Passionate about people, fascinated by places. I am a lifelong learner with strong experience in governance, urban planning and educational leadership.My mission is to create positive social and environmental impacts through collaboration, advocacy, and education. I have a PhD in Environment and Planning Law, a Master of Science in Geography, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. I am also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.
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Industry Professor - EsgMacquarie University Apr 2024 - PresentSydney, New South Wales, AuLinking the University with government and industry to develop strategic outcomes-focussed relationships and research across cities, society and sustainability. -
ChairConnect Macquarie Park Innovation District Apr 2024 - PresentMacquarie Park, Nsw, AuAustralia's original innovation district - Macquarie Park has it all - a world-class university, brand new metro rail connections, a premier retail precinct, Australia's home for global medtech and ICT giants, a diverse and dynamic local community and a sylvan national park - supporting more than 70,000 jobs and $A13 billion in annual impact and commercial outcomes. Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District exists to build collaboration between major owners and investors to generate common good. -
ChairFaith Housing Alliance Jul 2023 - PresentBella Vista, New South Wales, AuThe Faith Housing Alliance is working to increase the supply of safe, healthy and secure affordable housing for all. Communities of faith have always been at the forefront of responding to the needs of their communities, serving those who are facing crisis, are disadvantaged and in need of support. Faith Housing Alliance is an expression of the social justice commitment of the faith sector, which believes in appropriate and affordable housing for all as a basic human right and wish to help build strong communities -
Member, Urban Policy ForumThe Australian Government May 2023 - PresentCanberra, Act, Au -
Minister For Infrastructure, Cities, And Active TransportInfrastructure Nsw Dec 2021 - Apr 2023Sydney, Nsw, Au -
Member For PittwaterParliament Of Nsw Mar 2007 - Mar 2023Sydney, Nsw, AuAs Member for Pittwater Rob represented the interests of approximately 65,000 residents in a range of suburbs and coastal hamlets across 175 square kilometres of outer metropolitan Sydney. As well as advocating for the needs of many individual citizens in their dealings and challenges with local, state and Federal governments, Rob has worked together with his community to achieve a range of important local and regional outcomes, including:• The inclusion of Currawong Beach on the State Heritage Register and the creation of Currawong State Park and the creation and expansion of Narrabeen Lagoon State Park;• $32 million upgrade of Warriewood Sewerage Treatment Plant to address environmental and water quality concerns;• More than $100 million towards the maintenance and redevelopment of Mona Vale Hospital, including the renovation of maternity services, extension of palliative care services, construction of short stay unit within the emergency/urgent care centre; expansion of rehabilitation services and ongoing master-planning of Mona Vale Hospital as a centre for excellence in a range of sub-acute services;• Almost $500 million towards the upgrade of Mona Vale Road, including planning and land acquisition for rebuilding Mona Vale Road as a dual carriageway along its entire length;• Construction of new Mona Vale police station;• Capital works at government schools, including Barrenjoey High School, Pittwater High School, Narrabeen High School and land Mona Vale Public School.• A new public transport system for the Northern Beaches, including the B-Line Rapid transit system and Keoride Point-to-point transport service.• Active Transport improvements including the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail and the Palm Beach to Manly shared pathway -
Member, Standing Committee On Parliamentary Privilege And EthicsParliament Of Nsw Nov 2012 - Apr 2014Sydney, Nsw, AuThe Standing Committee on Parliamentary Privilege and Ethics is the oversight body responsible for determining and reviewing the Code of Conduct for NSW Legislative Assembly members, and provides general advice to the Parliament on matters of ethics and privilege. -
Opposition Parliamentary Secretary For Planning And InfrastructureParliament Of Nsw Mar 2008 - Mar 2011Sydney, Nsw, AuAs Opposition Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Infrastructure Rob was responsible for assisting in the development of Opposition policy, including proposals to change the assessment regime for major projects to provide for increased transparency and public participation, as well as proposals for changes in the administration of planning and heritage laws. Rob communicated opposition policy on planning issues to the media, industry, academia and the community, and served as acting shadow minister on several occasions. -
Member, Parliamentary Committee On The Independent Commission Against CorruptionParliament Of Nsw Apr 2007 - Mar 2011Sydney, Nsw, AuThe Parliamentary Committee on the Independent Comission Against Corruption (ICAC) operates according to Part 7 of the ICAC Act 1988 in order to maintain the ICAC's accountability to the NSW Parliament. As a member of the Committee for four years, Rob participated in the preparation of 11 reports, including a significant review of whistleblower protection laws. The Committee's work during this period resulted in major changes to the policy and legislation dealing with public sector whistleblowing employees, as well as to the ICAC Act. The Committee also oversaw the appointment of a new ICAC Commissioner and ICAC Inspector during this time. -
