April 14, 2026
Former Speaker of the House Stephen Martin joins University Council
Wollongong-born economist, member of parliament and higher education leader joins UOW's governing body
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has welcomed the ministerial appointment to Council of Professor the Hon Stephen Martin AO, former Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives and long-serving Member of Parliament.
UOW Chancellor Michael Still welcomed the appointment saying Professor Martin's lifelong ties to Wollongong and breadth of experience made him an outstanding addition to the Council.
“Professor Martin is, in every sense, a product of this region and this University and we are delighted to welcome him back. He brings to Council an exceptional depth of experience across higher education leadership, public policy and economic governance,” Mr Still said.
Professor Martin was appointed to UOW Council by NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan.
“I’m confident Professor Martin will make a strong contribution to the Council, bringing a wealth of experience across higher education and public service, along with a deep understanding of the Illawarra community,” Mr Whan said.
Professor Martin said he looked forward to contributing to the University’s future.
“I am very much looking forward to continuing my long association with the University of Wollongong, and contributing to Council's deliberations on progressing this great institution into the future,” Professor Martin said.
Professor Martin's connection to UOW spans more than five decades. He lectured in economics at the University from 1974 to 1977, was awarded his doctorate by UOW in 1999, and returned to the institution as a professor of economics in 2002 before going on to serve as president and chief executive of UOW's Dubai campus.
He has also served in leadership roles at Victoria University, Curtin University and Southern Cross University.
Professor Martin's distinguished public career includes serving as the 21st Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1993 to 1996 and representing the Illawarra electorates of Macarthur and (following a redistribution) Cunningham for 18 years.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2022 for "distinguished service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to charitable organisations, and to regional sport and education".