By Saffron Geyle
Dr Gordon de Brouwer has been appointed by the ANU Council as the next Chancellor of the university. Acting Pro-Chancellor, Andrew Metcalfe, announced the appointment on the morning of 17 August in an all-student email. So who is our next Chancellor?
Dr Gordon de Brouwer previously served as the Australian Public Service Commissioner, from May 2023 until February 2026. Dr de Brouwer boasts a long career of public sector and policy service, having previously held senior roles in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Australia. He is also a former ANU student, having previously acquired a PhD in Economics at the university.
“Gordon is an outstanding Australian public sector leader with deep experience in governance, public policy, institutional reform and national leadership”, stated Metcalfe in the all-student email.
“He also has a long and significant connection with ANU: as an alumnus, former Professor of Economics and, most recently, Honorary Professor.”
Metcalfe stated that de Brouwer’s appointment followed an “extensive, independent and competitive search undertaken in accordance with University’s Voluntary Undertaking with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)”.
“After a period of significant change for ANU, Gordon’s appointment marks an important opportunity to strengthen trust and confidence, and to look to the future with a renewed sense of purpose.”
De Bouwer’s role as Chancellor will commence on Wednesday 19 August 2026. Metcalfe added that there will be “opportunities for staff and students to meet Gordon in the months ahead”.
“As Chancellor, he will play a critical role in supporting strong and transparent governance, bringing our community together and helping ensure ANU continues to fulfil its distinctive responsibilities as Australia’s national university.”
With a decorated career in public service and policy reforms, we can only anticipate what de Bouwer’s term in leadership will offer for a time of transition at the ANU. Observer will be following along closely.
More to come.
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