The Hon Catherine Branson AC SC is a graduate of the University of Adelaide in both Arts and Law. She is a former Crown Solicitor of South Australia and CEO of the Attorney-General's Department.

 

She served for more than 14 years as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia and for 4 years as President of the Australian Human Rights Commission. She received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Adelaide in 2011, a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) from Flinders University in 2012, and a Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) from Macquarie University in 2014. Catherine Branson is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law.

 

Ms Branson was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2018.

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On 13 July 2020, Council appointed Ms Branson as the 17th Chancellor of the University of Adelaide for a two-year term until 12 July 2022.  In February 2022, Council re-appointed Ms Branson for a further two-year term until 12 July 2024.  In February 2024, Council re-appointed Ms Branson for a further two-year term until 12 July 2026.