2027 PSA Committee Candidates
Online Voting is open to all Postgraduate students currently enrolled at UWA. Please read below for information about the 2027 PSA Committee Nominees and Elected Positions so far.
2027 ELECTABLE POSITIONS:
PSA President - Alex Hutt - Elected
PSA Vice-President Coursework - Kaaviya Annadurai - Elected
PSA Vice-President Research - Tushaal Thadani - Elected unopposed
PSA Vice-President Engagement - Tim Southgate - Elected unopposed
PSA Vice-President Welfare - TBC (No nominations received)
PSA General Secretary - Liv Bunyan - Elected unopposed
2027 PSA President - Elected
Alex Hutt
Postgraduate study can be isolating. Students spend long hours balancing study with work, family, sport and other commitments. I am running for PSA President because every postgraduate student at UWA should leave with more than a qualification. They should leave with a network, a community, and the sense that their university worked for them.
I have focused on listening to people, navigating complex challenges and turning ideas into practical outcomes. As President of St George’s College, I worked to improve everyday life for residents, from bringing alpacas onto campus to support student wellbeing, to renovating outdoor spaces and leading complex constitutional reform. The role required me to balance the interests of students, staff, the College and external stakeholders.
It taught me that effective advocacy is not about being the loudest voice in the room or winning an argument. It is about understanding what people need, building support and finding outcomes that deliver meaningful change.
That approach has shaped everything I have done. As Projects Officer Team Leader at the Western Australian Justice Association, I led a team to deliver projects. As a Policy Consultant at Legal Aid WA, I worked with people navigating complex systems at difficult moments, teaching me to listen carefully and communicate clearly. My experience has also shown me how decisions are made, how to develop persuasive submissions, work within budgets and bring stakeholders together.
Outside work, I have volunteered in youth mental health education and programs because I believe strongly in giving back to my community. That same commitment to service motivates me to deliver the best outcomes possible for UWA postgraduates.
Three priorities will shape my year as President:
1. More meaningful networking opportunities
Networking should be a consistent part of postgraduate life, not an occasional event. I will create opportunities throughout the year that connect students across disciplines, industries and career paths, while ensuring they work for research and coursework students, local and international students, and those studying part-time or off-campus.
2. An overall better postgraduate experience
I will build on the work of previous PSA committees, advocating for students undertaking unpaid placements and stronger support for international students. I want the PSA to be easier to find and understand. That means clearer information about rights and services, responsive support, postgraduate-focused wellbeing initiatives, strong representation on University committees, and expanding PSA Grants and Awards to fund more opportunities for postgrads.
3. Better postgraduate study facilities
For many postgraduate students, the library becomes a second home. I will advocate for a dedicated 24/7 postgraduate study space so students have somewhere safe and accessible to study whenever they need it.
I bring a fresh perspective. I am not tied to the way things have always been done, and my experience across law, government, student leadership and community service has taught me how to turn good ideas into achievable outcomes.
My promise is simple: I will listen, work hard and deliver meaningful change. With your support, I will make 2027 the best year yet for UWA postgraduates.
2027 PSA Vice-President (Coursework) - Elected
Kaaviya Annadurai
Hi, I’m Kaaviya Annadurai, a Master of Business Information and Logistics Management student and current PSA Coursework – Management and Commerce Representative. Through this role, I have seen how important it is for coursework postgraduates to have a clear, approachable voice and stronger connections with the people and services that can support them.
I am running for Vice-President (Coursework) because I want to make student representation more visible, practical and responsive. My priorities would be to strengthen communication between coursework students, faculty representatives and the PSA; create clearer ways for students to raise concerns and receive genuine follow-up; and support initiatives such as study nights, careers and professional-development events.
I also want to encourage greater awareness of mental and physical wellbeing, helping students feel supported and connected to appropriate services while balancing academic, work and personal commitments.
I would bring an organised, collaborative and student-focused approach, listening to different perspectives and working with others to turn concerns into practical action.
I would value the opportunity to represent coursework postgraduates and ensure their voices and wellbeing are considered in the decisions that affect them.
VIEW KAAVIYA ANNADURAI'S POSTER
2027 PSA Vice-President (Research) - Elected Unopposed
Tushaal Thadani
I am standing for elections as Vice President (Research) of the PSA. My journey with the PSA began as Welfare Officer, later serving as Vice President (Welfare), where I worked to strengthen student support and wellbeing. I now bring that same commitment to advancing the research community.
As a PhD Candidate in Law, a Visiting Lecturer at the Institute of Legal Training Western Australia, and a Legal Associate to the Australian National Taskforce for Social Media, Body Image and Eating Disorders, I understand both the challenges and opportunities facing research students.
If elected, I will ensure:
Increased funding for PhD and Master by Research students.
Expanded networking and collaboration opportunities across disciplines.
Greater accommodation and support tailored to the needs of research candidates.
My vision is a PSA that not only advocates for student welfare but also empowers research students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. With experience in both advocacy and academia, I am ready to fight for the resources and recognition our research community deserves.
2027 PSA Vice-President (Engagement) - Elected Unopposed
Tim Southgate
My name is Tim Southgate, I’m a first-year Juris Doctor student studying part-time. This year I served as a first-year social representative on Blackstone, where I focused on increasing student engagement and contributed to events including Suits and Scrubs, the Law Ball and the First-Year Social. I have also held leadership roles as Vice-President of a UWA social club, Vice- Treasurer of my cricket club and an executive member of my soccer club. These roles have given me experience in event planning, budgeting, teamwork and engaging with a diverse range of students. As Vice-President (Engagement), I would work to deliver a diverse calendar of social and networking events that are accessible, engaging and valuable for postgraduate students. I am organised, approachable and driven, and believe I am the right candidate for the role.
2027 PSA General Secretary - Elected Unopposed
Liv Bunyan
My name is Liv Bunyan and I am a first-year Juris Doctor student. This year I have served as Secretary of the UWA Philosophy Society, where I gained practical experience in committee administration, preparing agendas, taking minutes, managing correspondence and helping ensure actions and decisions were followed through. That experience has given me a strong understanding of what is required to keep a student organisation organised, accountable and running effectively behind the scenes. I am comfortable working with committees, managing competing priorities and making sure important information is communicated clearly and on time.
As General Secretary, I would bring a careful, organised and reliable approach to the role, while supporting the President and wider PSA Committee to deliver for postgrad students. I am diligent, approachable and committed to ensuring the PSA remains well-run, transparent and responsive to the needs of its members.
For information on Appointable Positions in the PSA Committee or to view the PSA Rules, head to the PSA Elections page: Postgraduate Students' Association (PSA) Elections | UWA Student Guild