Tom Switzer is the Executive Director at the Centre for Independent Studies, and hosts Between the Lines on the ABC’s Radio National. He is also a regular contributor to The Australian, the Australian Financial Review and Sky News Australia.
Dearne is responsible for the management and growth of CIS. She has many years of experience as a senior executive, and she knows how to drive innovative strategies that benefit the organisation. Over the course of her career, Dearne has held board positions and senior leadership roles in both for-profit and nonprofit organisations.
Responsible for the delivery of the Centres’ event program, Max is on a mission to create unique events that position CIS at the forefront of public debate. Max has over 12 years of industry experience in events, marketing and major sporting events, having split his career between the UK and Australia. Max has worked with small charities, major sporting competitions and everything in-between.
Karla has a Bachelor of Visual Arts, a Graduate Diploma of Public Policy and more than 20 years of experience in media and communications. Her journalism career includes eight years as a print section editor and six years as a national website editor for News Corp, several roles in media and publications at James Cook University, plus arts commentary and review for a range of specialist publications.
Olivia is responsible for managing and optimising CIS's database, and has also recently stepped into the role of Membership Executive.
Analytical, detail-oriented accounting executive with over 15+ years’ experience in all aspects of both corporate and retail accounting both in Australia and Internationally.
Experienced Events Producer, with a demonstrated history of working across technology and innovation. Skilled in client relationship management, content production, sales and project management, overseeing operations, strategic partner management, technical and production delivery.
Ian Moore has worked in the media industry as a journalist, editor and manager for more than 50 years, He has been editor of three metropolitan newspaper titles, and was founding editor of one of them, the Sunday Herald Sun in Melbourne, in 1991. He also has worked for industry group NewsMediaWorks and its predecessor, PANPA (Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers Association,) and has written for a number of publications, including The Australian and Spectator Australia.
Sue Windybank is the Editor of the Centre for Independent Studies’ Annual report PreCIS. With a masters degree in international studies, Sue was the director of the Centre’s inaugural foreign policy research program. Her first major report - Papua New Guinea on the Brink (co-authored with the late Mike Manning) - is still sometimes cited today. She has published widely on PNG and the Pacific and Chinese strategy in the Southwest Pacific as well as globalisation and the rule of law in Pacific island countries and ‘new’ and ‘old’ security issues in the broader Asia Pacific region. Sue also taught for several years at Sydney University on geopolitics and current global issues as well as giving guest lectures on Russian literature and geopolitics and state failure in the South Pacific. She also had a freelance editing business and became an accredited editor with the Institute for Professional Editors in 2011.
Trish Murray is a dedicated professional with a passion for making a difference. With a background in communications, Trish has demonstrated a commitment to driving positive change and fostering impactful initiatives. Trish's collaborative approach, strong communication skills, and unwavering enthusiasm for CIS, has made her an influential figure in her field.