The James Martin Institute for Public Policy (JMI) is delighted to announce that Professor Peter Shergold AC has been appointed as Chair of its Board.

Professor Shergold said he is honoured and delighted to be Chairing a policy institute focussed on addressing society’s major challenges in a constructive and collaborative manner.

“The core mission of the Institute is something to which I have been deeply committed throughout my career. Bringing a wide range of expert voices into the policy-making process will transform outcomes and improve lives” he said.

“Now is the time for an institute such as JMI to make its mark on the public policy landscape in NSW and beyond. I am looking forward to being part of this journey.” Professor Shergold said.

Acting Chair Jillian Kilby said that Professor Shergold AC was the perfect appointment for the Institute as it moves into a period of growth in its second year of operation.

“Peter brings a depth of policy experience from his highly distinguished career in the Australian public service and academia. He is a natural collaborator and a generous contributor to the public good, which aligns perfectly with JMI’s mission and purpose” she said.

Professor Shergold AC has a highly-distinguished career both in academia and Australian public life for over 30 years, working on both sides of politics. His many distinguished roles include serving as Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet from 2003–2008, and 11 years as Chancellor of Western Sydney University – a role he is stepping down from at the end of the year.

JMI CEO Libby Hackett said that Professor Shergold’s appointment comes at a critical time in the public policy landscape.

“From addressing income-inequality to affordable childcare, from tackling domestic violence to carbon emissions, there is an increased willingness amongst policy-makers and academic experts to collaborate more directly to identify practical, constructive solutions to these problems.”

“JMI has been established to help government tackle pressing policy challenges. We do this by harnessing the expertise of Australia’s world-leading academic experts, through our member universities. Peter’s experience and wise counsel will significantly enhance our ability to deliver this important mission”, Ms Hackett said.

NSW Premier the Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP said that “the NSW Government is a proud partner and supporter of the James Martin Institute and Peter’s appointment as Chair will further enhance the group’s ability to tackle the tough issues facing society. He and Libby will make a formidable team and I look forward to working with them to find new policy solutions that will benefit the people of NSW.”

Leader of the Opposition Mr Chris Minns, MP said “On behalf of the NSW Opposition we wish Peter all the best in his new role as Chair of board. The James Martin Institute does important work to help deliver policy solutions and expertise for the betterment of NSW.”

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology the Hon. Alister Henskens SC MP said Professor Shergold has had a highly distinguished career and is a fitting chair of the JMI.

“This Institute represents an innovative new partnership between the university and the government sector, underpinned by a shared vision and commitment to deliver better outcomes for more people. Professor Shergold will help shape the development, implementation and translation of truly co-designed research into meaningful social policy reform,” Mr Henskens said.

Professor Shergold commences in the role of JMI Chair today 30 March 2022.

Media contact:

Callista Thillou
Executive Director Engagement
M: 0499 989 633
E: [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

1. The James Martin Institute for Public Policy (JMI) was initially established in 2019, through a generous grant from the NSW Government in partnership with the University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, and the University of Technology Sydney. As an independent, non-partisan policy institute, our mission is to bring government, academic and other experts together to develop practical solutions that address societal challenges and improve lives. jmi.org.au
2. Professor Peter Shergold AC has been Chancellor at Western Sydney University since 1 January 2011 and will step down in December 2022.
3. Professor Peter Shergold’s biography is available here.
4. Interviews available on request.