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 university powered by human collaboration
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.
Where collaboration meets innovation
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.
Expanding the frontiers of knowledge
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.
A proud tradition of innovating
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.
Building successful graduates
Macquarie’s pioneering approach to teaching and learning is built around a connected learning community: students are considered co-creators in their learning experience, while their degrees are linked to the latest research discoveries.
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 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 (NSW) and the Macquarie University By-Law 2005 (NSW).
Membership of Macquarie University’s Council is as follows:
Ex-Officio Members
Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM – Chancellor (to 24 October 2027)
Professor S Bruce Dowton MD – Vice-Chancellor (to 2 September 2029)
Professor Jacqueline Phillips – Chair of Academic Senate (to 30 June 2025)
Appointed Members – Ministerial
Ms Louise Mason – Deputy Chancellor (to 31 December 2024
Appointed Members – Council
Mr Michael Book - Graduate (to 13 December 2027)
Ms Lyn Cobley - Graduate (to 31 December 2026)
Mr Frank Zipfinger – Graduate (to 28 February 2027)
Ms Jingmin Qian (to 28 February 2027)
Ms Deborah Hadwen (to 29 February 2028)
Elected Members
Professor Catherine Dean – Academic Staff (to 31 December 2023)
Associate Professor Nikola Balnave – Academic Staff (to 31 December 2025)
Dr Louise Dwyer – Non-Academic Staff (to 31 December 2024)
Ms Manasbi Poudel – Student (to 31 May 2025)
Other Governing Bodies
Other Governing bodies within the University include:
Audit and Risk Committee
Chair – Mr Michael Book
Finance and Facilities Committee
Chair – Ms Lyn Cobley
Honorary Awards Committee
Chair – Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM, Chancellor
Nominations and Remunerations Committee
Chair – Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM, Chancellor
Academic Senate
Chair – Professor Jacqueline Phillips