New Chair of RDQ Tropical North

Early this year, Professor Hurriyet Babacan AM was appointed as the new chair of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North. Hurriyet who also serves as Vice Chair of the Cape York Natural Resource Management Board was the Foundation Director of The Cairns Insitute and is currently a Research Fellow with the Development in the Tropics team at the Institute.

She has a distinguished career over the last 25 years with a proven track record of achievement in senior leadership and strategic management roles. She has a notable record in scholarships in research, teaching and learning, community and professional service. She has held senior roles in higher education, public administration, research and training such as Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic and Research), Dean, Head of School and Director of Research Institutes, Commissioner and Victorian Manager of Dept of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Hurriyet has delivered keynote presentations at numerous national and international conferences and has been a member of high-level working parties such as the OECD-Council of Europe Working Party on Wellbeing, and a member of the Steering Committee of the United Nations and Queensland Government initiative on engaging communities. Hurriyet has an extensive track record of leading multidisciplinary research in Australia and the Asia Pacific.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Member for Eden-Monaro, the Honourable Kristy McBain MP stated, “With her extensive experience and networks across government and academia, Professor Babacan is well placed to spearhead RDA Tropical North’s work to facilitate initiatives and collaborations that grow the local economy, promote opportunities and attract investment.”

Hurriyet who was awarded the Order of Australia 2014 (AM) for outstanding contribution, as academic and author, and for furthering multicultural community, education and social policy development, said that “I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead RDA Tropical North and ensure that we are able to transition in a positive way in the face of new global challenges. I am keen to work towards strengthening the region’s economy, capitalise on opportunities in net zero economies, ensure workforce development, improve health, wellbeing and liveability and forge stronger relationships with our Indo-Pacific neighbours. This can happen through meaningful collaboration with all levels of government, industry, community and academia.”