Published on the 28th March 2019 by ANSTO Staff
ANSTO is pleased to welcome The Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett AO SC as the new ANSTO Board Chair, following the announcement from the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.
The Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett AO SC, has had a distinguished career and diverse Board experience, having served on boards in the medical research, health and scientific communities. From 2012 to 2015 she led the Government’s medical research funding body as the Chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council. Amongst her distinguished achievements, Dr Bennett has also been a Federal Court judge, Member of the Board of Directors of the Garvan Institute, and a Member of the Advisory Council of Questacon.
Dr Bennett studied cell biology at the University of Sydney, where she completed a PhD before switching to law and practising as a barrister.
She was the first UNSW law graduate to be admitted to a superior court and the law school’s first Senior Counsel. By the age of 30 and with two children under three, she was admitted as NSW’s 33rd female barrister.
In 1998, Dr Bennett joined the Council of the Australian National University and served for over a decade as Pro Chancellor.
Dr Bennett is currently Chancellor of Bond University and practises as a consultant Senior Counsel, a mediator and an arbitrator.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews congratulated Dr Bennett on her appointment for a five-year term.
“I look forward to Dr Bennett’s contributions in leading ANSTO,” Minister Andrews said.
“Her legal expertise, in particular, will complement the skills and experience of existing Board members and provide great value in ensuring good governance, as ANSTO continues to deliver excellence in science and research that benefit all Australians.”
CEO Adi Paterson will extend a warm welcome to Dr Bennett at the first ANSTO Board meeting on 11 April.
“We want to ensure that ANSTO continues to remain a world-leader in the nuclear space, keeping up with demand and encouraging more scientists to work in our industry, nationally and across the globe. Dr Bennett has just the experience to help us keep pushing in that direction.”
“Dr Bennett’s expertise and strong partnerships will be invaluable as ANSTO continues to expand the Innovation Precinct and pursues international collaborations.”
Dr Bennett’s appointment as Chair will be for five years. Ms Penny Dobson, who has been acting in the ANSTO Board Chair role since April 2018 has also been extended for another five years.
“Ms Dobson has been an invaluable asset to our team and has used her 35 plus years in the health sector to benefit and facilitate the development of ANSTO,” said Dr Paterson.
“The strong female leadership on the Board, highlights the important role of women in Australian science and is a powerful message to those looking for a career in science, male or female.”
Adi also thanked the departing Chair, James (Jim) McDowell who made a significant contribution to the direction and the growth of ANSTO.
Read the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology media release.