UQ Press GM to retire

The University of Queensland has offered its thanks and best wishes to University of Queensland Press (UQP) General Manager Laurie Muller, who will retire on July 11.

Mr Muller`s retirement brings to a conclusion a career of some 30 years in Australian Book publishing, including 20 years with UQP.

Under Mr Muller`s stewardship, UQP has become one of the nation`s most recognised publishers, with a publications output of some 70 books a year. Former UQP author Peter Carey won Booker Prizes in 1988 for Oscar and Lucinda and 2001 for True History of the Kelly Gang.

Highlights of Mr Muller`s career have included the publication of an extensive children`s and young adults list, Hugh Lunn`s Over The Top with Jim, which sold 250,000 copies, and works by Nick Earls, Gough Whitlam, Phil Dickie and Rae Wear.

Since 1989, UQP has published works by more than 30 Aboriginal authors, including Doris (Nugi Garimara) Pilkington`s Rabbit Proof Fence, which sold 60,000 copies and which was made into a movie.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay said Mr Muller`s time as General Manager of UQP had been one of "great achievement, outstanding leadership and has as its legacy a long list of exceptional publications”.

"UQP has an almost iconic status among this nation`s publishers and Laurie has played a major role in making this possible," Professor Hay said.

In a letter to authors, customers and media, Mr Muller said he had enjoyed "every one of those years, and in particular, the professional friendships that are an integral part of publishing".

Mr Muller is former chief executive of Lansdowne Press in Sydney (1979-1983) and held senior posts at Rigby Ltd from 1972 to 1979, including General Manager (National) and Associate Director.

The University will soon advertise the position of General Manager.