Rosemary Follett

Dr Rosemary Follett was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Canberra. Photo: Michelle McAulay

Rosemary Follett has had an extraordinary career in both politics and public service, leaving a considerable mark on the ACT.  A graduate of the Canberra College of Advanced Education in 1979 with Bachelor of Arts in Administration, Ms Follett was the first woman to lead an Australian State or Territory government.

Elected to the first Legislative Assembly for the ACT in 1989, Ms Follett became the ACT's first Chief Minister and Treasurer, a role she would fill again from 1991 to 1995.  Her portfolio responsibilities included all aspects of social justice and she was able to introduce laws governing occupational health and safety, all forms of discrimination and harassment, protection of domestic relationships and protection against stalking, to name but a few.

On leaving politics, Ms Follett served as the ACT's Discrimination Commissioner and head of the ACT's Human Rights Office from 1996 to 2004.

Over many years, Ms Follett has served on a wide range of boards and committees including The ACT Sentence Administration Board, The ACT Skills Commission, The Canberra Institute of Technology Advisory Council, ACT Vocational Education and Training Advisory Authority and, not least, the Council of the University of Canberra, including as Deputy Chancellor from 2010 to 2011.  She currently chairs the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies and has recently trained as a volunteer guide for the National Arboretum. In 2006 she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

The University of Canberra awarded Ms Rosemary Follett AO an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her service in the governance of the Australian Capital Territory, and to community development, human rights and the advancement of women.