Institute welcomes new Deputy Principal


Wednesday 5 December 2012

Professor Mick Dodson AM, Chair of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) has welcomed the appointment of Michelle Patterson as the new Deputy Principal at the Institute.

Ms Patterson’s appointment follows recent recruitment action following the retirement of Dr Luke Taylor as Deputy Principal in late October.

Professor Dodson said that Ms Patterson brings a wealth of managerial experience to the position.

“Ms Patterson has held a number of senior leadership positions within the Australian Public Service including within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the former Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and the Department of Transport and Regional Services.”

“Ms Patterson, who holds a Masters in Public Policy degree from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard, was also formerly a member of the Indigenous Communities Coordination Taskforce working within the Council and Australian Government (COAG) framework.”

“She has been involved in policy development and program and organisational management with a significant emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.”

Professor Dodson also thanked Dr Taylor for his tenure as the Institute’s Deputy Principal - a role he has filled with expertise since 2004.

“On behalf of all members of the AIATSIS Council and staff, I express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr Taylor for his strategic guidance and support over many years to the Institute.”

“Dr Taylor’s passion and commitment played a vital and valuable role in ensuring that AIATSIS maintained its position as the world’s premier institution for information and research about the cultures and lifestyles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, past and present.”