- Biography:
Robynne is a Professor of Practice and Director Indigenous Strategy at the Business School at the University of Technology Sydney. From 2015 – 2017 she was Deputy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission. She is descended from the Wiradjuri people of central western NSW and has family connections in the NSW towns of Euabalong, Lake Cargelligo and Condobolin. Robynne is also a Trustee of the Australian Museum, chairs the Board of the Aboriginal Housing Office, chairs Westpac’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, is a member of Westpac’s Stakeholder Advisory Council. She has previously served on the boards of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), the Arts Law Centre of Australia and Gadigal Information Services (incorporating Koori Radio).
Robynne practiced as a solicitor from 2000 – 2013, running her own legal and consulting firm for seven years. She specialised in legal and cultural issues for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders, including consumer and copyright law, wills, conveyancing and commercial leases. Robynne worked in human rights advocacy and policy development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, including a previous period at the Australian Human Rights Commission, and participated in a number of United Nations human rights and biodiversity forums. She also lectured in law and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues at the University of Technology, Sydney, Macquarie University and the University of Notre Dame. Prior to her appointment as inaugural CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) in 2013, Robynne was Senior Manager of ASIC’s Indigenous Outreach Program assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers to resolve issues with providers of financial services including banking, credit, insurance and superannuation, as well as raising awareness with industry about cultural and regulatory issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
In 2013 Robynne was recognised in the not for profit category of AFR/ Westpac’s 100 Women of Influence awards.