Donors establish Chair to enhance political dialogue

The Australian National University (ANU) donor community is helping to enhance political dialogue in Australia by supporting the establishment of the University's inaugural Chair in the Practice of Australian Politics.

The Chair is positioned in the ANU School of Politics and International Relations. It plays a crucial role in fostering a diversity of perspectives, which will enrich and enhance political discourse in Australia.

In 2022, ANU announced the inaugural Chair as the Hon Tony Smith, former speaker of the House of Representatives, who was first elected to the Federal Parliament in 2001 and re-elected at six subsequent federal elections.

As Chair, Professor Smith provides specialist knowledge in the field of Australian politics and engages with external stakeholders to shape and influence public policy across the nation.

Under his leadership, ANU is poised to reshape the landscape of political teaching and debate in Australia and bring the exchange of ideas through research, public commentary and policy collaboration, into a new era.

The creation of the Chair has been made possible by the generosity and foresight of a member of the ANU donor community. Not only is it a step towards creating better political discourse in Australia, it is an example of how this kind of philanthropic funding can help to attract and retain top talent at the University - enhancing the academic rigour of ANU and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in politics and international relations.