A former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory will take up a prestigious position with Charles Darwin University later this year.
Clare Martin, who was Chief Minister for six years until her resignation in November 2007, will become a Professorial Fellow with CDU’s The Northern Institute, a research and development enterprise that will be launched by mid-year.
Ms Martin has been based in Sydney for the past two years in the role of CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service.
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover said Ms Martin had an extraordinary set of skills and experiences that would benefit The Northern Institute.
“I am delighted that the prospect of this important work at CDU is sufficiently appealing to Clare to entice her away from Sydney and back to the Territory,” Professor Glover said.
The Northern Institute would bring together key thinkers to contribute to solving the complex challenges that faced tropical Australia and south-east Asia, he said.
“The Institute will act as a bridge for the exchange of knowledge, research and dialogue to improve the well-being, education and livelihoods of the communities of Northern Australia and our near Asian neighbours,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
“There is a growing realisation across northern Australia that our future will be a common one, regardless of cultural or social differences.”
Ms Martin’s role will include fostering relationships to develop strategic partnerships and identifying potential research opportunities.
She will take up the position at CDU in early August.