Curtin University has appointed the inaugural Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) WA Government Chair in Public Administration and Policy.
Professor Shaun Goldfinch, who has extensive experience in the fields of public management, administration, governance, and public policy, will commence as the ANZSOG WA Government Chair in Public Administration and Policy, which is jointly supported by Curtin, ANZSOG, and the Western Australian Government.
Professor Goldfinch, who will be based within the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy in Curtin’s Faculty of Business and Law, will deliver teaching, research, and stakeholder engagement of national and international relevance, while also developing links to governments and universities across the ANZSOG network and the Indian Ocean region.
Curtin University Faculty of Business and Law Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel de Bussy said he was delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Goldfinch, who will join Curtin from Victoria University of Wellington and the New Zealand Department of Corrections.
“Professor Goldfinch has extensive teaching and research experience in the areas of public administration and policy around the world making him an ideal candidate for the role. The wealth of knowledge he will bring to the position will be instrumental in creating new opportunities across the Indian Ocean region,” Professor de Bussy said.
“Professor Goldfinch will deliver a range of ANZSOG’s core programs and executive education products, as well as conducting important public policy research that will benefit local, national and international communities.
“This new appointment is testament to Professor Goldfinch’s high-quality research and experience in the sector and I look forward to seeing his significant contributions to the inaugural role.”
Public Sector Commissioner Sharyn O’Neill said the appointment of a leading academic would bring a solid evidence base and research focus to inform public policy in the State.
“The investment by the Government in this chair reflects the importance of a public sector that is future-focused, agile and able to meet the policy challenges ahead,” Ms O’Neill said.
“Professor Goldfinch will provide enormous expertise and experience to the Western Australian public sector at a time of significant reform.”
ANZSOG Dean and CEO Professor Ken Smith welcomed Professor Goldfinch to the organisation, adding that the WA Government Chair is an invaluable asset for ANZSOG and the Western Australian Government.
“Western Australia is a dynamic part of Australia, with strong links to Asia, and it is important that ANZSOG has a presence there. I am delighted that we have been able to make such a strong appointment as our inaugural chair,” Professor Smith said.
Professor Goldfinch has previously held positions at the Universities of Nottingham, Otago, Canterbury, the American University of Sharjah, and the University of the South Pacific.
Further information on ANZSOG can be found online here.
