Lisa Paul to be the next chancellor of the University of Canberra

Former bureaucrat Lisa Paul will be the next chancellor of the University of Canberra, starting in January 2024.

Lisa Paul is the next chancellor of the University of Canberra, commencing in January 2024. Photo: Tyler Cherry

The University of Canberra has chosen former senior bureaucrat Lisa Paul as its next chancellor, to take over from Tom Calma in January next year.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Paddy Nixon, said Ms Paul had an impressive career in education: “This, coupled with her passionate belief in diversity and commitment to social justice, will bring a fresh perspective and depth of understanding to UC.”

Outgoing chancellor Tom Calma

Ms Paul led the federal Department of Education from 2004 to 2016. Since leaving the public service she has served on boards, including education company Navitas, and chaired headspace, the mental health foundation. She is co-chairwoman of the independent review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

She said it was a “great privilege to walk in the footsteps of Professor Tom Calma, Australia’s first Aboriginal chancellor”.

Ms Paul has a long association with Canberra, having lived and worked there since leaving school.

“I love Canberra as a place to live and work,” she said. “The University of Canberra is truly the Canberra community’s university, and we should all be proud of its many achievements.”