Jane Hansen AO installed as University of Melbourne Chancellor at Government House ceremony
Jane Hansen AO has been officially installed as the University of Melbourne’s 23rd Chancellor by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC.
In a wide-ranging speech after being installed at the Government House ceremony, Ms Hansen spoke of the “exceptional honour” of presiding as University of Melbourne Chancellor.
“I come to this role as a person deeply committed to academia, to the pursuit of knowledge and discovery, and to the sound governance and oversight of this university so that it may continue to excel as an outstanding educational institution for future generations,” she said.
Ms Hansen was first appointed to the University Council in January 2016 and was elected Deputy Chancellor in December 2017. She commenced as Chancellor on 1 January 2023.
“I have had a real taste of the demands already; taking office at the tail end of COVID, a year of union negotiations over a new enterprise agreement, an outbreak of war in the Middle East and a raft of challenges in our operating environment brought on by new government policies,” Ms Hansen said.
“The confluence of these events has tested many of us in this room and certainly left me somewhat more seasoned than when I started nearly two years ago. It is a reminder that there is far more to this role than the honorific one usually associated with this position.
“Despite, or perhaps in part due to these challenges, serving as Chancellor represents the pinnacle of my time in public life. I will continue to lead with thought and care and do my utmost to fulfill the obligations of this office with an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the University and broader society.”
Ms Hansen undertook the role of Chancellor after her long career in investment banking in London, New York and Australia, followed by leadership and governance of arts and charitable organisations, along with running her private businesses and philanthropic foundation.
She was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the community, to education and cultural institutions, and through philanthropic support for charitable foundations in 2020.
You can read the Chancellor’s full speech here.