Griffith University
As one of Australia’s most diverse and inclusive tertiary institutions, Griffith University is committed to creating a future for everyone. Since opening in 1975 with a promise to make education as accessible and egalitarian as possible, the University has evolved into a respected and influential incubator of progressive thought leadership. With a faculty boasting four Australian University Teachers of the Year and more national awards in the past five years than any other Australian university’s staff, Griffith’s students receive a world-class education informed by the University’s decades of experience in driving innovation and achievement in higher education. Griffith also prides itself on its exceptionally strong industry and community ties, which are fundamental to the University’s learning and teaching philosophy, and provide invaluable partnerships, perspectives and experience for staff and students alike. As the home of renowned centres such as the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD), Menzies Health Institute Queensland (MHIQ), Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT), the Australian Rivers Institute (ARI), Cities Research Institute (CRI) and many more, the University consistently produces cutting-edge, impactful research focused on making a positive difference for Australia and the world.
Governance
Griffith has a core foundation of four academic groups: Arts, Education and Law; Griffith Business School; Griffith Health; and Griffith Sciences. We also have schools, departments and centres that fall under our academic groups, plus a range of research centres and institutes that develop new knowledge that feeds into these areas. We also have an array of administration services that support the university, staff and students as well as our research, teaching and learning. Griffith is led by Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans and the University Executive Group, and our governing body is the Griffith University Council and its committees.
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to advancing sustainable development through comprehensive initiatives that promote economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and good governance for all.
The Chancellor
The Hon. Andrew Fraser
Chancellor of Griffith University
The Hon Andrew Fraser is the University’s sixth Chancellor, and the first alumnus to hold the position.
Mr Fraser is a professional director with a wide range of roles across the private, public and charitable sectors. Currently he serves on the boards of the Bank of Queensland (ASX: BOQ), construction firm BESIX Watpac, and is Chair of the Australian Retirement Trust, the $300b fund which is the result of the merger of QSuper and Sunsuper, which Mr Fraser led as Chair of Sunsuper. He is the Chair of the charity Orange Sky Australia, and serves on two other charities, Hear and Say and Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition Ltd. In addition, he is a director on the Brisbane Broncos Ltd (ASX: BBL) and is the President and Chair of Motorsport Australia. Mr Fraser is also a member of the Advisory Council of Climate Governance Initiative Australia (CGIAA Council) and Chairs the FIA’s Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
A graduate of Griffith University, Mr Fraser completed degrees in Commerce and Law (with First Class Honours) for which he received the University Medal. Mr Fraser has served on the University Council since 2017 and was the Deputy Chancellor and Chair of the Finance, Resources and Risk Committee before being elected as Chancellor. Mr Fraser has previously served as a director of the Australian Sports Commission, New Zealand Rugby League, the Rugby League World Cup 2017 and Moorebank Intermodal Company. Prior to becoming a full-time director, Mr Fraser served as Head of Strategy and Investment at the NRL where he led the media deals that underpin the commercials of the NRL. From 2007 to 2012, Mr Fraser was Treasurer of Queensland. He held a range of other portfolios including State Development, Trade, Economic Development and Employment, Sport, Racing and Local Government and was Deputy Premier from 2011 to 2012.
Mr Fraser is a member of the University Chancellors Council (UCC). The UCC is the forum for the Chancellors of all public, not for profit universities in Australia to discuss key issues for the higher education sector.
Governing body
University Council
The Griffith University Act 1998 [the Act] establishes the Council of Griffith University as the University’s governing body. The functions and powers of Council are conferred under the Act.
Council has overall responsibility to provide leadership, good governance and oversight of the University. Council approves the University’s strategic direction, monitors the University’s progress, and approves the University’s budget, policies and delegations of authority. Through its strategic oversight, Council ensures the effective overall management of the University. Council members ensure that Council performs its functions and exercises its powers appropriately, effectively and efficiently.
Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: The Hon. Andrew Fraser
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Carolyn Evans (Ex-Officio)
Chair of Academic Board:
Members appointed by the Governor-in-Council
Pro-Chancellor: Ms Amelia Evans (to 30 October 2025)
Pro-Chancellor: Ms Karen Prentis (to 30 October 2025)
Dr Hal Rice (to 30 October 2025)
Ms Linda Apelt (to 30 October 2025)
Ms Georgina Crundell (to 30 October 2025)
Members appointed by the Council
Deputy Chancellor: Ms Rebecca Frizelle OAM (to 31 December 2026)
Pro-Chancelor: Ms Jessica Rudd (to 31 December 2025)
The Hon Justice Anthe Philippides SC
Professor John Dewar AO (31 December 2025)
Mr Andrew Hawkins (30 June 2026)
The Hon. Dr Brett Mason (30 October 2025)
Mr Joshua Creamer (30 October 2025)
Members elected by the university community
Academic Staff: Professor Matthew Currell (27 October 2026)
Academic Staff: Mr Jason Murakami (27 October 2026)
Professional Staff: Ms Joanne Chang (27 October 2026)
Students (Postgraduate): Mr Ryo Takamizawa (27 October 2026)
Students (Undergraduate): Ms Natalia Drazek (27 October 2026)