Vincent Fairfax Ethics in Leadership Foundation

‘Let us remember that the power and wealth of a democracy is measured not only by the number and quality of its eminent leaders but by thousands of 'little' leaders who provide its real strength.’

The Vincent Fairfax Ethics in Leadership Foundation (VFELF) was established by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation and Fairfax family members with the particular aim of developing 'ethical leadership' in Australia. Through funding a number of programs in leadership development, VFELF seeks to support the development of high standards of ethics in leadership so that outstanding Australians can expand their capacity to make a significant impact for the good of the community.

During the latter part of his life, Sir Vincent was particularly keen to encourage the development of good leadership. He envisaged that the landscape of leadership in Australia would be shaped by people who would lead their communities and organisations with their thoughts, beliefs, decisions and actions grounded in a sound ethical framework.

VFELF-funded programs aim to equip participants with the insights, conviction, behaviours, skills and knowledge to make considered ethical decisions and actions, having regard to those affected and treating others as they themselves would wish to be treated.

Board of Directors

The Hon. Robert Neale Cartwright (Chairman)

Robert Cartwright is a Senior Deputy President of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission and immediate past President of the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal from 2004 to 2009. Prior to appointment to the AIRC in 2001, he held senior positions in industry as a Group Managing Director of Telstra Corporation Ltd and over 15 years in the CRA group of companies, including Managing Director of Comalco Rolled Products and President of An Mau Steel Company, Taiwan. He has been a Director and Deputy Chairman of the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of NSW and Commissioner of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the AGSM and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (USyd). He currently serves as Chairman of the Vincent Fairfax Ethics in Leadership Foundation.

Dr Deborah A.S. King-Rowley

Debby King-Rowley has worked in the field of learning and development for over thirty years, specialising in global leadership development in multinational companies for the last twenty of those years. Debby has held senior roles in industry as Director of Executive Education for Motorola, Director of the Motorola Semi-conductor Global Learning Group, and founding General Manager of the Centre for Leadership for Telstra Corporation (Australia). She now works as a consultant in the area of leadership development.

Debby holds an undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology (Lipscomb University), a Masters in Instructional Systems and a Doctorate in Education Research (Florida State University).

Michael Murray

Michael Murray is a Portfolio Manager with Integrity Investment Management and has a long track record of work in ethical and socially responsible investment. He is past secretary of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia, has an MSc in Social and Political Theory, has successfully completed the CFA Program and in 2002 he was the recipient of a Vincent Fairfax Fellowship.

Angus D. White

Angus White has held roles as Case Worker for the Red Cross Tracing Agency and Refugee Service, Case Manager for the Asylum Seekers' Assistance Scheme and State Coordinator for the Breakfast Club program at Australian Red Cross NSW. He is a qualified teacher and has a background in outdoor education. Angus is a Director of Mundango Abroad Private Ancillary Fund and is Chairman of The Mundango Charitable Trust. He served as Director of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation from 2002 to 2006.

Peter Wilson, AM

Peter Wilson is National President of the Australian Human Resource Institute. He is also Chairman of Yarra Valley Water Limited and a non-executive Director on the Board of the World Federation of People Management Associations. Prior to 2005, Peter held senior executive roles at ANZ Bank, Amcor Limited, and as CEO of Energy 21. He has held non-executive director appointments with Dalgety Farmers, Kimberly Clark, Melbourne Tigers Basketball Club, World Basketball Championships, and the Commonwealth Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.

Peter Wilson was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2005 for services to workplace relations and safety, and community service and was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2004.

Organisations supported