Murdoch University 

Murdoch was formally established as Western Australia’s second university in 1973 to meet the growing higher education needs of the community. Named after prominent Australian author and philosopher, Sir Walter Murdoch, the University officially opened on the centenary of his birth, September 17, 1974. Murdoch University is distinguished by a long and proud tradition of delivering quality research, with a commitment to fostering ongoing research partnerships and collaborations.

The University’s long history of providing access to higher education to prospective students via non-traditional pathways is reflected in our student profile, with the highest score in enrolments for Low SES students across WA universities at 22.9% and the highest share in WA for students who identify as Indigenous at 2.6% of the domestic student cohort. Murdoch University consistently works to provide a vibrant, inclusive and diverse learning experience for students. Our objective in our core activity of Education is to deliver contemporary, accessible and inclusive education, with a high quality and engaging student experience, producing graduates who are adaptable, have fresh perspectives and a social conscience.

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Governance

Murdoch University was founded in 1973 under the provisions of the Murdoch University Act 1973 (The Act). The Act makes provision for a body corporate in perpetual succession and defines the functions and constitution of the University.

The Senate is the governing body at Murdoch, promoting high performance through fairness, transparency, and accountability across the university.

Governance

The Chancellor

Ms Gail McGowan PSM
Chancellor of Murdoch University

Ms Gail McGowan was appointed the eighth Chancellor of Murdoch University and Chair of the University Senate on 8 August 2019. She is the first woman to hold this position at Murdoch University.

Alongside being a Murdoch graduate and Distinguished Alumni Award winner, Ms McGowan was the inaugural Director-General of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and received the Public Service Medal for outstanding service to WA in 2019. Ms McGowan was named Leader of the Year in State or Federal Government at the Institute of Public Administration (WA) Awards in 2021.

Gail is active in the community; also chairing the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority and as a Director of Foundation Housing.

Term: 16 May 2023-16 May 2026

Governing body

The Senate

Our Senate Charter sets out the guiding governance principles and practices that should be upheld at all times, as well as bringing together the policies and procedures that the Senate adopts and which form part of best practice governance.

All of Murdoch’s stakeholders are entitled to demand performance, fairness, transparency, accountability and appropriate disclosure from the Senate. This dictates that a comprehensive professional focus on effective governance must take high priority.

Governance offers a framework for approving the Strategic Plan of the institution, the oversight of its resources, the approval of its policies and procedures, the appointment, review and support of its Vice Chancellor, and an informed understanding of its programs and activities.

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving Murdoch's governance standards, the Senate has adopted this Statement of Governance Principles.

Membership

Official Members

  • Chancellor: Ms Gail McGowan PSM (to 16 May 2026)

  • Vice-Chancellor: Professor Andrew Deeks (ex-officio)

  • President of Academic Council: Associate Professor Garth Maker (31 December 2026)

Members appointed by the Governor

  • Mr Steven Dobson (21 December 2027)

  • Professor Krishna Sen (7 March 2026)

  • Ms Robyn Smith-Walley OAM (to20 June 2026)

Members co-opted by the Senate

  • Mr Stephen Carre OAM (31 December 2026)

  • Mr Ross Hughes (1 September 2026)

  • Deputy Chancellor: Emeritus Professor Robyn Owens AM (6 December 2027)

  • Mr Barry Winmar (9 June 2026)

  • Ms Lisa Patat (1 August 2028)

Members elected by the university community

  • Academic Staff: Associate Professor Jon Prince (11 March 2027)

  • Professional Staff: Ms Louise Pallant (8 April 2027)

  • Students (Undergraduate): Ms Amira Ozrain (18 April 2026)

  • Students (Postgraduate): Mr Tshering Gyeltshen (1 November 2026)

  • Graduates: Mr Roland Belford (31 December 2026)

  • Graduates: Mr Jethro Schoeman (31 December 2027)