Installation of the fifth University of Southern Queensland Chancellor

Representing the Premier of Queensland, Mr Speaker, the Honourable Pat Weir MP; representing the Minister for Education, Senator the Honorable Anthony Chisholm and Members of Parliament, Mayors and Councillors of the Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley and Western Downs Regional Councils, University of Southern Queensland Chancellor, the Honourable Dr John McVeigh and members of the University Council; Chancellor, Australian Catholic University, the Honourable Martin Daubney AM KC; Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Nelson and Executives; former USQ Chancellor Mr John Dornbusch; members of the USQ community; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by thanking Uncle Wayne Fossey as Elder-in-Residence at the University of Southern Queensland, for his welcome to these traditional lands on which we gather, and also pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

It is indeed an honour to be invited here this morning – to the beautiful Toowoomba Campus of the University of Southern Queensland – to participate in this very auspicious occasion celebrating the installation of the Honourable Dr John McVeigh, as the fifth Chancellor of the University.

With his appointment to the role of Chancellor, Dr McVeigh brings many achievements of his own, and through his stewardship of the university he will engender many successes for others too – Council Members and University Executive Members, researchers, teaching staff and of course the entire student body.

The role of Chancellor carries with it a great responsibility to advance the institution and Dr McVeigh’s breadth of experience across government, agriculture and education will inform the many decisions to be made during his tenure, as will the wonderful work of his predecessors.

Having served in both academic and political arenas, Dr McVeigh is no doubt thrilled to be joining and leading the University of Southern Queensland into its next phase and will draw on all aspects of his illustrious career to do so. A commitment to academic rigour and to leadership excellence will remain top priorities into the future.

The ability to access quality education at any and every level of learning, and no matter in which corner of the State you live, has a dramatic impact on the ability to transform lives. Students studying at USQ are in very safe hands when they choose to undertake their education through this institution.

Chancellor, on behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulate you on your installation and I wish you every success. It is a great privilege to assume this role and I know that you will serve this community with distinction.

I would also like to pay tribute to outgoing Chancellor John Dornbusch for his unwavering commitment through his three terms as Chancellor, and a remarkable 25 years of service to the University Council.

Now to today’s important proceedings:

I call the Honourable Dr John McVeigh to please come forward.  

PROCLAMATION

As Governor of Queensland, I hereby acknowledge and honour the outstanding legacy of leadership and service in higher education that defines the role of Chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland. 

Recognising the distinguished achievements, commitment to excellence, and dedication to fostering education and innovation, I am pleased to proclaim the appointment of the Honourable Dr John McVeigh to the esteemed position of Chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland. 

In assuming this role, Dr McVeigh will guide the university in its mission to empower students, advance knowledge, and enrich the community through education, research, and leadership.  May this tenure bring continued success and progress to the institution and its valued stakeholders.