Queensland University of Technology

The university for the real world.

QUT is a highly successful Australian university with an applied emphasis in courses and research. Though based in Brisbane, Queensland, QUT has a global outlook. With over 50,000 students, including 8,000 from overseas, and an annual budget of more than $930 million, QUT is positioned to grow and develop as one of Australia’s leading universities. QUT has two Brisbane campuses, at Gardens Point in the CBD and at Kelvin Grove in Brisbane’s inner-north.

QUT is well known as ‘the university for the real world’ because of its close links with industry and its relevant teaching and applied research. Industry representatives and professionals contribute to course development, adding a practical perspective to theoretical education.

QUT has a 160 year history stretching back to the establishment of the Brisbane School of Arts in 1849.  Over the years, QUT has grown and changed, and its predecessor institutions include the Central Technical College, the Brisbane Kindergarten Training College, and Brisbane College of Advanced Education, and Queensland Institute of Technology. In 1989, QUT attained university status and it amalgamated with BCAE from 1990.

Governance at Queensland University of Technology

We value good corporate governance, and seek to adopt best practice to ensure that QUT is at the forefront of learning and is a highly desired destination for researchers and professionals. Council is responsible for the overall governance and management of the University and manages and controls the University affairs.

Ann Sherry AO

Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology

Ann Sherry AO is one of Australia's leading business executives with a career that spans Government, Banking and Cruise Tourism. Chancellor of QUT since August 2022, Ms Sherry is a visionary leader with a life-long commitment to empowering others and creating lasting social change. She is an active philanthropist with a passion for improving opportunities and removing barriers for women in STEM and sport, and supporting opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

Ms Sherry is an Adviser, the former Chairman and was Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Australia for a decade, where she transformed the cruise industry during a particularly tumultuous time. Carnival Australia is the largest cruise ship operator in the Australia/Pacific region.

Ms Sherry has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland, majoring in Economics and Politics, and a Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations from Queensland University of Technology.

Widely recognised for her eminent service to business, Ann has been awarded Honorary Doctorates from the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, Macquarie University and the University of New South Wales.

Beginning her working life as a Radiographer, Ms Sherry became First Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Status of Women in Canberra before moving to the banking sector initially in HR roles, then in CEO roles with Westpac NZ and the Bank of Melbourne.

The Australian Government awarded Ms Sherry the Centenary Medal in 2001 and in 2004 she was awarded an Order of Australia. In 2015 Ms Sherry was named as the overall winner of the Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Award.

The Council

Roles and Responsibilities

QUT Council is established by the Queensland University of Technology Act 1998 (QUT Act) as the university’s governing body to ensure the proper and effective management and operation of the university. QUT Council's composition, membership, powers and responsibilities are governed by the QUT Act.

QUT Council members serve a four-year term, except for student council members who serve a two-year term. There are 15 members on QUT Council in official, elected and appointed positions.

QUT Council is accountable for the corporate governance of QUT, having oversight of QUTs:

  • direction

  • performance targets

  • financial viability and sustainability

  • corporate culture, and

  • identifying and mitigating risks.

In addition, QUT Council is accountable for all higher education operations including the award of qualifications and for continuing to meet the requirements of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

QUT Council can:

  • establish committees

  • delegate power to committees or officers

  • authorise committees or officers to make decisions relating to prescribed policy and procedural matters.

While QUT Council is ultimately responsible for the management of QUT, it has delegated authority to the Vice-Chancellor and President, and to various senior administrators for day-to-day management of the university.

Council Membership

Membership of La Trobe University’s Council is as follows:

Official Members

  • Chancellor: Ms Ann Sherry AO

  • Vice-Chancellor: Professor Margaret Sheil AO (ex-officio)

  • Chair of Academic Board: Professor Lisa Bradley (ex-officio)

Appointed Members (Governor-in-Council)

  • Deputy Chancellor: Adjunct Professor Susan Rix AM

  • Mr Mick Gooda

  • Mrs Karen Spiller OAM CF

Appointed Members (Council)

  • Mr Paul Lindstrom (Alumni)

  • Mr Dominic McGann (Alumni)

  • Dr Susan Pond AM

  • Ms Jane Crombie

Elected Members

  • Academic Staff: Associate Professor Yvette Miller

  • Academic Staff: Associate Professor David Nielsen

  • Professional Staff: Mrs Dianne Nilsson

  • Undergraduate Student: Euan Tiernan

  • Postgraduate Student: Ms Deepika Sharma

Council Sub-Committees

The Council recognises that the committees and their contributions are critical for decision-making and effective governance. Committees report to the Council.

  • Risk and Audit Committee, chaired by Adjunct Professor Susan Rix AM

  • Governance, Nominations and Remuneration Committee, chaired by Ms Ann Sherry AO

  • Finance and Planning Committee, chaired by Mr Paul Lindstrom

  • University Academic Board, chaired by Professor Lisa Bradley.