Maxine is an author and Hon Enterprise Professor at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. Her most recent publication ‘Class Act’ considers what it takes to deliver effective schooling to children in low socio-economic areas.
Maxine’s background traverses both journalism and politics. For many years she was a familiar face to ABC TV viewers as the anchor of both Lateline and the 7.30 Report. When she made the switch to politics, she achieved the historic feat of unseating then Prime Minister John Howard in the Sydney seat of Bennelong in 2007. She served in the federal Parliament until 2010.
Maxine now serves as a board director of New Energy Solar and the State Library of Victoria. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.