Western Sydney Uni has a new leader

An eminent constitutional lawyer, who was a powerful advocate for the yes case in the Voice referendum, has been named as the next vice-chancellor of the Western Sydney University. George Williams, currently a deputy vice-chancellor at the University of NSW, will take charge at Western Sydney University in July. In his new post as vice-chancellor Professor Williams has the opportunity and the challenge of leading the university into a next phase of its development, building on the rapid growth of the western Sydney region which is being driven by a new airport due to open in 2026 and a concerted effort to expand business and manufacturing. Western Sydney University chancellor Jennifer Westacott said he was “incredibly well placed to lead the university through this next important phase in our growth and development”. “He wants to take it to one of the leading young universities in the world,” she said. Professor Williams said that Western Sydney University and its surrounding region were “essential to the nation’s economic and social growth”. “When the opportunity arose to lead this university, I gave it everything I had because I believe there is no university or region in Australia with greater potential,” he said. Professor Williams said he was inspired by the university’s “longstanding commitment to widening higher education participation”. The university, because of the lower income demographic of its region, is set to play a key role in the Albanese government’s plans – through the Universities Accord – to increase the number of young people from low socio economic backgrounds who go to university. Professor Williams said that Western Sydney University’s mission had “special resonance for him”. “I myself come from a modest family background that had little experience of higher education. Inspiring teachers put me on a path that changed my life. I am deeply grateful for this and want everyone to have the same opportunity.” he said. Professor Williams is a former UNSW dean of law and a frequent public commentator on legal issues who argued strongly for a yes vote in the Voice referendum. He was the first legal academic to receive a prestigious Australian Research Council laureate fellowship. He has appeared as a barrister before the High Court on many case, in areas including freedom of speech, Indigenous rights and the rule of law. Professor Westacott said Professor Williams would “inspire the university to even greater heights of achievement”. “Most critically, he shares our institutional values and understands our unique identity. Our commitment to equity and inclusion will only deepen under his leadership,” she said. Professor Williams takes over as vice-chancellor from Barney Glover, who led the university for 10 years until his appointment this year as the federal government’s jobs and skills commissioner.