Bulletin

Issue: October 2006

News

Public sector governance appointment

La Trobe University has appointed Peter Loney, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Victoria, as Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Law and Management, and Executive Director of its Public Sector Governance and Accountability Research Centre (PSGARC).

Dean of Law and Management, Professor Raymond Harbridge, said Mr Loney, above, joins the Faculty’s already impressive list of adjunct professors, including former Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Professor Mike Moore.

PSGARC is primarily concerned with accountability in democratic government and the role it plays in minimising the potential for mismanagement and corruption.

It also trains postgraduates in public sector accountability and governance and carries out research, development and academic support for parliament, parliamentary committees and officers on issues of accountability and governance.

‘The Faculty already has strong ties with government and business. Professor Loney’s experience in parliamentary accountability through his work as Chair of the Australasian Council of Public Accounts Committees, and Chair of the Victorian Public Accounts and Estimates Committee will strengthen those relationships,’ Professor Harbridge said. ‘And his experience as Deputy Speaker will enable him to provide valuable insights into the work of the Centre. ‘

Professor Loney, who leaves Parliament at the November State election, helped found the Centre and has chaired its Advisory Board since 2004.

He said he looked forward to building the role and reputation of the Centre internationally.

‘This Centre is unique in the world. It aims to improve the quality of accountability and governance within the public sector, and the capacity of elected representatives to carry out their role of scrutiny of the actions of executive government.

‘Throughout our region, and globally, there is a growing emphasis on governance and accountability as mechanisms for ensuring good government and combating corruption – and it is exciting to be a part of this La Trobe initiative. ‘