About the Author

Tiny Vinson's Career has alternated between university positions and roles in the public service and community sector. He was appointed Foundation Director of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research in 1970 and in the mid seventies took up the position of Professor of Behavioral Science in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Newcastle. Following a revelatory Royal Commission into the NSW prison system, for three years (1979-1981) Tony Vinson headed the Department of Corrective Services during a period of intense reform. An extended period as Head of the School of Social Work and Dean of the Faculty of Professional Studies at the University of New South Wales followed, as well as Visiting Professorships in Sweden and Holland.

 

In 2001 Tony was invited to Chair an Independent Inquiry into NSW Public Education on behalf of the Federation of Parents and Citizens’ Associations, the Teachers Federation and senior teachers’ groups. Many of the Inquiry’s recommendations attracted support from politicians and the community generally and resulted in substantial improvements to public education in New South Wales. Other smaller scale education projects have ensued and in 2003 the NSW Government honoured Professor Vinson with an inaugural Meritorious Service to Public Education award. Concurrent with these forays into public education, Tony Vinson has undertaken research work with Jesuit Social Services, Mildura Regional City Council and other community groups. He is an Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales and an Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Education and Social Work at Sydney University which recently conferred on him the title of Honorary Doctor of Letters.