The Australian National University (ANU) has appointed Dr Gordon de Brouwer AO PSM FIPAA as its 14th Chancellor, bringing more than four decades of experience in public policy, governance, institutional leadership and reform to the role.
Dr de Brouwer is a distinguished public sector leader, economist and ANU alumnus who has held senior leadership positions across the Australian Government, including as Australian Public Service Commissioner and Secretary for Public Sector Reform.
He has also served as Secretary of the Department of the Environment and Energy, Associate Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and in senior roles at Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Australia.
The appointment follows an extensive and independent search process undertaken in accordance with the University’s Voluntary Undertaking with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
The process was overseen by an Independent Panel chaired by Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake AO, which considered feedback from the ANU community on the qualities and experience required of the next Chancellor before undertaking a comprehensive search and assessment process, and unanimously recommended Dr de Brouwer for appointment. ANU Council, which holds statutory responsibility for appointing the Chancellor, endorsed the recommendation.
Acting Pro-Chancellor Andrew Metcalfe AO said Dr de Brouwer brings an exceptional combination of governance experience, national leadership and deep knowledge of ANU to the role.
“Dr de Brouwer has the experience, judgement and integrity that ANU needs as we look to the future with confidence.
“He has an outstanding understanding of public institutions, governance and transformation, as well as a deep personal connection to ANU and its mission.
“Dr de Brouwer knows ANU well, understands its importance to Canberra, Australia, and the world, and has a deep commitment to our students, staff and academic community.
“His appointment follows an extensive and rigorous independent process. The Panel was unanimous in its recommendation, reflecting the strength of his experience, character and vision for ANU.
“We look forward to Dr de Brouwer providing strong stewardship as ANU continues to strengthen its position as Australia’s national university and a leading global research and education institution.”
Dr de Brouwer said he was honoured to return to ANU in the role of Chancellor.
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chancellor of the Australian National University and to have the opportunity to serve a university to which I have such a strong personal and professional connection.
“ANU has an extraordinary national mission. It brings together outstanding students and staff, world-leading research and a responsibility to contribute to the major challenges facing Australia and the world.
“I am committed to helping ANU build confidence in its future, with strong governance, a compelling shared strategy and a culture in which our people can do their best work.
“The University has an important role to play at a time of profound social, economic, technological and geopolitical change. ANU should continue to be a trusted national institution and a leading voice on the issues that will shape Australia’s future.
“I look forward to being active and present across the University, listening to our students and staff and working with Council, the Interim Vice-Chancellor and the broader ANU community to ensure the University delivers on its national mission.
“I am particularly delighted to return to ANU as its 14th Chancellor. I completed my doctorate here 30 years ago, and ANU has remained an important part of my professional life. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students and staff and representing this great institution in Canberra, Australia and around the world.”
Dr de Brouwer will commence his role as 14th Chancellor of The Australian National University on 19 August 2026.
Commenting on Dr de Brouwer’s appointment Professor Glyn Davis AC, Interim Vice-Chancellor of The University of Melbourne and former Secretary of the Prime Minister and Cabinet said:
“Dr Gordon de Brouwer combines deep public policy expertise with a commitment to universities as vital civic institutions.
“He is an experienced institutional leader who brings integrity, judgement and a strong sense of public purpose to complex challenges. Dr de Brouwer will make an important contribution to ANU as Chancellor.”
Commenting on Dr de Brouwer’s appointment Elizabeth Broderick AO, former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner and renowned gender equality, diversity and inclusion advocate said:
“I am delighted to welcome Dr Gordon de Brouwer. Gordon has a stellar record of building diverse, inclusive and high-performing teams, and a deep understanding of the critical link between culture and capability. Importantly, he leads by example, models respect and embodies the culture he seeks to create. He has a strong commitment to institutional health and to bringing the Council together around a strong, shared culture and purpose, ensuring it is well positioned to deliver at its best.”
Commenting on Dr de Brouwer’s appointment Luke Redward, previously Director of the First Nations Unit at the Australian Public Service Commission, and now at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, said:
“Gordon is someone who genuinely believes in creating opportunities for people and strengthening the institutions they work in. I experienced that commitment firsthand during my time at the APSC, particularly through his support for greater First Nations representation in senior leadership across the APS. He genuinely wanted to see initiatives like SES100 succeed and understood the broader benefits that greater First Nations representation and leadership would bring to the APS.
“He understands that strong institutions are built by investing in people, creating opportunities and making sure different perspectives are valued. This commitment will be an important part of Gordon’s contribution to ANU as Chancellor.”
About Dr Gordon de Brouwer AO PSM FIPAA
Dr Gordon de Brouwer is an economist and experienced public sector leader with more than 40 years’ experience in public policy, governance, institutional leadership and reform.
He served as Australian Public Service Commissioner from 2022 to 2026 and Secretary for Public Sector Reform, where he led work to strengthen capability, integrity and workforce management across the 200,000-strong Australian Public Service.
Previously, Dr de Brouwer was Secretary of the Department of the Environment and Energy from 2013 to 2017 and held senior roles in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Dr de Brouwer completed his PhD in Economics at ANU in 1996 and has subsequently held academic and governance roles at the University, including as Professor of Economics and, since May 2026, Honorary Professor.
He has also served on the boards of organisations including the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and The Nature Conservancy Australia.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2026 for distinguished services to public administration, public policy and reform, diversity, environmental conservation and education. He is also a recipient of the Public Service Medal, a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia and is a Chevalier of the Legion d’honneur, France’s highest order of merit.
Dr de Brouwer holds a Bachelor of Commerce with First Class Honours and a Master of Commerce with First Class Honours, both from the University of Melbourne, and a PhD in Economics from ANU.
Dr de Brouwer will serve as the 14th Chancellor of The Australian National University.
