Professor Barney Glover appointed next Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, Professor Barney Glover, has been named the next Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA).

Announced by Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor on Saturday (10 February), Professor Glover will assume the role in April 2024, replacing David Turvey who was appointed as acting-Commissioner on 7 October 2023 and Professor Peter Dawkins who was the founding Commissioner.

Professor Glover comes from long careers in both business and academia, having held senior leadership roles in both fields.

His current positions include Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, which he has held since 2014, the Australian Government representative on the University of the South Pacific Grants Committee, Chair of the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching Working Group, and the Australia-based Patron of the Association for Tertiary Education Management.

Previous roles included Vice-Chancellor of Charles Darwin University, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at the University of Newcastle, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Development at Curtin University, and Chair of Universities Australia.

He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in January 2019 for distinguished service to tertiary education, professional associations and cultural organisations.

Professor Glover has also served on the boards of corporate organisations and several state and national centres in fields including health and medical research, energy, mineral exploration and telecommunications.

“I congratulate Professor Glover on his appointment and look forward to his leadership in this critical time,” Mr O’Connor said.

“His distinguished academic leadership and extensive experience make Professor Glover eminently qualified for the role.”

Jobs and Skills Australia was established in 2022 to engage, advise and assist the Australian Government and other stakeholders in decision-making on the current, emerging and future skills and workforce needs of the Australian economy.

These skills and training needs are most needed in the transformation to net zero, the care and support sector, digitisation and the growing need for digital skills.

Jobs and Skills Australia also conducts capacity studies for emerging and growing industries, research into priority groups experiencing disadvantage or exclusion in labour markets, workforce forecasting, and identification of skills and labour imbalances and issues across the economy.

Mr O’Connor said the JSA Commissioner will be a trusted, independent source of expert advice on Australia’s current and future skills needs and lead JSA’s work researching workforce trends, skills, and needs.

The Commissioner will work closely with JSA’s tripartite partners, including employers, unions, state and territory governments and education and training sectors, to ensure JSA’s advice to government and stakeholders is high quality, balanced and incorporates a wide range of views.

The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) welcomed Professor Glover’s appointment, saying it comes at a crucial time for Australia’s workforce development and that he brings considerable depth of experience from his leadership roles.

“This blend of knowledge positions him uniquely to guide JSA through the complexities of Australia’s evolving workforce needs,” ITCEA Chief Executive Troy Williams said.

“Professor Glover’s role will be critical in ensuring that businesses across Australia can access the skilled and educated workforce needed to support a thriving economy,” he added.

“His experience in fostering relationships within the skills training sector and engagement with First Nations Australians and disadvantaged communities further underscores the depth of leadership he brings to this role.”

Western Sydney University Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott congratulated Professor Glover on the prestigious appointment.

“On behalf of the university community, I warmly wish Professor Glover all the best for this next exciting chapter,” she said.

“He has been a bold and decisive leader for the University and has confidently guided it through significant change, challenges and opportunities. He leaves the University incredibly well positioned for future success, growth and innovation, all the while ensuring the University remains firmly embedded in Western Sydney.

“His dedication to the region’s social, cultural and economic development reflects a deep commitment to our local communities and profound understanding of the life-changing impact of higher education.

“As a passionate voice for equity, inclusion and skills development, I know he will make an outstanding Jobs and Skills Commissioner and will continue this important advocacy into the future.”