University sector leader and eminent academic Professor Margaret Gardner AC will be inaugurated as the 30th Governor of Victoria today.
The incoming Governor has had a distinguished career in Australia's university sector and abroad, with a background in economics, industrial relations and organisational management.
Governor-Designate Professor Gardner was the first woman to lead Monash University, serving as President and Vice Chancellor since 2014.
A Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow, she previously served as President and Vice Chancellor at RMIT University between 2005 and 2014 and has also held executive leadership and senior academic positions at the University of Queensland and Griffith University.
The Governor-Designate was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of her service to tertiary education in 2007 - particularly in the areas of gender equity and university governance and to industrial relations.
In 2020, she was also appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for her eminent service to tertiary education through leadership and innovation in teaching and learning, research and financial sustainability.
The Governor-Designate will be formally sworn in to exercise the constitutional power of Head of State in Victoria at the inauguration ceremony at Parliament House today.
Premier Daniel Andrews acknowledged the service of the Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO - the first woman to hold the role - who concluded her term as Governor on 30 June.
During the interim period before Professor Gardner's inauguration, Lieutenant-Governor, Professor James Angus AO, administered the State of Victoria.
As stated by Premier Daniel Andrews
"I was proud to recommend this appointment - Professor Gardner's strong values and passion for our state and its people will build upon the enduring work of our Governors to date."
"Professor Gardner has been at the forefront of building our Education State - making Victoria the centre of critical thinking, knowledge and learning, work she will continue as she promotes Victoria as Governor."
"I thank the former Governor Linda Dessau for her leadership and dedication, and Lieutenant-Governor Professor James Angus for his support in this transition period."
