.jpg)
Former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has been named as the Australian National University's first female Chancellor.
Bishop replaces another former Foreign Minister, Gareth Evans, who has served as the University’s Chancellor since 2010.
In a statement today, Pro-Chancellor Naomi Flutter, said the University’s Chancellorship Forums highlighted the need for an “eminent, distinguished individual, befitting the University's stature”.
“In Julie, we have such a person. Her credentials for this critical University role are exceptional. I am confident she will serve our University with distinction,” Flutter said.
“After a 20-year Parliamentary career representing the seat of Curtin in Western Australia, Julie is very well known. Over the coming years, our ANU community will get to know her much better, as she leads us through the next phase of our strategic transformation.”
Flutter said Bishop will be a “compelling and effective advocate” for the University, including with the Australian Government.
“As Australia's Foreign Minister, she always represented our national interests strongly, navigating often sensitive foreign policy issues. [Bishop] has long been a regular visitor to ANU and knows the University well.”
Bishop’s three-year role will commence from 1 January 2020.