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Vice-Chancellor to chair Universities Australia

25 July 2007

Vice-Chancellor Richard Larkins is the inaugural chairman of Universities Australia

Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins has been elected to chair the revamped peak body for Australian universities from 2008.

Professor Larkins said Universities Australia had an important role convincing the wider community and the government that universities are crucial for Australia's future.

"I'm delighted to have the position," he told Campus Review, noting "the new constitution and new name indicates the peak body is moving forward into a new era".

Professor Larkins also told Campus Review the future for UA should be one of consensus rather than adversarial behaviour and one that involves a sector-wide approach ensuring the views of all universities are taken into account.

The new UA board will include professors Paul Clark (Southern Cross), Peter Coaldrake (QUT), Helen Garnett (Charles Darwin), Liz Harman (VU), Daryl Le Grew (Tasmania), Alan Robson (UWA) and Nick Saunders (Newcastle).

The new CEO will also hold a position on the board.

Vice-Chancellors across the country want the university peak body, formerly known the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee, to gain more value from government funding.