Deborah is a multi-skilled and highly networked professional with over 25 years’ experience working in a variety of roles across government and the South Australian education sector.

Deborah’s last position in government was as Manager of International Education in the Department of Trade, Tourism and Investment providing strategic leadership for programs designed to advance the South Australian Government’s priorities in international education. This included programs designed to grow the state’s international education footprint, promote Adelaide as Australia’s best learning city, and a range of on-shore support programs for international students. In her role Deborah was also responsible for leading the engagement with the State’s higher education and training providers, managing international research and development, and representing the SA Government in overseas trade missions, most notably China, Indonesia, Vietnam, India and other SE Asian countries.

Deborah has held a number of senior roles in government where she provided strategic leadership and policy advice to support tertiary education, science and research in South Australia. She managed the Higher Education Unit in the Department of Further Education, Employment Science and Technology and was Executive Officer to the Premier’s Higher Education Committee. She was also responsible for a range of regulatory services for both VET and higher education and worked closely with the Commonwealth on a range of key education and research initiatives.

Prior to entering government Deborah worked at both Adelaide and Flinders universities as a tutor and lecturer. She has a PhD from Flinders University; an Honours Degree (First class) for which she was awarded the University Medal; Bachelor of Arts Degree; Diploma Science Technology and a tertiary qualification in Professional Editing and Proof Reading. Deborah currently works as an education consultant to AR International Education providing employability skills workshops to international students as well as professional proof reading and editing services to students and other clients.