Biography
Professor Tim Soutphommasane is a human rights advocate and political thinker. His thinking on diversity, race and identity has shaped debates in Australia and Britain, and has guided organisations in cultural change.
Known for his clarity, originality and his thought-provoking style, Tim's expertise in diversity, culture, leadership and ethics make him a sought-after keynote, conference and dinner speaker.
Commissioner:Tim was Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner from 2013 to 2018, during which he led national anti-racism campaigns and programs. He has been a prominent voice in debates about free speech and political correctness, leading the successful defence of federal racial discrimination laws against repeal.
Chair:Within Australia he has pioneered efforts to boost cultural diversity and inclusion within organisations. He was the founding chair of the Leadership Council on Cultural Diversity, which brings together CEOs to advocate for improved cultural diversity within senior leadership.? ?He is currently the co-chair of the Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network, which seeks to improve diversity within the Australian screen industry.
Education:Tim is a graduate of the University of Oxford and the University of Sydney. A political philosopher by training, he has been a newspaper columnist, a presenter on ABC Radio National and a regular TV commentator
Author: He is the author of five books: On Hate (2019), I’m Not Racist But … (2015), The Virtuous Citizen (2012), Don’t Go Back to Where You Came From (2012), and Reclaiming Patriotism (2009).