New President for Anti-Discrimination NSW

21 February 2022

Respected employment lawyer and business leader Helen McKenzie is the new President of the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW, which provides the strategic direction of Anti-Discrimination NSW.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said Ms McKenzie brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been a partner of major law firm Ashurst (and Australian predecessors) from 1991 to 2016 and holding several management positions there.

“Ms McKenzie is an outstanding lawyer with an international reputation as one of Australia’s most highly regarded employment lawyers,” Mr Speakman said.

“She has been a trusted advisor to many of the country’s largest organisations in both the private and public sectors and holds an impressive record in business transformation, strategy development and risk management.”

While working for Ashurst Ms McKenzie held a range of leadership positions, including as board member, practice head and Deputy Managing Partner of the Australian firm. These roles have provided Ms McKenzie with a deep understanding of complex organisational issues such as governance and cultural change.

Mr Speakman thanked the outgoing President, the Honourable Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC FAA, for her outstanding service to the agency and acknowledged Elizabeth Wing for her work as Acting President.

“Dr Bennett has provided excellent leadership to Anti-Discrimination NSW for the past four and a half years. Her commitment to fairness and equality has strengthened the agency and she leaves a lasting legacy,” Mr Speakman said.

Ms McKenzie commences her three-year term as President on Monday, 21 February 2022.

The Anti-Discrimination Board was established in 1977 to help promote equal opportunity policies and principles across the state. Click here more information about Anti-Discrimination NSW.