Lisa Paul AO PSM

Australia

Lisa Paul AO PSM is the Chancellor of the University of Canberra. Lisa led higher education, science, research and innovation policy for the federal government as the longest-standing Secretary of the Federal Department of Education, serving five Prime Ministers and nine Cabinet Ministers between 2004-2016.

Since leaving government, Lisa has continued her commitment to higher education including as chair of the Audit Committee of the Australian Academy of Science and an Honorary position at the ANU Crawford School, as an Enterprise Professor at the University of Melbourne School of Government, Councillor of Bond University, and as Director of Navitas and of the Future Battery Industry Cooperative Research Centre.

Recently Lisa was Co-Chair of an Independent Review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Deputy Chair of a Review of The National School Reform Agreement and a reviewer of the Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme. From 2018-2021, Lisa chaired the board of headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. Lisa is currently a Director of The Smith Family and the American Australian Leadership Dialogue.

Lisa commenced as Chancellor of the University of Canberra in January 2024 and is passionate about the University’s ambition in driving equality of opportunity and its commitment to Canberra and the region.