Davis served as UniMelb VC for 14 years . Photo : Stuart McEvoy / News Corp
Professor Davis will bring to the role of Secretary a deep understanding of public policy .
Davis takes top job
University chief to lead federal public service .
By Eleanor Campbell
Distinguished academic and longtime university head professor Glyn Davis has been chosen as the new secretary for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet .
Davis was vice-chancellor of Melbourne University from 2005 to 2018 and was previously head of Griffith University in the early 2000s .
He currently sits as CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation , Australia ’ s largest philanthropic trust .
The 62-year-old brings decades of public policy experience to the table , previously serving as director-general to Queensland ’ s Department of Premier and Cabinet from 1998 to 2002 .
Announcing the news , Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Davis will help the government in “ bringing about positive change for the Australian people ”.
“ Professor Davis will bring to the role of Secretary a deep understanding of public policy ,” he said .
Davis ’ appointment has also been praised across the higher education sector .
President of Universities Australia Catriona Jackson said the move came at a “ pivotal time for Australia ”.
New Education Minister Jason Clare . Photo : Monique Harmer / NewsWire
“ Professor Davis ’ extensive and distinguished experience in public policy and deep understanding of the importance of a strong university sector to Australia ’ s future is well proven ,” she said .
“ As we emerge from challenging times , we look forward to working with Professor Davis to deliver the productivity gains that highly-skilled people and technological and social advances provide to the economy .” Davis ’ five-year role began on June 6 . Following the announcement , the prime minister unveiled his new cabinet , naming senior NSW MP Jason Clare as Education Minister .
Clare is a UNSW law alumnus and was elected to the NSW seat of Blaxland in 2007 .
He has previously held ministerial portfolios such as justice , home affairs and defence materiel .
Group of Eight chief Vicki Thomson said she looked forward to working closely with Clare to drive higher education reform .
“ His long-standing commitment to improving the lives of Australians through education will help ensure universities can continue to deliver the quality teaching , ground-breaking research and social support necessary for Australia to meet the challenges ahead ,” she said .
The Prime Minister ’ s new line-up also features a record number of women , with 10 women in cabinet , 13 women in the ministry and 19 on the front bench .
Former education minister Tanya Plibersek will help support Labor ’ s climate change strategy , taking on the role of environment and water minister .
Chris Bowen has been appointed as the minister for climate change and energy .
Dr Anne Aly has become Australia ’ s first female Muslim minister , after being chosen to lead the early childhood education and youth portfolio .
Wiradjuri woman Linda Burney , who was the first Aboriginal person to serve in the New South Wales Parliament in 2003 , will hold the Indigenous Australians ministership .
After the announcement Prime Minister Albanese addressed his new cabinet at the first federal meeting since the election .
“ I want to remind you that you shouldn ’ t waste a day in government . We don ’ t intend to ,” he said . ■
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