Swinburne University of Technology
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 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.
Governance
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.
The Chancellor
Professor John Pollaers OAM
Chancellor of Swinburne
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.
Governing body
Council
Council is the governing body of the University as described in the Swinburne University of Technology Act 2010 and meets five times a year.
Access the Council Charter [PDF 279.1KB] for more information about Swinburne’s corporate governance, including Council responsibilities, membership, meetings and committees.
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
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.
Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: Professor John Pollaers OAM
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Pascale Quester (ex-officio)
Chair of Academic Senate: Professor Amanda Scardamaglia (ex-officio)
Members appointed by the Governor-in-Council
Dr Leonie Walsh (3 June 2026)
Mr John Chambers (31 December 2026)
Ms Rae Johnston (20 September 2025)
Members appointed by the Minister
Professor Tien Kieu (30 June 2026)
Members appointed by the Council
Deputy Chancellor: Mr Anthony Mackay AM (31 December 2026)
Mr William Lye OAM KC FRI (30 June 2025)
Mr Richard Simpson (28 February 2026)
Ms Karen Clarke (30 September 2025)
Members elected by the university community
Staff: Ms Bronwyn Smith (31 December 2025)
Students: Mr Bilal Ahmed (31 December 2025)