The Hon Chris Ellison has been reappointed Chancellor of The University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) for a second term.
Mr Ellison previously served as a governor and director of the University before his initial appointment as Chancellor in late 2017. He will now serve another three years in the role from January 2021.
Following his unanimous appointment, Mr Ellison said: “It is a great honour and privilege to serve as UNDA Chancellor and I do not take for granted the trust extended to me.”
In recognising 2020 as unprecedented for everyone, Mr Ellison said: “I believe Notre Dame has an exciting future and has coped very well with the COVID-19 pandemic”.
“I think we will emerge from these challenging times much stronger and better placed to deal with the changed environment in which we are now all living.
“Despite the changes, Notre Dame will always remain strong to its Catholic values and pastoral care of our students,” he added.
“It is also important to recognise our staff and their fantastic contribution that makes this University what it is.”
UNDA Vice Chancellor Professor Francis Campbell congratulated the Chancellor, saying: “Chris is a tireless worker and advocate on behalf of the University, and we are all grateful for his dedication, expertise, service and commitment to the University”.
“Chris brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chancellor from his time in government and in the legal profession. We are delighted with his reappointment as Chancellor and look forward to working with Chris in the years ahead,” Prof Campbell added.
Mr Ellison, 66, was a partner in his law firm Williams Ellison before representing WA in the Senate from 1993 to 2009. He also served in the Cabinet of the Howard Government from 1997 to 2007. His portfolio included Assistant Attorney General, Minister for Schools and Training, Special Minister for State, Minister for Justice and Customs, and Minister for Human Services.
In the private sector, Mr Ellison has served on several professional and industry boards and Chaired Australia’s North West Tourism. He also serves on the Brother JA Kelly Scholarship Foundation at Trinity College, East Perth, which provides support for boys who may not normally have the opportunity to attend the college. Recently, he was reappointed to the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation.
Michael L’Estrange AO was also reappointed Deputy Chancellor of the University.
Hilary Johnston-Croke and John Prendiville were reappointed to the Board of Directors.
Reappointed to the Board of Trustees were Hon Justice Rob Mazza, Mr Peter Prendiville, Mr Michael Digges, Rev John Jenkins CSC, HE David Scarf AM, and Sr Annette Cunliffe RSC.