After 15 years as anchor of Canberra’s 7pm local news program on ABC TV, Virginia Haussegger will present her final bulletin for the public broadcaster on October 7 ahead of joining the permanent staff of the University of Canberra in November.
Ms Haussegger will take up the position of director of the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation, a gender equality initiative to be based within the University’s Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis (IGPA), and will focus on the critical issue of increasing the representation of women in government and public sector leadership across Australia and throughout the region.
The ABC has yet to announce a replacement to present its flagship evening bulletin. Colleagues who have regularly filled in for Ms Haussegger in recent years include weekend newsreader Craig Allen and fellow ABC Canberra journalists Adrienne Francis, Narda Gilmore and Siobhan Heanue.
Loading ...Ms Haussegger said she was delighted with the appointment.
“This is the most exciting career move imaginable. The 50/50 by 2030 Foundation encompasses all of my professional passions around women, leadership and communication all into one fabulous role,” she said.
“We are at a critical juncture in progressing the representation of women in public leadership and key decision-making roles.
“The scale of the task ahead is tremendous, but I can’t wait to get started.”
In 2014, Ms Haussegger was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her “service to the community as an advocate for women’s rights and gender equity, and to the media”.
In more than 25 years as a television journalist, straddling both commercial and public broadcasting, Ms Haussegger has reported from around the globe for leading current affair programs on Channel 9, the Seven Network and the ABC’s 7.30 Report, which she presented in four states.
In 2011, Ms Haussegger received an honorary appointment as adjunct professor at the University of Canberra. She has been a regular guest lecturer on IGPA’s Strategic Communication graduate and Master of Public Administration programs. She will continue teaching and contribute to the further development of IGPA’s suite of masterclass and executive program offerings.
