There's been a warm welcome at the University of Canberra to the appointment of Bill Shorten as its next vice-chancellor.
The university's chancellor said she was "thrilled" to announce it.
"Bill's wealth of experience will set us apart and situate UC to tackle the future from the strongest possible position," Lisa Paul said.
Mr Shorten will start next year in what is essentially the top position in the day-to-day running of the university (the chancellor has a more ceremonial and oversight role).
He will arrive at a difficult time. In August, staff were informed of a tough cutback in spending.
On top of that, it emerged Mr Shorten's predecessor, Paddy Nixon, received remuneration of $1.8 million in 2023. Professor Nixon departed suddenly in January for undisclosed reasons.
The main union at UC also welcomed Mr Shorten's appointment.
"We look forward to a productive and collaborative relationship with the new vice-chancellor, built on a basis of respect for staff and our shared union values," said Lachlan Clohesy, ACT head of the National Tertiary Education Union.
But there was a caveat.
"Bill Shorten needs to know what he is walking into. UC's previous vice-chancellor received an unexplained $700,000 pay increase at a time when the university is financially starving," Dr Clohesy said.
Dr Clohesy advised Mr Shorten to consult the union and "other stakeholders".
The chancellor of the university said current interim-vice-chancellor Lucy Johnston would "continue in the role until Mr Shorten commences with the university in February.
"I look forward to continuing to work with Lucy as interim vice-chancellor and forging ahead in a rapidly evolving higher education environment," Ms Paul said.
It is not clear if Professor Johnston went for the permanent top job (though she is widely assumed at the university to have done so), and whether she would stay once the man who did get the job arrives.
