Appointments to National Archives of Australia Advisory Council

The Albanese Labor Government has today announced three new appointments to the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council.

Dr Paul Grimes PSM has been appointed Chair of the Advisory Council for a term of three years, commencing on 30 September 2024. In the interim Dr Grimes will serve as Deputy Chair until 29 September to support the transition of the current Chair. 

The Government has also appointed Professor Frank Bongiorno AM and Mr Troy Bramston as Members of the Advisory Council, each for three-year terms.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the Advisory Council will benefit from the appointees’ extensive experience and skills.

“The National Archives houses and preserves some of the most important records that tell the stories of our country.

“It has an important role to play in advancing the National Cultural Policy, Revive, by contributing to strong arts and cultural infrastructure. 

“I am pleased to appoint Paul, Frank and Troy to the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council, and look forward to seeing their significant and positive contributions to its work.

“I also acknowledge Dr Denver Beanland for his service as Chair of the Advisory Council over the past nine years.” 

Dr Paul Grimes PSM is a highly experienced public servant, having held senior positions across the Australian, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australian and Victorian public services. Dr Grimes holds a PhD in economics from the Australian National University. In 2010 he was awarded the Public Service Medal for his role in the development of the Australian Government’s response to the 2008 global financial crisis.

Professor Frank Bongiorno AM is Professor of History at the Australian National University and is President of the Australian Historical Association, and Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Services. Professor Bongiorno has published books on Australian political and social history, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 in recognition of his significant service to tertiary education in the field of history.

Mr Troy Bramston is a journalist, historian and biographer with a particular interest in Australian Prime Ministerial history. Mr Bramston is a senior writer and newspaper columnist with The Australian, where he has worked since 2011.