Murdoch University
Murdoch University has been associated with environment, conservation, social justice, and inclusion since its foundation.
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.
Today, with more than 21,000 students and 1,700 staff across our campuses in Perth, Singapore and Dubai, Murdoch is committed to delivering contemporary, accessible and inclusive education, while increasing impactful and progressive research in our areas of strength.
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.
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 at Murdoch University
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.
The Senate
Roles and Responsibilities
The Senate’s role and responsibilities at Murdoch University are as follows:
2.2.1 The Senate’s role and responsibilities are derived from the Murdoch University Act 1973 (WA) (Murdoch Act) Section 17 and specific resolutions that the Senate has passed.
2.2.2 The Murdoch Act permits the Senate to delegate any of its functions (other than its power of delegation and making statutes, by-laws and regulations).
2.2.3 The Senate has resolved that it will have the following, primary responsibilities:
The appointment and performance management of the Vice Chancellor;
Setting strategic directions for the University;
Monitoring University performance against strategic objectives, including, through the Vice Chancellor and Academic Council, the academic activities of the University;
Setting risk management policy and critically monitoring the management of risk across the University, including commercial undertakings;
Setting policy on strategic matters and on other matters reserved for Senate
Setting and monitoring broad budget and planning frameworks, approving the annual budget and business plan, ensuring that the University finances are sound and taking major financial decisions;
Oversight of management;
Overview of any incorporated entities with limited liability, and of which the University has majority ownership or control (“Controlled Entities”);
Oversight of regulatory requirements relevant to Murdoch University included in the TEQSA Act 2011, the Higher Education Standards Framework (2021), the ESOS Framework alongside other state based and funding legislation;
Oversight of corporate governance, monitoring and accountability as set out in the Higher Education Standards Framework (2021 sub-domain 6.1 and 6.2);
Legislative role, including ensuring that the University is acting ethically and in conformity with all legal requirements; and
Setting risk management policy and critically monitoring the management of risk across the University.
Senate Membership for Murdoch University is as follows:
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
Appointed Members (Governor)
Mr Steven Dobson (to 21 December 2027)
Emeritus Professor Krishna Sen (to 7 March 2026)
Ms Robyn Smith-Walley OAM (to 20 June 2026)
Appointed Members (Senate)
Mr Stephen Carre OAM (to 31 December 2026)
Mr Ross Hughes (to 1 September 2026)
Deputy Chancellor: Emeritus Professor Robyn Owens AM (to 6 December 2027)
Mr Barry Winmar (to 9 June 2026)
Elected Members
Academic Staff: Associate Professor Jon Prince (to 11 March 2027)
Professional Staff: Ms Louise Pallant (to 8 April 2027)
Undergraduate Student: Ms Amira Ozrain (to 18 April 2026)
Postgraduate Student: Mr Tshering Gyeltshen (to 1 November 2025)
Graduate: Mr Roland Belford (to 31 December 2026)
Graduate: Mr Jethro Schoeman (to 31 December 2026)
Senate Membership
Other Governing Bodies:
Other governing bodies within the university include:
Audit and Risk Committee (Chair: Mr Ross Hughes)
Chancellor’s and Nominations Committee (Chair: Ms Gail McGowan PSM)
Honorary Awards and Ceremonial Committee (Chair: Ms Gail McGowan PSM)
People, Safety, and Culture Committee (Chair: Ms Robyn Smith-Walley OAM)
Resources Committee (Chair: Mr Stephen Carre OAM)
Academic Council (Chair: Associate Professor Garth Maker)