MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:37:06): On 29 March I was privileged to take part in the installation of the new chancellor of La Trobe University, the Honourable John Brumby, AO. John, who served as Premier of this great state from 2007 to 2010, could not be a more suitable candidate for this new role. His innovative spirit, ambition and drive to make a difference epitomise the qualities of La Trobe University. John’s exceptional commitment to regional education is matched also by La Trobe University. In 1967 just 552 students were enrolled at La Trobe University. Today there are more than 36 000 students, with around 30 per cent of them studying at regional campuses or online. As federal member for Bendigo, John was critical to the establishment of La Trobe’s Bendigo campus back in 1989. Now, 30 years later, he has been installed as the chancellor at the Bendigo campus, enabling him to continue to enhance access to university education in this and other regional areas. In his role as chancellor John will add to what is already an extraordinary history of service to Victoria. In 2017 he received an Order of Australia for services to the Parliament of Victoria, economic management and medical biotechnology innovation, improved rural and regional infrastructure, and the community. Today John is chair of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Institute. He is also chair of the Fred Hollows Foundation and national president of the Australia China Business Council. I was an MP when John was Premier, and that experience taught me what an incredibly hard worker he is. John’s ambition is inspiring. He expects the best from everyone, and I am sure he will get the best from La Trobe University.
Category: Parliament
