The next era of higher education will not be defined by policy reform or funding settings alone – it will be shaped by the strength of leadership across Australia’s universities, Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy will tell the Future Campus HE People & Performance conference in June.
Mr Sheehy is the latest sector leader to join the conference program and will examine, “what leadership must look like in 2026 and beyond, why leadership capability is becoming increasingly central to sector success, and how universities can equip leaders at all levels to thrive in a more complex and contested environment.”
Other outstanding speakers to sign on for the landmark conference on the future organisation and management of the sector include:
- Deakin University VC Iain Martin diving into aspects of the HE workforce of the future
- Charles Sturt VC Renee Leon looking at the challenges and opportunities of attracting and retaining a strong HE workforce in regional areas – and the risks if we don’t get it right
- Newcastle VC Alex Zelinsky looking at new approaches required to allow staff to adapt and thrive
- Western Sydney VC George Williams looking at case studies for reform and whether our hiring and promotion systems are still fit for purpose
- Swinburne VC Pascale Quester reflecting on lessons learned in people management after 6 years at the helm
- Leading researchers Gwylim Croucher and Liz Bare analysing key changes that could be considered for academic and professional staff
- Bendigo Kangan CEO Laura Macpherson on TAFE staffing and harmonisation
- ACU Provost Julie Cogin, Deakin DVC I Mark Rose, UQ’s Paul Harpur, U Syd’s Pauline Ross and leading student voices including CAPA President Jesse Gardner-Russell.
This is an opportunity to dig into the key questions that will shape the future of Australian Tertiary Education, led by an extraordinary cast of thought leaders from across the sector. Hosted by RMIT University in the heart of Melbourne, the Conference will be on 22-23 June.
Find out more. https://www.eventcreate.com/e/hepeople2026