Senate

Jon is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has served as Chair of the Psychology Ethics Committee and on Murdoch’s Human Research Ethics Committee. He has been elected to Academic Council three times, where he developed a reputation for respectfully speaking up, championing transparency, and preserving academic ideals. He is the Secretary of the Murdoch branch of the National Tertiary Education Union and was on the bargaining committee negotiating the 2023 Murdoch University Enterprise Agreement.

Louise has been a dedicated employee at Murdoch University since 1994, embracing various roles, including research, casual teaching, to leading teams in Technical Services. Strongly believing in being the change we want to see; Louise has consistently engaged in our organisational framework through working groups, committees, and boards. Committed to the University’s Strategy 2023-2030, she aims to foster a thriving, inclusive community and is dedicated to realising our shared vision and goals.

Jane commenced as a student at Murdoch in 2020 studying a Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry). She has previously experienced student life at two other universities in Australia, completing a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing. Jane juggles part-time study with part-time work and caring for her young son. Jane believes that everyone in Australia should have genuine access to and opportunity to attend university. She believes that the foundation for a University should be operation for the public good over all else.

Tshering is an Agriculture Science graduate from College of Natural Resources Bhutan. He is currently pursuing Master of Public Policy and Management at Murdoch and also served as the Education Vice President of Murdoch Guild in 2024. He is elected as the Student President of Murdoch Guild in 2025 and also a post-graduate member of Senate. Tshering did his undergraduate research in phytochemical, nutrient, antioxidant and antibacterial properties in wild asparagus and is a registered volunteer of 14 different global agencies and associations such as the UN.

Roland graduated from Murdoch University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Australian Indigenous Studies. Whilst a student, Roland captained the hockey team, was President of the Student Guild and founded a club dedicated to Pokémon. Roland believes that public universities should serve the public of Western Australia and be run for the social good above all else. He passionately believes that public institutions like Murdoch should be transparent, accountable and open to critique and scrutiny.

Term expires 31 December 2027.

Steve is a Director of Dobson Financial Planning, Board Member with the Tax Practitioners Board and Director at Willetton Premier Cricket Club. Previous board membership includes the Small Business Development Corporation, Perth NRM, the Gaming and Wagering Commission and other board roles within the not for profit and sporting community. Steve is a Justice of the Peace and former Detective with the WA Police Force. He is a graduate of Murdoch University and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Robyn Smith Walley is a Noongar from the Southwest of WA and has worked in the community for the past 35 years to highlight and promote recognition of Noongar culture. She holds a degree in Community Development from Murdoch and an Honorary Doctorate from ECU for her contribution to Aboriginal Women’s Leadership Development and ongoing work in promoting Noongar Culture and Education. Robyn has previously worked within the University Aboriginal education space and is committed to the shared purpose of the University’s Strategy 2023-2030 Gnala Kwop Biddi.

Professor Emerita Krishna Sen is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities and has decades of experience in leadership roles in the university and research sector nationally. She was Dean of Arts at the University of Western Australia and prior to that Executive Director, Humanities and Creative Arts at the Australian Research Council. Krishna is fluent in several Asian languages and widely recognised for her research engagement in Southeast Asia. She was a foundation member of the New Colombo Plan Reference Group, chaired by the Foreign Minister.

Stephanie graduated from Murdoch University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Economics. Stephanie is a recognised energy industry leader with significant executive and Board level experience. She was a Board Member of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and is currently a board member of Energy Vault and Energy Networks Aust. As CEO of Horizon Power, Stephanie Unwin leads a team of energy professionals to deliver power to some of WA’s most remote and regional communities. Stephanie is passionate about collaboration, inclusion and diversity.

Term expires 9 June 2026.

Associate Professor Garth Maker is an award-winning teacher and research in biochemistry and toxicology. He joined Murdoch University in 2008 as a lecturer, and teaches primarily in the School of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences. He has held positions of College Dean of Learning & Teaching and Deputy President of Academic Council, before being elected President in 2023. Garth’s research interests are herbal medicines and dietary supplements, with his goal being to ensure that Australian consumers have access to safe and effective supplements.