Committee Chairperson

Business Development Director, Minter Ellison

Miguel Diaz brings over 20 years' business development management experience, working with the most prominent names in professional services. His key areas of expertise include; strategic business planning, client engagement and development, negotiation & consultation, sales and marketing.

Prior to his business career Miguel spent several years as a professional performer in opera, theatre and television. His experience in both business and the arts means that Miguel brings with him a wealth of practical knowledge to the committee.

Members

Professor Emeritus and Honorary Research Consultant, The University of Queensland.

Prof Thomis has more than 40 years experience as an academic historian, culminating in his six years as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) at the University of Queensland. He has been a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society for more than 30 years and is a widely published author of history books, essays and articles.

Internationally renowned research historian and academic.

Dr Harrison is a research adviser with The University of Queensland and is associated with the post-graduate program. She has recently been working on projects for Queensland's 150th celebrations. Dr Harrison lectures in Australia and internationally on family, local and applied history, particularly convict origins and migration trends.

Founder and Director of Group Advantage

Mr Gorry is founder and director of software consulting firm Group Advantage Pty Ltd. He has extensive experience in senior roles in the IT industry and has performed software and IT development roles for state and federal governments. Mr Gorry was a member of the Queensland State Government’s Small to Medium Enterprises Taskforce, and is a founding member of Software Queensland and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Senior Lecturer in Oral Health Therapy, School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus)

Ms Short, an experienced researcher and lecturer, has travelled widely to conduct international research on a range of issues. Ms Short also holds positions on a range of other health and community sector organisations.

Chief Executive Officer, Logan City Council

Mr Rose has extensive experience in local government, having worked in local authorities in New South Wales and Queensland. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of Local Government Managers Australia. Mr Rose has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Logan City Council, currently the sixth largest council in Australia, since February 2006.

Small business owner

Margaret has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to learning and education with formal qualifications in the arts, in literacy and in education studies. She is a passionate supporter of her local community and was Mayor of Rockhampton for eight years from 2000 to early 2008. This followed an earlier career based around education that included child care director, teacher and tutor. Margaret’s special interests also include the preservation of Queensland’s built heritage.

Director Courts, Department of Justice and Attorney-General

Robyn was admitted to practice as a barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1993.

Robyn has extensive experience in legal practice and procedure, courts management, and justice policy and administration. From 2002-2005, she served as a member of the Queensland Law Reform Commission. During 2006, Robyn established a consulting business to provide strategic business advice to the private and public sectors. In February 2007, she was appointed as the Principal Registrar and Court Administrator, Supreme and District Courts Queensland.

Senior Manager, Public Service Commission

Lyn has worked in the Queensland public sector for the past 12 years where she has had widespread experience across a range of government departments, most recently working with the Public Service Commission. She has also worked as a consultant and corporate solicitor in the private sector. Her experience includes contributing to and shaping strategic thinking on business and industry development policy, public sector reform, information and communication technology (ICT) governance and information management.