Rosaleen Smyth has over 30 years experience in teaching, lecturing and research, including a PhD in African History, and the Australian public service, specifically in Indigenous Affairs.
She has previously volunteered with Palms Australia in Tanzania and has worked in Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Zambia, United Kingdom, Sudan, Australia, Fiji, United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.
She has been described as having "great integrity of character" and her ability to relate and communicate across cultures have been highly praised.