Macquarie University

A university powered by human collaboration + innovation.

Macquarie University is ranked among the top one per cent of universities in the world. Since its foundation nearly 60 years ago, it has aspired to be a different type of university – one focused on fostering collaboration between students, academics, industry and society. As a collective, the University is advancing world-class theoretical thinking and translating it into real-world solutions.

Macquarie has an enviable reputation for research excellence and is proud to be consistently ranked as a leading university across the globe: 100 per cent of its research is rated at world standard or above; it’s ranked among the top 10 universities in Australia in many research disciplines; and three of its subjects are ranked among the top 50 globally and 11 among the top 100.

Macquarie’s 126-hectare Wallumattagal Campus is uniquely located in the heart of Australia’s largest high-tech precinct. Only 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD, the campus is serviced by excellent transport links and has its own on-campus metro station. With more than 300 leading companies located on or around the campus, Macquarie’s 45,000 students can tap into industry connections that give them an edge in their careers, while its 3000 staff have access to outstanding research and innovation opportunities with some of the world’s leading organisations.

Macquarie has a robust record of innovation. For example, it pioneered the technology that underpins wi-fi, developed the first synthetic funnel-web spider antivenom and designed a sterilisation technique that combats fruit flies. Today, the University is focused on finding cures for motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Governance at Macquarie University

Macquarie University is made up of the Executive Group, Council, Academic Senate, professional and academic staff, researchers, graduates, students and many others.

Responsibilities and functions are bestowed upon specific groups under The Macquarie University Act 1989 and The Macquarie University By-law 2005. This is to ensure the University can achieve its stated goals: to promote scholarship, research, free inquiry, the interaction of research and teaching, and academic excellence.

Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM

Chancellor of Macquarie University

Dr Martin Parkinson was appointed the seventh Chancellor of Macquarie University in October 2019. He previously served as Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as Secretary to the Australian Treasury and as the inaugural Secretary of the Department of Climate Change.

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. 

In January 2017, Dr Parkinson was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia — “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” —following his 2008 receipt of the Public Service Medal.

Dr Parkinson is a non-executive director at Worley, World View Indo-Pacific, Australian Retirement Trust and O’Connell Street Associates. He co-chairs the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and is a member of the Advisory Board, School for Government, Kings College London. He is also a member of the Founding Group of the Champions of Change Coalition, the B-Team Australasia, and the Climate Leaders Coalition. Dr Parkinson serves on the advisory boards for Thrive Refugee Enterprises, the Asia Society Australia and Bain & Company.

Dr Parkinson has previously served as a director of Orica, North Queensland Airports, the NSW Net Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board, the Northern Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission, the Cranlana Program for Ethical Leadership, and the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce. He has been a member of the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia; Chair of the Australian Office of Financial Management; and a member of the boards of Infrastructure Australia, the Council of Financial Regulators, and the Board of Taxation. He has also been a member of Prime Minister Abbott’s Business Advisory Council, Prime Minister Gillard’s Australia’s Asian Century Strategic Advisory Board, the Policy Committee of the Grattan Institute, the Net Zero Australia Advisory Board and the Australian Federal Police Future Directions Advisory Board.

He holds a PhD and a MA from Princeton University, a MEc from the Australian National University and a BEc (Hons 1) from the University of Adelaide. Dr Parkison has been awarded the degrees of Doctor of the University (honoris causa) by the University of Adelaide and of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) by ANU. 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. 

The Council

Roles and Responsibilities

The University 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 is a statutory authority, under the Macquarie University Act 1989 (as amended). Part 4 of the Act, outlines the general and specific functions of Council.

The University Council comprises 15 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 and the Macquarie University By-Law 2005.

The University Council welcomes comment from the University Community on all aspects of the governance of the University.

Membership of Macquarie University’s Council is as follows:

Official Members

  • Chancellor: Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM

  • Vice-Chancellor: Professor S Bruce Dowton MD (ex-officio)

  • Chair of Academic Senate: Professor Jacqueline Phillips (to 30 June 2025)

Appointed Members (Ministerial)

  • Deputy Chancellor: Ms Louise Mason (to 31 December 2028)

  • Mr Michael Book (to 18 June 2028)

  • Ms Mikaela Jade (to 1 February 2029)

Appointed Members (Council)

  • Graduate: Ms Lyn Cobley (to 31 December 2027)

  • Ms Deborah Hadwen (to 29 February 2028)

  • Ms Jingmin Qian (to 28 February 2027)

  • Graduate: Mr Frank Zipfinger (to 28 February 2027)

Elected Members

  • Academic Staff: Associate Professor Nikola Balnave (to 31 December 2025)

  • Academic Staff: Professor Catherine Dean (to 31 December 2025)

  • Professional Staff: Dr Stuart Upton (to 31 December 2026)

  • Student: Ms Lydia Piper (31 May 2027)

Council Membership

Council Committees

The University Council has established a number of committees to assist it in fulfilling its responsibilities and obligations under the Macquarie University Act 1989 and Macquarie University By-Law 2005. Each Committee has a terms of reference that sets out the purpose, membership, and functions and responsibilities.

  • Audit and Risk Committee

  • Finance and Facilities Committee

  • Honorary Awards Committee

  • Nominations and Remuneration Committee

  • Information Management and Technology Special Purpose Committee