Claire Sainsbury

2024 Outstanding Indigenous Alumni Award

Claire Sainsbury is a rising star in the Australian Public Service (APS). Graduating from JCU with a Bachelor of Education in 2007, Claire initially taught on Palm Island, driven by a passion to improve the educational outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. She transitioned to the APS, starting as a policy officer at the Department of Education, Science and Training, where she focused on advancing Indigenous education.

Claire's career spans multiple APS agencies, including the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, where she contributed to the National Report to Parliament on Indigenous Education and Training. At the Australian Public Service Commission, she authored the Diversity Chapter for the State of the Service Report. Her impactful work continued at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, where she developed a cradle-to-career framework for Indigenous education and managed the first Indigenous Advancement Strategy Grant Funding Round for the Children and Schooling program stream.

Currently, Claire is a senior executive at the Commonwealth Department of Education, overseeing the Research Policy and Programs branch. Her work ensures access to cutting-edge national research infrastructure and and that the research system is meeting the current and future needs of research students and the research sector. Claire's commitment to education is also reflected in her academic achievements, having earned an MBA from the University of Canberra and a forthcoming PhD from the Australian National University.

Claire, a Torres Strait Islander from Moa and Badu Islands, has overcome significant barriers to reach senior executive level before the age of 40. Claire's journey from JCU graduate to APS leader exemplifies her dedication to improving educational outcomes and overcoming disadvantage.