Powerhouse of the public service joins ANU

Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM has been named the new Chair of the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation. Photo: Jamie Kidston/ANU - Australia's public sector and universities must continue to work together to safely steer the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic and drive a sustained economic recovery over the years ahead, says the incoming chair of the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation at The Australian National University (ANU). Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM replaces Dr Ken Henry AC, who served as chair from 2013 to 2021 and on the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation board from 2001. The Sir Roland Wilson Foundation builds research-informed public policy, capability and leadership through postgraduate scholarships and professional development for public servants. Dr Parkinson has served as secretary of the Treasury and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet among many high-profile leadership roles across a range of portfolios in his stellar public service career. Dr Parkinson, who is also an ANU graduate, said he was looking forward to working with the public service to connect the latest research to address some of Australia's biggest challenges. "Now more than ever, Australia needs public policy that is informed by the best thinking and the latest research and ideas, particularly as we look to rebuild after COVID," Dr Parkinson said.