Former Labor Senator Lisa Singh has been appointed as Director of the Australia India Institute (AII) at the University of Melbourne. She started her role as the Director on September 8. When in the Senate, Singh was a great advocate for cultural diversity and representation in politics, and since leaving politics, she has been appointed as the chair for the Australia India Council and also sits on the advisory committees of the University of Melbourne’s Asialink and the University of New South Wales’ Australian Human Rights Institute. Singh has also spent many years fostering stronger ties between Australia and India on a diplomatic and engagement level.
This is what Singh spoke to the University of Melbourne on her appointment:
“The Australia-India relationship is going through a transformative period. I believe its success will be dependent on the effort and collaboration that governments, business and institutes like the AII put into it.”
“It’s important we nurture the academic and research capabilities in the relationship. But it needs to be done by focusing on shared priorities. That way partnerships for both nations will be enduring and mutually beneficial.”
We wish her all the best in this role.
Image via University of Melbourne