The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Re-appointments to the National Museum of Australia Council

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced the re-appointment Dr John Hirst and Dr John Fleming to the Council of the National Museum of Australia.

“The re-appointments of Dr Hirst and Dr Fleming will ensure valuable continuity on the Council of the National Museum of Australia,” Senator Kemp said.

Dr Hirst’s considerable expertise and experience in the application of Australian history will be of significant benefit to Council and the NMA. He currently holds the position of Reader in History at La Trobe University and has lectured at the University since 1968.

Dr Hirst is the author of several books including The Sentimental Nation (2000) on the history of federation and most recently Sense and Nonsense in Australian History (2006).

Dr Fleming’s involvement in social and community issues and his expertise in the area of bioethics will bring a valuable perspective to the Council. Dr Fleming is the President of Campion College Australia.

Dr Fleming has an active interest in bioethics and is the co-author of three books on the subject. Dr Fleming was a foundation member (1992-1996) of UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee, which developed the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights as adopted by UNESCO in 1997.

The National Museum of Australia is funded by the Australian Government and plays an important role in providing Australians access to their history and cultural heritage. More information on the activities and role of the national museum are available at www.nma.gov.au

Both Dr Hirst and Dr Fleming have been re-appointed for a further three years on the council.

CANBERRA
6 July 2006

Media contact: Michael Christo Minister's Office 02 6277 7350 or 0409 040276