Mary O’Kane was Chair of the Universities Accord Review (released early 2024), the most wide-ranging review of Australian higher education in the last 15 years. She is currently Chair of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO); and of Business Events Sydney; and Executive Chairman of O’Kane Associates; a company that carries out reviews and advises governments and the private sector on innovation, research, education and development. She was Chair of the NSW Independent Planning Commission from 2018-2024; NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer from 2008-2018; and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide from 1996-2001.