Monash University vice-chancellor Margaret Gardner – a self-confessed republican — has been named the 30th Governor of Victoria.
Professor Gardner, who has been Monash University vice-chancellor since 2014, revealed she is a Republican but was committed to her duties as the King’s representative in Victoria.
The experienced academic leader said she had a lot to learn about the role, which includes constitutional responsibilities and ceremonial procedures, but vowed to engage with all Victorian people to represent them once she takes up residence in Government House.
“The way you understand people’s circumstances is by being out and listening to them,” she said.
“That ability to learn from other people, to hear about how they are experiencing the world and what you might do to … give voice to that experience.”
Prof Gardner will take over from Linda Dessau. Picture: David Geraghty. Picture: David Crosling
Prof Gardner, who was previously vice-chancellor at RMIT University, is married to former University of Melbourne vice-chancellor and current boss of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Glyn Davis.
She acknowledged the senior Commonwealth position he held but said it would be a “separate role than the role I have in the state of Victoria”.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there would be no issues arising from Mr Davis being the top Commonwealth public servant but that it was highly unlikely Prof Gardner would be acting Governor-General while he was in that job.
He said Linda Dessau’s husband, Tony Howard, was a judge in the County Court during the early part of her first term.
“This is a modern world, often both partners in a partnership work,” he said.
On the question of a Republican being the King’s representative in Victoria, Prof Gardner said the role had broadened significantly in recent times and was not just a position of acting as a veto for the King.
Dessau stepped into the role in 2015. Picture: James Ross.
“I am a republican, personally, but I recognise that we are living currently in a constitutional monarchy and we will do so until such time as the people decide otherwise,” she said.
“I should note that the role of Governor now is much different from when it was originally conceived.
“I particularly want to … support the volunteering spirit which is the thing in the community that helps us through times when they are tough, but it’s also through those volunteers that we come together to celebrate the great moments.”
Mr Andrews described Prof Gardner as a distinguished leader and academic, who has “dedicated her work to the service of others”.
He paid tribute to Ms Dessau, who finishes her time in the role at the end of the month, “for her outstanding leadership and compassion during some of our state’s most challenging times”.
Mr Andrews said Lieutenant Governor, Professor James Angus, will serve as Acting Governor until Prof Gardner’s inauguration on August 9.
WHO IS OUR NEXT GOVERNOR?
Margaret Gardner
Born: 1954
Occupation: Vice-chancellor, Monash University, since 2014
Previous roles: Vice-chancellor, RMIT, 2005-2014; Chair, Universities Australia; Chair, Museum Victoria
Other roles: Director, Infrastructure Victoria; Director, Group of Eight Universities
Titles: Companion of the Order of Australia, 2020; Officer of the order of Australia 2007