Appointment of TEQSA CEO and resignation of TEQSA Chief Commissioner

Today I am announcing the appointment of Dr Mary Russell as the chief executive officer of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Dr Russell, who has been acting in the role since June last year, brings extensive experience in regulatory operations, tertiary education, and dispute resolution. 

Before joining TEQSA, Dr Russell has served as chair and member of regulatory boards in the health sector. 

She also has experience working in the telecommunications sector, the tertiary education sector, in university teaching, curriculum development and delivery and has worked as a health practitioner. 

Dr Russell has been appointed for a term of five years. 

I congratulate Dr Russell on her appointment and look forward to continuing to work with her to strengthen the integrity of Australia’s higher education system. 

TEQSA Chief Commissioner, Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake AO has also advised that he will be stepping down from his role on 10 May 2024.

Professor Coaldrake was Vice-Chancellor of the Queensland University of Technology between 2003 and 2017 and Chair of Universities Australia.

The Government thanks Professor Coaldrake for his significant contribution to Australia’s higher education sector and wishes him well for the future. 

A new Chief Commissioner will be appointed in due course.