Former Minister for Defence and for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne and former Premier of SA Jay Weatherill are joining the staff of the University of SA (UniSA) Business School to deliver business and management education to students of the MBA and build stronger research networks for SA.
The pair will join UniSA as Industry Professors, with students set to benefit from a combined 43 years’ experience of governance, law-making and leadership from their service in state and federal parliaments.
An alumnus of UniSA, Pyne said he is excited to be supporting the University's ethos.
“UniSA is providing skills and chances in life for those who wish to gain an education and improve their knowledge, undertaking world-changing research that alters lives, and investing in the economic growth of the state that gives us all the standard of living and quality of life we expect – I am looking forward to contributing to that effort,” Pyne said.
UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor Business and Law Professor Marie Wilson said the knowledge and networks they bring to the table are invaluable.
“We are excited to welcome Jay and Christopher, both highly qualified lawyers but also people who have carved impressive careers in politics, honing their leadership skills in what is always a demanding arena,” Prof Wilson said.
“They will bring not only intellectual acumen to their professorships but also a career’s worth of high-level experience in negotiation, international trade, legislation and community consultation and debate, industry liaison, and the host of adaptive skills that are the hallmark of successful leaders.
“Each has also worked to continue to develop the economic sustainability of SA and supported its future industries and innovation.
“In addition to their involvement in the UniSA Business School and its MBA programs, Jay and Christopher will be providing strategic government relations advice to the Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd.”
First elected in 1993 at 25 years old, Christopher Pyne was a practicing solicitor before his election and had worked as a research assistant to Senator Amanda Vanstone. Until his retirement this year, he had been re-elected eight times to the House of Representatives for the seat of Sturt.
He was Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Ageing and for Education. He became a Cabinet Minister in 2013 and held the ministerial portfolios of Education and Training; Industry, Innovation and Science; Defence Industry; and lastly Defence.
“Both of these leaders have been powerful advocates for SA across their careers, creating connections with industries from resources and energy, to defence, science and technology to advance business growth in the State,” Prof Wilson added,
“We are delighted that they have joined us at SA’s state university to support our engagement with industry through, research, education and partnership.”