June 2026

Education Minister the Hon Jason Clare has announced the inaugural commissioners for the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), which will play a central role in strengthening links between higher education and VET (vocational education and training), overseeing new funding arrangements and assuming responsibility for the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Former Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner Professor Barney Glover AO has been appointed Chief ATEC Commissioner. He is joined by Commissioners the Hon Fiona Nash, David Coltman, and Professor Stephen Duckett, Emeritus Professor of Health Policy at La Trobe, while Professor Tom Calma AO continues as interim First Nations Commissioner. I look forward to working with the Commission as it progresses its important reform agenda.

ATEC will also negotiate mission-based compacts with universities that articulate each institution's strategic direction, enrolment profile, and contribution to national and regional priorities. Yesterday, I met with ATEC Executive Director David Turvey to discuss development of La Trobe's first compact. The compact will cover 2027 and be followed by four-year agreements. A draft is currently being prepared ahead of negotiations with ATEC, scheduled to commence in July.

La Trobe's founding mission is to widen participation to equity cohorts, and this together with our strong regional presence, positions us well to contribute to the Accord's vision of a larger, more inclusive higher education system that supports Australia's future workforce and economy.

Our commitment to this agenda is also supported through La Trobe’s involvement in the new 2050 Alliance, launched by Minister Clare at the University of Canberra last week. Replacing the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) network, the Alliance brings together like-minded institutions committed to expanding access for underrepresented students and communities. The seven IRU members, including La Trobe, are joined by Victoria University and Australian Catholic University in this new coalition.

Together, we are working towards a higher education system that breaks cycles of disadvantage, builds workforce capability, and advances Australia's broader social and economic goals.

Against this backdrop, I'd like to highlight a few recent achievements and activities from across our campuses.

AI leadership

Congratulations to Wei Xiang, Director and Chief Scientist of La Trobe’s Australian Centre for AI in Medical Innovation and Founding Director of the Cisco-La Trobe Centre for AI and Internet of Things, on winning a 2026 Financial Review AI Award for sustainability for his pioneering work using AI to help farmers save water and energy. Developed in partnership with ag-tech company Aglantis, Wei’s AI-powered smart irrigation platform is already enabling more sustainable farming in North Queensland, demonstrating the potential of AI to address real-world challenges. I was delighted to join Wei as he received this award at the 2026 AFR AI Summit in Sydney this week.

This recognition reflects both Wei’s outstanding leadership and the momentum behind La Trobe’s AI-first strategy, which is positioning the University at the forefront of AI-enabled research, education and industry collaboration.

Literary leader

Congratulations to Clare Wright on receiving further recognition for her landmark book Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions – How the people of Yirrkala changed the course of Australian democracy.

In winning both Book of the Year and the Douglas Stewart Prize for Non-fiction at the 2026 NSW Literary Awards, Clare has added to the many accolades she has received for this remarkable work of scholarship on the foundational role Indigenous people played in shaping the nation’s democratic traditions and political history.

India connections

It was terrific to see Ani Desai appointed as our inaugural Associate PVC Research (India) to help advance our Strategic Plan mission of deepening La Trobe’s engagement with India. Ani is exceptionally well qualified to lead this work. As founder of the Asian Smart Cities Research Innovation Network and Co-Director of the IIT Kanpur–La Trobe Research Academy, he has established outstanding networks and connections across the country.

India presents enormous opportunities for collaboration and impact, and Ani’s leadership will help position La Trobe to strengthen our presence in this dynamic and strategically important region.

Partners in Taiwan

I was delighted to welcome a delegation to our Bundoora campus last month, led by Professor Francis Yi-Chen Lan, President of Taiwan's Fu Jen Catholic University. During the visit, we signed an MoU to strengthen ties between our institutions.

As the second largest university in Taiwan, Fu Jen is a significant partner for La Trobe. This new agreement will expand opportunities for student exchange and study abroad, while supporting joint work in sustainability, social equity, community wellbeing and environmental resilience. Initial collaboration will focus on the La Trobe Business School and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Launching big ideas

Applications are open for the next round of La Trobe’s LaunchPad pre-accelerator program. LaunchPad helps emerging founders turn technology-led ideas into scalable ventures through 12 weeks of tailored startup learning, mentoring and support. The program is open to researchers, students and staff who are ready to accelerate their commercialisation journey, develop viable products and build meaningful industry connections. Find out more about how to apply and the opportunity to compete for up to $5,000 in venture funding.

You can also watch the ten finalists from the March LaunchPad cohort showcase their entrepreneurial ideas at a pitch night on 17 June, the grand finale of their 12-week program. More details are available here.

What’s on your plate?

The rising cost of living is placing real pressure on many of our students, with some forced to make difficult choices between food, rent and their education. Our End of Financial Year appeal supports the Student Hardship Fund, which provides immediate practical assistance, including meals and pantry essentials, to help students stay engaged in their studies and succeed.

I encourage our staff community to consider supporting this important appeal. Every contribution makes a tangible difference, helping students remain on track to achieve their goals. You can find out more about how to give here.

Upcoming events

The latest exhibition at the La Trobe Art Institute (LAI), My Blood Sings Old Songs, opened on 20 May and runs until 9 August. It features new commissions and significant works that explore embodied memory and its enduring legacies, realised by Lardil curator Maya Hodge.

You can also join LAI curatorial staff for a relaxed and conversational tour of the exhibition on Friday 26 June.

On 18 June, the La Trobe Rural Health School will join Djaa Djuwima Gallery in Bendigo to launch a statewide exhibition as part of the Billabongs Not Silos initiative, which aims to amplify Indigenous leadership, knowledge and excellence in health and education. Beyond Symbolism brings together Indigenous material culture held by education and health organisations across Victoria, highlighting the importance of Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and contributions within these sectors. You can register to attend here.

The next event in the Eagleworks Innovation Series will be held on 24 June in partnership with NORTH Link’s Melbourne’s North Food Group.

From Concept to Shelf - Accelerating Food Innovation will explore how new ideas in food manufacturing progress from concept to commercialisation and showcase innovation across Melbourne’s north. Register here to hear expert presentations, a panel discussion, and network with manufacturers, industry leaders, academics, and innovation specialists.

In closing

I’d like to congratulate our teaching and professional staff on the successful completion of Semester 1. My thanks to everyone managing exams, marking papers and supporting students over the coming weeks.

I look forward to joining you for our second In Conversation all-staff webinar of the year on Tuesday 7 July.

Best wishes,
Theo