Flinders University appoints prominent Territorian Leanne Liddle Deputy Chancellor

A former Northern Territory Australian of the Year has been appointed Flinders University’s Deputy Chancellor.

Flinders University has appointed NT Police’s Executive Director- Cultural Reform Leanne Liddle Deputy Chancellor Picture: NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

NT Police’s Executive Director - Cultural Reform Leanne Liddle has been appointed Flinders University’s Deputy Chancellor.

Ms Liddle, a former Northern Territory Australian of the Year, is a Flinders alumna and holds academic qualifications in Science, Law and Management.

The University said Ms Liddle brings to the role a distinguished record of public service and a deep connection to Flinders’ work across central and northern Australia.

It said her appointment reflects Flinders University’s deep and enduring commitment to the

Northern Territory, where it is the sole provider of medical education and maintains an extensive campus network across Alice Springs, Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek.

NT Police acting commissioner Martin Dole and NT Police community resilience and engagement command executive director Leanne Liddle addressing media in Alice Springs. July 8, 2025. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The University also delivers point-of-care testing across more than 70 remote and regional communities in the NT and Ngaayatjarra lands, providing rapid, onsite pathology testing for conditions including diabetes, kidney disease, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis C and SARS-CoV-2.

Flinders University campus at Katherine District Hospital. Picture: Alex Treacy

Flinders University Chancellor John Hood said Ms Liddle’s appointment strengthens the strategic leadership of the University Council at a time of significant growth and regional impact.

“Leanne Liddle is a trailblazer whose leadership and policy acumen are invaluable to Flinders as we deepen our presence across northern Australia and work to improve lives through education, research and health services,” Mr Hood said.

“She brings to the Deputy Chancellor role not only exceptional professional credentials, but also a genuine alignment with the values and mission of Flinders University.”

Ms Liddle also serves as a board member of the NT/SA Central Royal Flying Doctor Service. In 2022, she was named Northern Territory Australian of the Year in recognition of her outstanding leadership and contribution to social justice.

She said she was honoured to take on the Deputy Chancellor role.

“Flinders has shaped much of my journey – as a student, a professional, and now as a leader,” she said.

“It’s a privilege to serve a university that is not only deeply committed to student success but is making a real difference to the lives of people across some of the most remote parts of Australia.”