Anthony Albanese is bringing in an outsider, former College of Melbourne vice-chancellor Glyn Davis to move his Division of the Prime Minister and Cupboard.
Davis, who’s near former prime minister Kevin Rudd, was speculated on as a potential head of the division in Rudd’s time. In 2008 Davis co-chaired the Rudd’s authorities’s Australia 2020 Summit.
At present Davis is CEO of the Paul Ramsay Basis, Australia’s largest philanthropic belief.
He replaces Phil Gaetjens, who as secretary of the division underneath Scott Morrison got here underneath criticism for being too political and, within the eyes of some bureaucrats, for not standing up strongly sufficient for the general public service.
Davis was director-general of the Queensland division of premier of cupboard from 1998 to 2002.
He then grew to become vice-chancellor of Griffith College, and in 2005 moved to be vice-chancellor of Melbourne College, a place he held till 2018, and from which he drove a significant tutorial restructure. He retains a variety of educational connections. His analysis curiosity has centred on public coverage.
Saying Davis’ appointment Albanese mentioned he would deliver to the function of secretary, “a deep understanding of public coverage and can work with my authorities in bringing about optimistic change for the Australian folks”.
Davis was a member of the Thodey overview into the general public service.
The Morrison authorities rejected plenty of the extra formidable of that inquiry’s suggestions which might have constrained the hand of presidency in coping with the general public service.
There can be intense curiosity inside the public service about whether or not Davis will urge the brand new authorities to revisit a few of these Thodey suggestions.
Davis delivered the 2010 Boyer Lectures , which have been printed underneath the title The Republic of Studying. His appointment has been enthusiastically welcomed by the upper schooling sector.
Chief govt of Universities Australia Catriona Jackson mentioned: “It is a pivotal appointment at a pivotal second for Australia and Australians.
“Professor Davis’ in depth and distinguished expertise in public coverage and deep understanding of the significance of a powerful college sector to Australia’s future, is nicely confirmed.
“As we emerge from difficult instances, we stay up for working with Professor Davis to ship the productiveness beneficial properties that highly-skilled folks and technological and social advances present to the financial system.”
Michelle Grattan doesn’t work for, seek the advice of, personal shares in or obtain funding from any firm or organisation that may profit from this text, and has disclosed no related affiliations past their tutorial appointment.