16 January 2025: The University of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ (ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½) is pleased to confirm that the outgoing Honourable Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Government Services, Bill Shorten, will be commencing his role as our Vice-Chancellor and President on Monday 20 January 2025.
Ms Patricia Kelly, Acting Chancellor at the University of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ said the University was excited to welcome Mr Shorten to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.
“It is an honour to welcome Bill Shorten as our incoming Vice-Chancellor. His values of providing opportunity to all and reducing inequalities were clearly reflected in his most recent role as the minister for the NDIS Scheme and Government Services. His passion for equity for all sits perfectly with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’s vision to be the most accessible university in Australia,” said Ms Kelly.
“We look forward to having the benefit of his exceptional experience in forging a forward path for ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and in leading our journey to deliver education and research excellence on a financially sustainable basis.”
Mr Shorten said he was excited to take up the role and looks forward to engaging with colleagues, students and stakeholders in the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.
“This is a pivotal time, not only for the University of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, but for the higher education sector more broadly. I am looking forward to contributing to a successful future at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and to working with the higher education sector more broadly towards positive outcomes,” he said.
Mr Shorten acknowledged that recent restructuring and redundancies made this a difficult time for the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.
“I will work collaboratively with the University Council and community to chart a course for a sustainable and successful future and continuing excellence in education and research. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is a small university but our impact is big, particularly in the ACT region, which we serve as a priority,” he said.
“I would like to thank and acknowledge my predecessors and those senior ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ staff who have worked to restructure and rebalance the finances of the institution during this period of leadership transition. This enables me to have a strong start in this role and I am confident that the University of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has a bright future.”