Professor Julian Disney

Professor Julian Disney has been appointed Chair of the Australian Press Council with his term commencing on 1 December 2009. The Australian Press Council comprises representatives of the public and of the industry and acts to preserve the freedom, and the responsibility, of the Australian press.

Julian Disney is currently a Professor in the Law Faculty at the University of New South Wales and Director of the Social Justice Project. He has a wide range of experience in the welfare sector and on various government advisory bodies.

Julian Disney`s background suits him ideally to the task. He has been, variously, a Law Reform Commissioner, Coordinator of the Sydney Welfare Rights Centre, President of the Australian Council of Social Service, President of the International Council on Social Welfare, and Director of ANU`s Centre for International and Public Law.

He is also the National Chair of Anti-Poverty Week and is the independent chair of the National Affordable Housing Summit and the Community Tax Forum.

His experience with such bodies, and in his various roles with government bodies, means that he has the knowledge and ability to lead the Council in both its roles: to preserve the traditional freedoms of the press from outside threats; and to ensure that the free press is responsible in its reporting and commentary.

Professor Disney will succeed Professor Ken McKinnon, who was appointed Chair of the Council in 2000.

Professor Disney said, "It is an honour to have been invited to become Chair of the Press Council. I am looking forward to working with other members to maintain and develop the important contributions to the interests of both the print media and the broader community that it has made under Professor McKinnon`s outstanding leadership."

The Faculty of Law congratulates Professor Julian Disney on his appointment and is pleased that he will continue as Director of the Social Justice Project in the Faculty.