Lisa Marian Paul AO PSM is an Australian public servant and academic administrator. She has served in senior roles within the Australian federal government and, since January 2024, has been the seventh chancellor of the University of Canberra.
Early life and education
Paul was born in California, United States, to two teachers. During her childhood her family lived in Christchurch, New Zealand, before relocating to Adelaide, South Australia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Australian National University.
Public‑service career
Paul began her public‑service career with the Australian Capital Territory Government Housing Trust. She later held various positions in the ACT public sector, including during the territory’s transition to self‑government. As a Deputy Secretary in the Department of Family and Community Services, she coordinated the Commonwealth’s domestic response to the 2002 Bali bombings.
In October 2004 Paul was appointed Secretary of the Department of Education, Science and Training, a portfolio that was later restructured as the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. She continued as secretary when the department was split in 2013, leading the newly formed Department of Education. In December 2014 she became the inaugural secretary of the Department of Education and Training, a role she held until February 2016, when she announced her departure.
Following her federal service, Paul joined the Australian Government’s Naval Shipbuilding Advisory Board in December 2016. She has also been chair of headspace, a youth mental‑health organization, since 2018, and serves on the Raise Foundation’s Patron’s Advisory Council.
Academic leadership
On 1 January 2024 Paul assumed the chancellorship of the University of Canberra, succeeding Tom Calma. As chancellor, she acts as the ceremonial head of the university and supports its governance and strategic direction.
Honours
Paul was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) in October 2003 for her outstanding public service, notably for leading the Commonwealth Bali Inter‑Agency Taskforce.
