise Mason – Deputy Chancellor (to 31 December 2020)
Mr Michael Book (to 10 November 2023)
Appointed Members – Council
Mr Chum Darvall AM – Graduate (to 31 December 2020)
Mr John Wigglesworth – Graduate (to 28 February 2023)
Mr Frank Zipfinger – Graduate (to 28 February 2023)
Ms Jingmin Qian (to 28 February 2023)
Ms Deborah Hadwen (to 29 February 2024)
Elected Members
Professor Catherine Dean – Academic Staff (to 31 December 2022)
Dr Wylie Bradford – Academic Staff (to 31 December 2022)
Dr Evianne Grosvenor – Non-Academic Staff (to 31 December 2020)
Mr Alexander Hablutzel – Student (to 31 May 2021)
Other Governing Bodies
Other Governing bodies within the University include:
Audit and Risk Committee
Chair – Mr Frank Zipfinger
Finance and Facilities Committee
Chair – Mr Chum Darvall AM
Student Experience Committee
Chair – Ms Jingmin Qian
Honorary Awards Committee
Chair – Dr Michael Parkinson AC PSM, Chancellor
Nominations and Remunerations Committee
Chair – Dr Michael Parkinson AC PSM, Chancellor