New Senators mean business

The University of Queensland Senate has appointed three new Senators: all distinguished members of the business community.

The Government also has appointed Queensland’s most senior State public servant to fill a Senate vacancy.

The new Senators are:

• Mr Ross Rolfe, Director-General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and Coordinator-General;

• Mr John Story, a company director whose various positions include being Chairman of Suncorp-Metway, Director of TABCORP Holdings and Director of CSR;

• Dr Jane Wilson, a company director whose current positions include Chairman of IMBcom and Director of UQ Holdings, CathRX, Protagonist and the National Archives of Australia; and

• Mrs Nerolie Withnall, a company director whose various positions include Chairman of QM Technologies and Director of Campbell Brothers Group, Pan Australian Resources, Alchemia and the Major Sports Facilities Authority.

UQ Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Hay, AC, welcomed the new members and thanked them for their commitment to the governance of a flagship education and research institution.

Professor Hay also congratulated the Honourable Justice Dr Margaret White on her election as Deputy Chancellor. Justice White of the Supreme Court of Queensland has been a UQ Senator since 1993.

“The new members bring expertise that will be crucial to UQ’s development during their four years on the Senate,” Professor Hay said.

“Their high professional standing will be vitally important at a time when national and international networks are fundamental to the success of a leading education and research institution.

“Their skills and experience will complement the strengths of others on the 22-member Senate,” Professor Hay said.

The new appointments run until December 31, 2009.

The Senate now comprises eight members appointed by Governor-in-Council, eight elected members, three official members (Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the Academic Board) and three members appointed by the Senate itself.

Media Contact: Fiona Kennedy 3365 1088, 0413 380 012