May 28, 2026
The Group of Eight (Go8) acknowledges the appointment of Professor Barney Glover AO as Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, alongside a highly experienced group of Commissioners.
Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said Professor Glover brings deep sector knowledge and a strong track record of leadership across Australian universities and national reform processes.
"Barney understands the system from every angle – as a Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), a national leader and a key contributor to the Accord. He understands the central role research plays in driving innovation, capability and national prosperity.
"The strength of this Commission is not just in its leadership, but in the collective expertise of its members across universities, vocational education and public policy.
"The task ahead is significant – delivering reform at scale while maintaining quality, access and global competitiveness. This will require careful judgement and sustained collaboration across the sector.
"Their success will matter for students and for the future shape of Australia's tertiary system."
The Go8 will work closely with Professor Glover and the Commission to support reforms that strengthen higher education and university-based research in Australia – including addressing the failures of the Job Ready Graduates scheme, which has entrenched inequity in our higher education system, particularly for humanities and social sciences students.
