New leaders in education

Alistair Maclean has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer to Australia’s independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). 

Mr Maclean was most recently the chief executive of Independent Broad-based Anti- Corruption Commission in Victoria (IBAC). He has previously held a range of roles, including as a senior executive at an ASX-listed copper and gold producer, adviser to the Prime Minister (2007), and Australian Ambassador to Laos (2004-2007). 

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said Mr Maclean’s experience would extend TEQSA’s ability to support to the higher education sector as it confronts a range of issues. 

“Mr Maclean will drive forward TEQSA’s important work to ensure the quality and reputation of higher education in Australia,” Mr Tehan said. 

Mr Tehan also announced the appointment of three new members to the Higher Education Standards Panel, which works closely with TEQSA and provides advice to the minister on higher education and research. 

Professor Steve Chapman CBE (Vice-Chancellor, Edith Cowan University); Ms Kadi Taylor (Head of Strategic Engagement, Navitas); and Dr David Perry (Vice President Academic, Alphacrucis College) will join seven existing members on the advisory body. 

Professor Chapman commenced his role as Vice-Chancellor of Edith Cowan University in April 2015. Kadi Taylor is responsible for strategy at Navitas having led Austrade’s development of Australian International Education 2025 (AIE 2025). Dr David Perry is Vice President (Academic) at Alphacrucis College’s, overseeing academic operations at the college. 

“The new members will expand the skills and experience of the panel, by providing senior strategic insights into university administration and in-depth understanding of the issues affecting independent non-university higher education providers. I congratulate the new members on their appointment,” Mr Tehan said.