- The Crisafulli Government delivers changes to the James Cook University (JCU) Council with four new members appointed.
- Recent changes to the James Cook University Act 1997 (JCU Act) removed discretionary power for Council to set its own size and composition.
- The changes bring JCU in line with how other Queensland public universities already operate.
The Crisafulli Government has appointed four new members to the James Cook University Council to increase transparency, improve public trust, and respond to the national focus on university governance.
The Council size of 16 members has been amended, and includes three official members, six appointed members, five elected members and two additional members.
Four new appointed members with terms of three years from 20 April 2026 will ensure the Council represents a broad range of skills, experience and perspectives.
The new appointed members include:
- Mr Michael Spearman – is admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and is a Solicitor with legislative experience across Federal and all State jurisdictions. Mr Spearman holds a Bachelor of Laws and Business from JCU.
- Ms Casie Scott - a strategic leader with extensive experience delivering initiatives across government and professional services. Ms Scott holds a Bachelor of Journalism from JCU.
- Dr Kaylee Boccalatte – an experienced leader across advisory boards with highly developed skills in strategic leadership, performance management, governance and compliance, and stakeholder management.
- Ms Natalie Maltby - is admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and has recent experience as a legal officer, solicitor and federal prosecutor. Ms Maltby has extensive experience as a registered pharmacist and holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from JCU.
Ms Marjorie Pagani has also been reappointed to the JCU Council.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the new appointees brought a wealth of experience and fresh ideas to the Council.
"These four highly respected leaders will help to improve operations and increase transparency," Minister Langbroek said.
"Along with the new appointed members, we've increased the number of elected members to bring an additional voice to the Council that represents the student community.
"The changes to the JCU Act have brought the university back in line with the way other universities' governing bodies are operating across Queensland.
"This is about increasing public trust and I'm optimistic these new members will deliver this."
