NEW CHAIR - COUNCIL FOR THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

4 August 2009

The Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, as Chancellor of the Order of Australia, has agreed to the appointment of eminent academic Professor, John Hay AC, as the new Chair of the Council for the Order of Australia.

Professor Hay has been a key figure in the advancement of higher education in Australia, serving as Vice-Chancellor of Deakin, Victoria and the University of Queensland.   

Professor Hay has also served with distinction on a diverse range of state and national committees ranging from the arts, science, technology, innovation, information systems, city planning and economic development.

In 2004 Professor Hay was made a Companion in the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours list.

He was also awarded a Centenary Medal for contributions to Australian higher education.

“Professor Hay is a distinguished Australian who brings to the Council for the Order of Australia a valuable range of skills and knowledge,” Ms Bryce said. “We look forward to his leadership in this important role.”

Professor Hay replaces Sir James Gobbo AC CVO who was Chair for eight years.  He was also a community member of the Council for eleven years prior to that.

“Sir James has made an enormous contribution to the Council and we are immensely grateful for his tireless work with the council spanning two decades of service,” Ms Bryce said.  

“I would like to express my appreciation and wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” Ms Bryce said.

Professor Hay will take up the new role in August, and will serve for a term of two years.

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