We’re delighted to announce that Peter Woolcott AO has joined Cranlana as our new Chair, succeeding outgoing Chair Gail Hambly AM.
A member of our Advisory Board since 2024, Peter takes the role of Chair during an exciting period of growth and development for Cranlana. Welcome, Peter!
Get to know Professor Peter Woolcott AO, Cranlana’s Advisory Board Chair.
Professor Woolcott practised as a barrister before embarking on a career in the public sector, where he would become recognised as one of Australia’s most accomplished public servants and diplomats. As Australia’s Ambassador for the Environment, he led Australia’s negotiations and chaired the Umbrella Group of non-EU industrialised nations at the Paris Climate Change Agreement. He also led the Great Barrier Reef Taskforce’s successful case against a UNESCO in-danger listing.
As Ambassador for Disarmament, Professor Woolcott presided over the UN conference that delivered the first global treaty regulating the arms trade.
During his 2018—2023 term as Australian Public Service Commissioner, Professor Woolcott was responsible for the capability and integrity of some 160,000 public servants across 100 agencies. This included work place relations and leadership appointments within the Australian Public Service.
Most recently he lead a review “the Woolcott Review” into the actions of government agencies in response to the concerns raised by the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.
Peter’s experience demonstrates a uniquely practical understanding of what it takes to champion ethical capability at scale, in reaction to complex and important demands and contexts. We are looking forward to working closely with Peter during the next phase of his career where he is seeking to give back to organisations that influence civic life in Australia, from his role as Chair at Cranlana, to his appointment as a Vice Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow at Monash University.
Of his connection and ambitions for Cranlana, Peter said:
“I have long admired Cranlana’s commitment to the kind of deep, reflective thinking that good leadership demands,” Professor Woolcott said.
“Governance is increasingly complex, and the need to balance principles with good outcomes has never been more necessary if we are to retain the trust of the Australian people. Cranlana doesn’t tell leaders what to think, but rather challenges them on how to approach a decision and to reflect on the character of that leadership. I look forward to building on the work that Cranlana has done so well in supporting institutions that deliver results with integrity.”
Image: Peter Woolcott AO
Cranlana CEO Matt Finnis said the appointment reflects both the moment and the organisation’s ambitions.
“We didn’t want a Chair who could simply speak to ethical leadership. We wanted someone who has practised it, under real pressure, with real consequences,” Matt said.
“Peter’s depth of experience across public service and governance makes him an outstanding Chair for Cranlana and our leadership community as we grow. We are also deeply grateful to Gail Hambly, whose vision and astute guidance over six years has been foundational to everything we now build on.”
Professor Woolcott takes up the role with immediate effect.
There’s never been a better time than right now, to join one of Cranlana’s ethical leadership programs.
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