Retired public servant Gordon de Brouwer’s appointment was announced as ANU’s new Chancellor on Monday.
He replaces Julie Bishop, who resigned in May, six months ahead of her scheduled departure, protesting “regulatory over-reach.” Former CSIRO Chief Executive Larry Marshall filled in as Interim Chancellor in recent months and passed the baton to Dr de Brouwer.
The Chancellor selection panel was chaired by former TEQSA chief commissioner Peter Coaldrake and included two independent members nominated by the agency. TEQSA also approved the two members who were nominated by the University Council.
The announcement came a day before Education Minister Jason Clare proposed legislation curtailing the independence of ANU’s Council
Dr de Brouwer has a PhD in economics from ANU and was appointed an honorary professor there in May. He had a long career in the Commonwealth public service, stepping down in February as Public Service Commissioner.
He joins ANU with a stated commitment to public sector reform. In his farewell address to the Public Service, Dr de Brouwer emphasised his work “on significant institutional change,” including “implementing regular departmental capability reviews,” and “ensuring performance management seeks excellence in both delivery and behaviour.”
“Ensuring that senior public servants remain accountable for their conduct strengthens the public service as an institution and supports public trust,” he said in January.
Dr de Brouwer takes leadership of a Council fragmented by resignations, with five external members resigning as well as Ms Bishop.
In addition to renewing the ANU Council, Dr Brewer’s other major task is the selection process for a new VC. Former provost Rebekah Brown has served as Interim VC since last September.
The usually-vocal ANU commentariat was publicly quiet about the appointment, which no one claimed to have seen coming but there was concern the new Chancellor might bring ideas for organisational change.