Read about our interim Commissioners
Professor Mary O’Kane AC
Professor O’Kane has diverse leadership experience across higher education, science, innovation and public policy and brings a deep understanding of the Accord reforms from her leadership as Chair of the Australian Universities Accord Panel throughout 2023. Professor O’Kane’s advice to government spans federal, state and territory governments, and across a range of portfolios.
Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO
Professor Behrendt has a legal background with a strong track record in the areas of Indigenous law, policy, creative arts, education and research. She is deeply familiar with Accord reforms from her role on the Accord Panel, has experience as a leader in the higher education sector, and experience working with government in advisory roles, including the 2012 Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, ‘the Behrendt Review’. Professor Behrendt is the Laureate Fellow and Distinguished Professor at the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at the University of Technology Sydney.
Professor Barney Glover AO
The interim Commissioners will work closely with the JSA Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover AO, to support the ATEC in its establishment phase. The JSA Commissioner will ensure that Australia’s skills needs, vocational education and training (VET) and dual sector perspectives are woven through the ATEC’s operations.