Tim Harte’s story: from ballet to a career in research
From ballet to a career in research and disability advocacy, Tim Harte’s journey is an awe-inspiring one. Tim sits down with us to share his story. Read the articleContent WarningThis podcast includes discussion of lived experience with disability and discrimination.We encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing. You can pause, skip chapters and stop the episode at any time. A list of support services is available here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/student-life-and-services/health-wellbeing-and-safety/safety-security/emergency-and-crisis. For support outside of Australia, please visit http://spotify.com/resources.Editorial noteThe taxation treatment of Graduate Research (GR) scholarships is determined by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), not the Research Training Program (RTP) Guidelines or Deakin University. Under current ATO legislation, part-time scholarships are deemed taxable, whereas full-time RTP stipends are generally tax-exempt. This distinction sits outside of Deakin’s policy or discretion. It is something Deakin and the sector have lobbied the government about over many years. It is a genuine challenge for the sector and for all current and prospective candidates who cannot study at a full-time rate. In relation to awards and prizes, eligibility criteria may be set by either external funding bodies or by Deakin, depending on the award. In the case of PhD stipends Deakin’s own award (DUPR) align with the RTP awards (set by Commonwealth legislation) with restricted criteria for enrolment load, duration or progression requirements. We acknowledge that these criteria can have unintended impacts for part-time GR candidates, including students whose enrolment status reflects disability or other equity-related circumstances. Tim’s reflections highlight how these settings can be experienced as barriers in practice. More broadly, we recognise that the legislative and policy frameworks surrounding RTP stipends, enrolment load and taxation can create genuine challenges for some HDR candidates. While Deakin administers scholarships within parameters set by the Commonwealth Government and relevant tax law, these broader settings do not always align well with the diverse circumstances of HDR students. Click here to view the episode transcript.
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:11) - Ballet Journey
(05:11) - Onset of Disability
(16:00) - Leaving Ballet
(18:33) - University Life
(21:15) - Academic Achievements
(26:00) - PhD Beginnings
(27:29) - Research Challenges
(33:01) - Structural Energy Storage
(37:00) - Life Reset & Advocacy
(43:00) - Disability Advocacy Work
(46:41) - Speaking at the UN
(54:31) - Behind the Scenes
(58:00) - Leadership
(01:00:02) - Disability & STEM
(01:01:14) - Inclusion Matters
(01:03:13) - ChemAbility Network
(01:06:43) - Power of Community
(01:08:55) - Representation
(01:10:00) - Barriers in STEM
(01:22:55) - Scholarships & Stipends
(01:23:13) - Young Australian of the Year Victorian Nomination
(01:24:26) - Representation in Awards
(01:26:43) - Impact Vision
(01:27:19) - Challenging Assumptions
(01:31:17) - Desired Change
(01:32:14) - Resourcing, power & systemic barriers
(01:34:46) - Quickfire Round
(01:36:17) - Final Reflections
Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture. Information provided is as known at time of publishing.
