Linda Burney’s Next Chapter: From Parliament to University Governance
Former Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, has accepted a position on the board of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), marking a significant shift in her career after two decades in politics. This appointment comes as UTS navigates a period of restructuring and faces scrutiny over its equity targets, signaling a potential turning point for the institution.
A Trailblazing Career: From Teacher to Minister
Burney’s journey is marked by numerous firsts. She was the first Aboriginal woman elected to the Modern South Wales Parliament and later to the Australian House of Representatives. Prior to her parliamentary career, Burney spent three years as a public school teacher in western Sydney, an experience that deeply shaped her commitment to education and social justice. She also played a key role in developing the first Aboriginal education policy in Australia, mandating the inclusion of Aboriginal perspectives in the curriculum.
Addressing Inequity in Higher Education
Burney has stated her priority at UTS will be tackling pervasive inequity in higher education. This commitment stems from her early experiences as a teacher and her long-held belief in education as a cornerstone of social justice. She recalls the impact she had on students in Mount Druitt, emphasizing the responsibility educators have in opening up new worlds for young people.
UTS: Challenges and Targets
Burney joins UTS at a critical juncture. The university is currently undergoing a significant restructure, involving proposed job cuts and course reductions. Despite having an Indigenous education and research strategy with targets to increase Indigenous employment to 3% and student participation to 700 by 2026 and 2030 respectively, UTS is currently falling short of these goals, with 2.2% Indigenous staff and 406 Indigenous students in 2024.
A Focus on Governance and Equity
The New South Wales government, through Minister for Skills, Tafe and Tertiary Education Steve Whan, views Burney’s appointment as a strategic move to strengthen governance and ensure a focus on equity within the university system. Whan highlighted Burney’s experience and her longstanding advocacy for education as valuable assets for the UTS council.
The Broader Context: University Restructures and Government Inquiry
Burney’s appointment coincides with a broader debate about the state of the university sector in New South Wales. A recent government inquiry was established in response to concerns about rolling restructures and their impact on staff and students. The inquiry’s terms of reference specifically address the qualifications and experience of council appointees, underscoring the importance of diverse representation in university governance.
Pro Tip:
When evaluating university governance, consider the representation of diverse voices – including Indigenous leaders – on the governing board. This can significantly impact the institution’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
Looking Ahead: Potential Trends in University Governance
Burney’s move from politics to university governance reflects a growing trend of individuals with diverse backgrounds entering leadership roles in higher education. This shift suggests a potential move towards more holistic and socially conscious decision-making within universities. Expect to notice increased scrutiny of university governance structures and a greater emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the coming years.
FAQ
What was Linda Burney’s role in the Australian Parliament?
She was the Member of Parliament for Barton from 2016 to 2025 and served as the Minister for Indigenous Australians from 2022 to 2024.
What is UTS’s current Indigenous employment rate?
As of 2024, Indigenous staff make up 2.2% of UTS’s full-time equivalent workforce.
What prompted Linda Burney’s resignation from politics?
She stated it was a desire to “pass on the baton to the next generation,” not the outcome of the Voice to Parliament referendum.
What is the focus of the NSW government inquiry into the university sector?
The inquiry is examining the qualifications and experience of council appointees and the broader challenges facing universities in New South Wales.
Did you know?
Linda Burney helped develop the first Aboriginal education policy in Australia, a landmark achievement that mandated the teaching of Aboriginal history and culture in schools.
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