Swinburne University of Technology

People and technology together for a better world.

Swinburne is a world-class university focused on creating social and economic impact through science, technology and innovation.

Our institution was founded in 1908 to serve a section of society otherwise denied further education. More than 110 years later, we continue in our commitment to transform education through strong industry engagement, social inclusion, innovation and the creation of positive change.

Swinburne has three Melbourne-based campuses: Hawthorn, Wantirna and Croydon. Internationally, we have a campus in Sarawak, Malaysia, which connects us to one of the fastest-growing regions in the world.

We have created a space where ideas are made and the future is imagined, where the brave and the adventurous from local communities and from around the world are supported to push the boundaries of what is into what can be.

Swinburne has secured its place among the world’s leading universities. We are ranked within the top three per cent of universities globally by the world’s leading higher education league tables, including the Academic Ranking of World Universities, Times Higher Education and QS. Our students award us a ‘5-Star Overall Experience’ rating in the Good Universities Guide. Both as an early leader in international education and through our expertise in online education, Swinburne is making educational opportunities available to a new generation of learners through Swinburne Online and Open Universities Australia.

At Swinburne, we put our students at the centre of everything we do. We ensure their time at Swinburne is an experience worth having and ensure they graduate with an entrepreneurial and enterprising mindset, confident and ready to stride into the future.

Governance at Swinburne

Swinburne maintains a consistent vision and a focus on core principles through appropriate governance by its Council and Academic Senate. Discover how our executive team of leaders are driving the organisation towards success.

Professor John Pollaers OAM

Chancellor of Swinburne University of Technology

Professor John Pollaers OAM became Chancellor of Swinburne University of Technology in February 2019.

Professor Pollaers has had a distinguished international career in the consumer products and advanced manufacturing industries. He has been chief executive and director of major companies, including Pacific Brands and Foster’s Group Limited.

Professor Pollaers is Chairman of the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council, Chairman of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee and Chair of the Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce for the Federal Government.  He was also a member of the Prime Minister’s Industry 4.0 Taskforce. 

Professor Pollaers holds an MBA from INSEAD and Macquarie University, as well as degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in June 2018, for service to the manufacturing sector, to education and to business. 

The Council

Roles and Responsibilities

Council oversees the general direction and superintendence of the University and its powers and functions include:

  • Approving the mission and the strategic direction of the University

  • Overseeing and reviewing the management of the University and its performance

  • Managing the University’s resources

  • Establishing policy and procedural principles, consistent with legal requirements and community expectations

  • Approving and monitoring systems of control and accountability

For more information, please refer to the Council’s charter.

The primary responsibilities of the Council include:

  • appointing and monitoring the performance of the Vice-Chancellor

  • approving the mission and the strategic direction of the University and the annual budget and business plan

  • overseeing and reviewing the management of the University and its performance

  • establishing policy and procedural principles, consistent with legal requirements and community expectations

  • approving and monitoring systems of control and accountability, including general overview of any controlled entities

  • overseeing and monitoring the assessment and management of risk across the University, including commercial undertakings

  • overseeing and monitoring the academic activities of the University via the Academic Senate

  • approving significant commercial activities of the University.

Official Members

  • Chancellor: Professor John Pollaers OAM

  • Vice-Chancellor: Professor Pascale Quester (ex-officio)

  • Chair of Academic Senate: Professor Amanda Scardamaglia (ex-officio)

Appointed Members (Ministerial)

  • Professor Tien Kieu (to 30 June 2026)

Appointed Members (Governor-in-Council)

  • Dr Leonie Walsh (to 3 June 2026)

  • Mr John Chambers (to 31 December 2026)

  • Ms Rae Johnston (to 20 September 2025)

Appointed Members (Council)

  • Deputy Chancellor: Mr Anthony Mackay AM (to 31 December 2026)

  • Mr William Lye OAM KC FRI (to 30 June 2025)

  • Mr Richard Simpson (to 28 February 2026)

  • Ms Karen Clarke (to 30 September 2025)

Elected Members

  • Elected Staff: Ms Bronwyn Smith (to 31 December 2025)

  • Elected Student: Mr Bilal Ahmed (to 31 December 2025)

Council Membership