Minister For Transport And RoadsNsw Government Oct 2021 - Dec 2021Sydney, Nsw, Au -
Minister For Planning And Public SpacesNsw Government Apr 2019 - Dec 2021Sydney, Nsw, AuThe Minister for Planning and Public Spaces leads the Planning, Industry and Environment cluster within the NSW Government. The cluster includes all the principle organs of government focused on planning for Ecologically Sustainable Development across NSW. This includes the management and conservation of natural and mineral resources, land and biodiversity, air and water. The cluster is engaged in preparing NSW to take advantage of the opportunities offered by new technologies, disruptive ideas, and environmental imperatives. Implementing the new urban agenda includes planning for sustainable urban development in cities and towns across the State. -
Minister For EducationNsw Government Jan 2017 - Apr 2019Sydney, Nsw, AuAs Minister for Education with the NSW Government, Rob was responsible for the leadership of teaching and learning across primary, secondary and tertiary education sectors in NSW.The main challenges in the role included:- the creation of School Infrastructure NSW, a new specialist agency charged with the delivery of the largest school building program in NSW history.- establishing the first review into the NSW school education curriculum in 30 years to ensure that school-based learning is relevant and engaging.- successfully negotiating a 10-year funding deal for NSW schools with the Federal Government.- modernising legislation for some of Australia’s oldest residential university colleges. -
Minister For PlanningNsw Government Apr 2015 - Feb 2017Sydney, Nsw, AuAs Planning Minister, Rob was responsible for leading and coordinating land use across New South Wales to promote sustainable development. Key roles included the management of growth and change in Sydney - Australia's largest city - and in other important cities such as Newcastle and Wollongong. The management of land uses across the balance of New South Wales include regional planning for towns, villages and rural areas, coastal planning, and the assessment of infrastructure, resource and energy projects.Rob led the planning and environment cluster within the New South Wales Government, and was supported by the Department of Planning and Environment, the NSW Government Architect, the Greater Sydney Commission, Urban Growth NSW and other development corporations.Major reforms undertaken during Rob's time as Planning Minister include:• Creation of the Greater Sydney Commission with a renewed focus on strategic long term planning across the Sydney basin• Introduction of integrated coastal zone management with the passage of the Coastal Management Act 2016 and the renewal and integrated of all coastal planning laws in NSW• Improving urban design outcomes with NSW's first Urban Design Policy• A focus on regional strategic planning and decentralisation with Regional Planning undertaken for all regions across NSW for the first time.• Major reform for the City of Newcastle, with the city's first metropolitan plan, creation of an innovation district in central Newcastle, and new governance and value capture machinery. -
Minister For The Central CoastNsw Government May 2014 - Apr 2015Sydney, Nsw, AuAs Minister for the Central Coast, Rob was responsible for championing the interests of the more than 320,000 residents of the Central Coast of NSW - the ninth largest conurbation in Australia. This advocacy included securing more than $1 billion in capital infrastructure improvements, such as the upgrades of Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, new ambulance stations at Wyong and Toukley, $400 million in road upgrades, funding for a performing arts centre and conservatorium at Gosford, and the expansion of Brisbane Water National Park. -
Minister For Environment, Minister For Heritage, Assistant Minister For PlanningNsw Government Apr 2014 - Apr 2015Sydney, Nsw, AuRob's main work as Environment Minister and Heritage Minister included:🔹the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy through the introduction of the Government Resource Efficiency Policy🔹improved environmental protection through stronger laws to prosecute polluters🔹a focus on protection of marine, coastal and wetland ecosystems. Rob oversaw the creation of Everlasting Swamp National Park as well as significant extensions to and restorations of important coastal and wetland areas. Rob also made important additions to the State Heritage Register, such as Armidale's Catholic Cathedral. -
Parliamentary Secretary For Renewable EnergyNsw Government May 2011 - Apr 2014Sydney, Nsw, AuAs the first-ever Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy in NSW, and the only parliamentarian in such a role across Australia, Rob was responsible for the development and delivery of the NSW Renewable Energy Action Plan, and has been involved in the development of related instruments, including the NSW Energy Efficiency Action Plan, the Waste-to-Energy Policy and the NSW State Plan 2021. Rob was involved in a range of specific projects, including several large-scale solar developments. He worked with a range of stakeholders across government, industry and the wider community, and was closely involved with the work of the NSW Renewable Energy Advocate and the Renewable Energy Precinct Co-ordinators. -
Honorary FellowMacquarie University Jan 2012 - Jan 2017Sydney, New South Wales, AuRob has been actively involved in research, teaching and community engagement as an member of the Centre for Environmental and International Law with the Macquare University Law School. Recent involvement has included the publication of research in refereed law journals, presentations at community seminars and papers at international conferences. Rob has also examined a number of postgraduate research projects, including masters and doctoral theses. -
