Tim Connor

Dr. Tim Connor is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Law and Justice at the University of Newcastle's College of Human and Social Futures. His research focuses on corporate accountability, corporate law, and the social/environmental impacts of global corporations. He has held roles at Oxfam Australia and contributed to an Australian Research Council Linkage project examining non-judicial grievance mechanisms for human rights abuses. Connor’s work bridges legal theory and practical activism, addressing shareholder primacy, corporate governance, and the legal structure of corporations. He has received multiple teaching awards for innovative approaches to corporate law education.

Education

• PhD, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Sydney
• Bachelor of Laws, University of New South Wales

Research Interests

Connor’s research explores how laws and regulatory processes can drive corporate responsibility. Key areas include:

• Non-judicial mechanisms for human rights redress
• Shareholder primacy and directors’ duties
• Transnational labor rights activism
• Corporate law’s role in shaping global supply chains

Grants & Collaborations

He co-led an ARC Linkage project (2013–2014), producing 20 reports and a Cambridge University Press book. Collaborations include work with the University of Melbourne on rethinking corporate legal frameworks. Recent grants include CHSF Conference Travel funding (2024).

Awards

Recipient of national and university-level teaching awards, including the 2024 Innovation Award for Learning Design and Teaching and 2013 National Citation for Student Learning.