2024 Australia Day Ambassador Announced

Published on 10 January 2024

Renowned legal scholar Ron McCallum AO has been appointed as the Australia Day Ambassador for 2024.

A Monash University graduate and a trailblazer in academia, Professor McCallum's career highlights include becoming the first blind person appointed to a full professorship in Australia or New Zealand.

Serving as the Dean of the University of Sydney Law School from 2002 to 2007, he played a pivotal role in the 2012 inquiry into the Fair Work Act 2009.

His commitment to social justice led to the title of officer in the Order of Australia in 2006 and Senior Australian of the Year in 2011. Internationally, he chaired the UN Committee for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Committee of the Chairs of all UN Treaty Bodies.

Sworn in as a part-time member of the Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal in 2013, Professor McCullum’s influence extends across legal and advocacy spheres.

The 2024 Australia Day Ambassadorship honors Professor Ron McCallum AO for his resilient spirit, ground-breaking achievements, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Mayor of Mid-Western Regional Council Des Kennedy said he was pleased to welcome Professor Ron McCallum to the Region.

“Professor McCallum stands as a representation of resilience and advocacy, reminding us all of the enduring power of dedication and passion”.

The Mid-Western Region’s 2024 Australia Day celebrations will be held on Friday, 26 January at Robertson Park Mudgee, beginning with a barbecue breakfast at 8am followed by the official ceremony at 9am.