Mr Simon McKeon AO, BCom LLB HonDPH La Trobe
Chancellor of Monash University
Simon McKeon is the Chancellor of Monash University and was also the 2011 Australian of the Year.
He has been with the Macquarie Group in a variety of senior roles for more than 30 years, including as Executive Chairman (Melbourne office). He is presently retained as a consultant.
Simon is also Chairman of Summer Housing which provides housing options for young people with a disability. He is also a member of the Advisory Boards of The Big Issue, Blackmagic Design and GFG Alliance Australia, owner of Liberty OneSteel. He is inaugural President of the banking industry’s Review Panel for the Banking and Finance Oath and is also an Australia Day Ambassador for the Victorian Government.
He is a Director (as well as the Senior Independent Director) of Spotless Group, previously served as Chairman of AMP and CSIRO and was Founding President of the Federal Government’s Australian Takeovers Panel, as well as its Point Nepean Community Trust.
Simon is also Chairman of South East Melbourne, an alliance of seven Councils and Shires representing more than 1 million residents and 25% of Victoria’s GDP.
He served as Founding Chairman of MS Research Australia and Business for Millennium Development. He is also a member of the Advisory Panel to the Australian Republic Movement and was also Chairman of the Federal Government’s Panel which in 2013 completed a Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research.
Simon is the Co-Founder, Chairman and a proprietor of the Arthurs Seat Eagle which was named as Victoria’s Best New Tourism Business in 2017 and won the Bronze medal at the Australian Tourism Awards.
University Profile
Monash University was established in Melbourne, Australia in 1958.
Monash is a youthful organisation, enthusiastic, optimistic and accessible. Monash believes quality education and research can change the world for the better.
At Monash University, the desire to make a difference informs everything the University does.
But Monash goes beyond good intentions. Monash makes an impact, both locally and internationally. Monash is a global university with a presence on four continents. And Monash University’s plans for the future are ambitious.
Optimism
Making a difference takes energy and idealism as well as experience and wisdom. As a young university, Monash’s outlook is progressive and optimistic. Monash isn’t mired in cynicism, tradition or convention.
Monash University attracts the best scholars, but the University is not elitist. Monash opens its doors to anyone who is prepared to work hard to make a difference.
Monash University has seen the good achieved by Monash people in areas like green chemistry, sustainability, and accident and trauma.
Culture
Monash University has five local campuses throughout Victoria, two international locations in Malaysia and in South Africa, and centres in the People’s Republic of China, Italy and India. Each provides an environment that identifies and nurtures talent – and turns that talent into ability.
Monash University believes the best way to help its people meet the challenges they face is to provide a supportive environment. Monash champions and supports its students so that they have a memorable university experience. It’s a friendly university – no matter which campus you attend.
Collaboration
From collaborative research opportunities, to building community relationships, Monash’s focus is always on how it can empower its people to make a positive impact on the world. Things like the bionic eye and the anti-flu drug Relenza.
Shared ambitions move the University forward, faster. The more relevant, useful and powerful connections Monash can make, the greater its impact will be.
Still learning
Monash University’s motto Ancora Imparo (“I am still learning”) is a reminder that the search for knowledge never ends. Monash University is fired with a restless ambition that pushes to do things better, to set new benchmarks and to break new ground.
In order for Monash University students and staff to positively impact their communities and the world, the University must equip them and inspire them – so they can be agents of change.
History
Monash University is a product of a proud history. If you’d like to find out more about where Monash University has come from, you can find out more about its history .
To find out more, visit the Monash University website www.monash.edu
Governance
Monash University Council
Council is the governing body of Monash University, established by the Monash University Act 2009 (VIC). It is chaired by the Chancellor, currently Mr Simon McKeon. The Deputy Chancellors are Mr Yehudi Blacher, Mr Shane Buggle and Dr Christine Nixon.
Council is responsible for the overall superintendence of the University with specific accountability to the relevant State and Commonwealth Ministries for the University’s fulfilment of its role in the Australian community. It discharges that role by deliberating on strategies and policies to achieve the University’s objects and by ensuring that the University has in place appropriate and effective governance processes.
Membership of Monash University’s Council is as follows:
Ex-Officio Members
Mr Simon McKeon AO – Chancellor (to 31 December 2020)
Professor Margaret Gardner AO – President and Vice-Chancellor
Professor Chris Davies – President of Academic Board (to 31 December 2019)
Appointed Members – Governor-in-Council
Mr Yehudi Blacher PSM, Deputy Chancellor (to 31 December 2019)
Dr Megan Clark (to 31 December 2018)
Dr Helen Drennen AM (to 31 December 2018)
Ms Julie Ligeti (to 31 December 2020)
Appointed Members – Ministerial
The Hon Simon Crean (to 31 December 2019)
Appointed Members – Council
Mr Shane Buggle – Deputy Chancellor (to 31 December 2018)
Mr Mark Cubit (to 31 December 2019)
Dr Christine Nixon APM – Deputy Chancellor (to 31 December 2020)
Mr John Simpson (31 December 2020)
The Hon Peter Young QC (to 31 December 2019)
Elected Student Member
Vacant
Elected Staff Member
Professor Ross L. Coppel (to 31 October 2020)
Other Governing Bodies
Other Governing bodies within the University include:
Executive Committee
Chair – Mr Simon McKeon AO, Chancellor
Membership Committee
Chair – Mr Simon McKeon AO, Chancellor
Estates Committee
Chair – Mr Yehudi Blacher PSM, Deputy Chancellor
Selection & Remuneration Committee
Chair – Mr Simon McKeon AO, Chancellor
Resources & Finance Committee
Chair – Mr Shane Buggle, Deputy Chancellor
Honorary Degrees Committee
Chair – Mr Simon McKeon AO, Chancellor
Audit & Risk Committee
Chair – The Hon. Peter Young QC
Academic Board
Chair – Professor Chris Davies