The next Higher Education Standards Panel (HESP) Chair will be Griffith University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian O’Connor, and the Deputy Chair will be La Trobe’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Kerri-Lee Krause.

The new appointments by Education Minister Simon Birmingham also include Dr Don Owers AM, Adrienne Nieuwenhuis, Sadie Heckenberg and Professor Kent Anderson. Phil Honeywood and Dr Krystal Evans have been re-appointed.

Universities Australia Acting Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the new appointees bring decades of higher education experience to the panel’s work.

“This impressive line-up of senior figures tasked with providing expert input will help Australia to maintain the very high standards in our universities,” Ms Jackson said.

“Universities Australia has worked with HESP on many important issues over the years, including providing crucial input to enhance transparency in university admissions,” she said.

“As a result, students and their families now have clearer and more consistent information when deciding what and where to study.”

“The panel has also helped to inject facts into public discussions on student attrition and sought to build on successful professional accreditation work by Universities Australia and Professions Australia.”

“We look forward to continuing the good working relationship on issues that affect universities and the communities they serve — including to reduce duplication in reporting requirements.”

Universities Australia thanked the outgoing panel members for their service — including Professor Greg Craven, Professor Alan Robson and Karen Thomas, and especially the outgoing Chair, Professor Peter Shergold.

“Professor Shergold has led the panel’s work with distinction and delivered significant guidance during his time as HESP Chair. We thank him for his substantial public contribution in this role.”