Associate Professor Anna Bennett has many decades of higher education experience in teaching, leadership, evaluation and research, spanning diverse programmes and services for domestic and international students. She has a PhD in Sociology and applies theory and concepts to better understand and address issues in higher education. Her project outputs underpin and shape policy aimed at significantly widening participation in tertiary education. Her research has directly informed national policy making for improving student access, equity, retention, and success across the student journey, from pathways to undergraduate and postgraduate education. Through the applied research she has led, such as the FEE-FREE Uni Ready Best Practice Guide and Report on Policy Settings (2026) and the Critical Interventions Framework (2015; 2024), she has developed strong external relationships with government, organisations, and sector bodies, demonstrating that she is highly experienced in translating research into educational policy, practice, and institutional strategy. Current research areas include: inclusive pedagogy, transition pedagogy, access and equity programs, evaluation and policies in higher education; discourses of capability; time and space in higher education; and exploring identities and subject positions in higher education.

Dr Jo Hanley is Planning and Projects Coordinator for the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre (PALS). Jo has worked in higher education for over 25 years and regards herself as a 'third space professional'; having worked across numerous roles, including administrative, management, research and academic positions. Jo is also a multi-disciplinarian with a PhD in Sociology and an Honours degree in Communication Studies, both from the University of Newcastle. She has a track record in supporting and developing staff and students along with a passion for building strong relationships with stakeholders, particularly in the areas of equity and widening participation. Jo has teaching excellence awards at the VC and Faculty levels and is currently co-facilitator of the National Association of Enabling Educators of Australia’s Research Development and Collaboration Special Interest Group. She also managed the journal International Studies in Widening Participation from 2017 to 2021. Jo’s recent national research collaboration includes the Critical Interventions Framework Part 3 (2024).