MLaw (University College London), PhD (UNSW), GAICD
Nationally recognised expert leading the charge for social change
Dr Cassandra Goldie AO is CEO of ACOSS and Adjunct Professor with UNSW Sydney. With public policy expertise in economic, social and environmental issues, civil society, social justice and human rights, Cassandra has represented the interests of people who are disadvantaged, and civil society generally, in major national and international processes as well as in grassroots communities.
Prior to joining ACOSS, Cassandra held senior roles in both the not-for-profit and public sectors, including with the Australian Human Rights Commission, where she played a pivotal role in the inquiry into pay equity and paid parental leave, Darwin Community Legal Service and Legal Aid in Western Australia.
Cassandra was recognised as an Inaugural Westpac/AFR 100 Women of Influence, selected as an AFR/BOSS True Leader, included on AFR’s Annual Overt Power List, recognised as one of Australia’s top 50 Outstanding LGBTI Executives by Deloitte, and voted one of the most influential people in the Australian social sector in Pro Bono’s Impact 25 Awards in 2014 and again in 2021, when she also received the 2021 UNSW Alumni Award for Social Impact and Service.
In 2023, Cassandra was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished services to social justice through leadership and advocacy, promoting the rights of marginalised and disadvantaged people.
Cassandra has a PhD from UNSW Sydney and a Masters of Laws from University College London. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and serves on the UNSW Law Advisory Committee and the Australian Climate Roundtable. Cassandra is Co-Chair of the ACOSS and UNSW Sydney Poverty and Inequality Partnership, a member of the Federal Government’s independent Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee and a member of Chief Executive Women.