Non-Executive Director, Northern Beaches Christian SchoolNorthern Beaches Christian School Aug 2006 - Jul 2014Terrey Hills, New South Wales, AuNorthern Beaches Christian School (incorporating the Sydney Centre for Innovation in Learning) is a large K - 12 independent school providing comprehensive preschool, primary and secondary education to 1300 students across the Northern Beaches and North Shore of Sydney. The Board has overseen a dramatic increase in the size of the school over the past few years and has undertaken a range of large-scale capital works to facilitate the education mission of the school. As a member of the Legal and Risk committee and of the Education committee of the Board, Rob has helped to shape and guide the strategic vision underpinning the school's rapid development. -
Senior Lecturer, Division Of LawMacquarie University Jun 2002 - Mar 2007Sydney, New South Wales, Au🔹Postgraduate teaching experience includes: Convenor LAW859 Heritage Law and Policy, co-convenor GSE801 Environmental Law and Policy, Supervisor LAW863/4 Legal Research Dissertation, Lecturer LAW 851 Planning Law; ACES848 Legal Foundations for Leaders in Learning Institutions.🔹Undergraduate teaching experience includes: Convenor BUSL 315 Business Litigation; BUSL 201 Law in Australian Society; co-covenor BUSL333 Human Resources Law, supervisor LAW 511 Advanced Legal Research Project; lecturer LAW 440 Land use Planning law; Law 500 Litigation; BUSL 250 Business Law; BUSL 301 Corporations Law. -
Vice-PresidentNsw Young Lawyers Nov 2005 - Nov 2006Sydney, New South Wales, AuNSW Young Lawyers provides advocacy and support for more than 8,000 NSW law students, lawyers aged under 35 or in their first 5 years of legal practice. As Vice-President I was part of the senior leadership of the elected board of the organisation.Main responsibilities included:• Editor of “Debrief”, monthly magazine for NSW Young Lawyers;• Organising and hosting regular continuing legal education seminars for NSW lawyers;• Chairing meetings of sub-committees of Young Lawyers;• Organisation and facilitation of regular conferences on legal themes.• Active member of Young Lawyers’ environmental law committee since 2000.• Advocacy on behalf of members to government and professional bodies. -
SolicitorClinch Long Letherbarrow - Business & Property Lawyers, Family Lawyers, Wills & Estate Planners Apr 2001 - Jun 2005Consulting Solicitor with CBD commercial law firm (now incorporated into Clinch Long Letherbarrow). Major tasks included:• Providing legal advice on environmental and planning matters;• Undertaking large or complex conveyancing matters (including contaminated waste or other environmental issues, construction issues, strata and off-the plan matters)• Providing general support in on-going commercial litigation files.
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Policy AdvisorParliament Of Nsw Jan 2000 - Mar 2001Sydney, Nsw, AuPolicy Advisor to John Brogden MP, Shadow Minister for Urban Affairs & PlanningJuly 1996 – February 1998 (part-time) and January 2000 – March 2001 (3 years total)Duties included:• drafting parliamentary bills, motions and questions;• Preparation of planning policies, speeches and policy briefings;• Media liaison and drafting press releases; and• Communications with electorate, including organisation of public meetings and rallies. -
Head Of General StudiesThe King'S School Apr 1999 - Dec 1999North Parramatta, Nsw, AuContract teaching position. Duties included:• Head of General Studies (out of 50 students, two were placed in top 100 in NSW)• Taught Biblical Studies throughout senior school• Grade 1 Rugby Union Coach -
SolicitorSmallwood Cathcart Solicitors Mar 1998 - Apr 1999• Lawyer at small (2 partners, 5 solicitors) general commercial law firm on Sydney’s northern beaches. (Prior to dissolution of the partnership).• Focus on planning law, conveyancing, land and environment court advice, sale of business and general commercial advice.
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Litigation ParalegalAllens Mar 1994 - Jun 1996Sydney, Nsw, AuParalegal and clerk, attached to litigation department of large international CBD based law firm (now Allens Linklaters). -
Legal ClerkDunn Legal Mar 1994 - Feb 1996Part-time law clerk at small law firm on Sydney’s northern beaches. Work included conveyancing support, litigation support, legal research and local court appearances. Also later worked for the firm as a consultant solicitor.
Rob Stokes Skills
Rob Stokes Education Details
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University Of OxfordGeography -
The College Of Law AustraliaGraduate Diploma In Legal Practice -
Australian Institute Of Company DirectorsGraduate Aicd -
Macquarie UniversityEnvironment & Planning Law -
Moore Theological CollegeDiploma In Biblical Studies
Frequently Asked Questions about Rob Stokes
What company does Rob Stokes work for?
Rob Stokes works for Macquarie University
What is Rob Stokes's role at the current company?
Rob Stokes's current role is Cities | Society | Sustainability.
What schools did Rob Stokes attend?
Rob Stokes attended University Of Oxford, The College Of Law Australia, Australian Institute Of Company Directors, Macquarie University, Moore Theological College.
What are some of Rob Stokes's interests?
Rob Stokes has interest in Assessor And Instructor, Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.
What skills is Rob Stokes known for?
Rob Stokes has skills like Policy, Government, Community Engagement, Public Policy, Stakeholder Engagement, Community Development, Policy Analysis, Media Relations, Public Speaking, Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning.
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