- Minister for Education and Training
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham today announced the appointment of Professor Michael McDaniel as the new Chair of the Council of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
"The skills and experience Professor McDaniel brings to the role will ensure the long-term sustainability of AIATSIS and the protection of its cultural and heritage collection for generations to come,” Minister Birmingham said.
“Professor McDaniel is a Kalari Clan member of the Wiradjuri Nation of central New South Wales. He has a distinguished career in Indigenous higher education and a strong record of service to the arts, culture and the community spanning almost three decades.
“I congratulate Professor McDaniel on his appointment and I look forward to his leadership of the AIATSIS Council.”
Minister Birmingham said the Turnbull Government has invested an additional $10 million per year since July 2016 to help preserve AIATSIS’ unique national collection of more than a million cultural items and materials.
Speaking on behalf of the AIATSIS Council, Geoffrey Winters welcomed Professor McDaniel’s appointment.
“These are exciting times for AIATSIS as we pursue our mission to tell the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia and create opportunities for people from all walks of life to engage with this vital part of our national identity,” Mr Winters said.
“Professor McDaniel’s deep background in education and in the arts makes him the ideal person to lead the organisation forward. We are delighted with this appointment.”