Gordon de Brouwer Appointed New ANU Chancellor Amid Governance Probe

Adjunct Professor of Economics Gordon de Brouwer will assume the role of the 14th chancellor of the Australian National University (ANU), succeeding Julie Bishop who resigned in May. Dr. de Brouwer, who previously held senior leadership positions across the Australian government, including Australian Public Service Commissioner, brings extensive experience to the university.

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Dr de Brouwer has made a significant contribution to Australia through his career in academia and the Australian Public Service, and brings a wealth of experience, respected leadership qualities and a deep commitment to public institutions to the role.

His appointment occurs during a period of scrutiny for ANU, with an ongoing investigation into its governance by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). The position of vice-chancellor also remains vacant, currently filled by interim VC Rebekah Brown since Genevieve Bell's resignation. This follows a controversial saga concerning the university's $250 million savings plan, which included job cuts, later found to lack clear evidence of necessity by an Australian National Audit Office report.

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Dr de Brouwer's leadership and experience will be crucial in providing stability and confidence as the ANU moves forward.

ACT Senator Katy Gallagher welcomed the appointment, describing it as a "full-circle" moment. She stated that Dr. de Brouwer's career in academia and public service, combined with his respected leadership qualities and commitment to public institutions, makes him well-suited for the role. Gallagher expressed confidence that his leadership will provide crucial stability and confidence as ANU navigates its current challenges.

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We are determined to ensure that our leadership, our plan … the university's vision are all very much focused on our national mission, which is building a better Australia.

In his first statement, Dr. de Brouwer acknowledged the ANU's "extraordinary national mission" and expressed his eagerness to help the university "build confidence in its future." Acting Pro-Chancellor Andrew Metcalfe conceded a "loss of trust" and "loss of confidence" in the ANU among the public but conveyed optimism about Dr. de Brouwer's ability to lead the institution effectively. He emphasized the university's determination to focus its vision and plans on its national mission of building a better Australia.

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Gordon came through an extremely rigorous process to be named as chancellor, and we just think that he's got the combination of experience, of judgment and integrity that we need at ANU to take us forward.