‘I’m a republican’: Margaret Gardner named next governor of Victoria

Professor Margaret Gardner, vice chancellor of Monash University and a republican, will become the 30th governor of Victoria after Linda Dessau’s tenure ends at the end of this month.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced the appointment on Monday afternoon alongside Gardner, who will resign from her position at Monash after nine years to be sworn in as governor on August 9. Lieutenant-Governor James Angus will serve as acting governor in the interim.

Margaret Gardner was announced as Victoria’s next governor on Monday.Credit: Eddie Jim

Gardner, who has chaired the Group of Eight Universities and was previously vice chancellor of RMIT University for nine years, told reporters she was a republican, but that it was a great honour to have been approached by the premier about the governorship four weeks ago.

“I give my commitment that I’ll give my absolute all,” she said.

“I’m a republican, personally. But I recognise that we are living currently in a constitutional monarchy and will do so until such time as people decide otherwise.”

Andrews said Gardner took some time to consider the role after he approached her.

“She didn’t apply for the job. She was a bit shocked, I think, and that ... is very, very good, because these roles, you should be called to them, I think, rather than campaigning for them as it were,” the premier said.

“I think it’s fantastic to be able to secure someone with such a strong track record of leadership. Someone who lives their values.”

Andrews said he did not inform King Charles that Gardner was a republican when he recommended her to Buckingham Palace for approval.

“I didn’t necessarily broadcast that fact,” Andrews said. “There are many different views, many different opinions, but we have constitutional arrangements, and we had to choose the very best person at this time.”

Premier Daniel Andrews with Margaret Gardner on Monday.Credit: Eddie Jim

Gardner was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2020 and has served on the boards of Infrastructure Victoria, Museums Victoria and the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.

She is expected to take a significant pay cut, having earned about $1.37 million at Monash University last year. The Victorian governor was paid $485,000 in 2022. Dessau reportedly donated most of her salary to charity.

Gardner’s academic husband, Glyn Davis, is the secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and a former vice chancellor of the University of Melbourne.

While Dessau’s husband, Tony Howard, played a prominent role alongside her, Gardner said the position would be hers alone.

Outgoing governor Linda Dessau during a proclamation ceremony for King Charles at Government House last year.Credit: AAP

Howard was a County Court judge when Dessau was appointed governor.

“This is a modern world,” Andrews said. “Often, both partners in a partnership work, have different varied roles, and every governor and their partner make the role their own.”

Dessau acted as governor-general at various times throughout her term as the longest-serving governor in the country.

Andrews said it was unlikely that Gardner, as the newest appointment, would act in the role as it could create potential challenges with her husband’s position.

“Lest anyone thinks that might present a challenge, but that would be a challenge for her to manage, and the staff at Government House. I’m sure she would,” Andrews said.

He thanked Dessau, who was sworn in as Victoria’s first female governor in 2015, for eight years of service.

“Any governor following Linda Dessau has seen first-hand the role that Government House and the role of the governor can be. It’s not about shoes and all that sort of stuff, but there’s been this great, really profound example these last eight years of what that role can be. I think we’re all richer for that important work that Linda and Tony have done,” Andrews said.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto also thanked Dessau for her service.

“She has served with distinction and been a popular and much loved figure. She leaves with our warm wishes and sincere thanks,” he said.

“I wish Professor Gardner the greatest of success in her appointment, and look forward to working with her to serve the people of Victoria.”

Monash University chancellor Simon McKeon thanked Gardner for her contribution to the university.

“She leaves behind a significant legacy of growth and achievement which will be felt within the Monash community for generations to come. The people of Victoria can be assured they will be well-represented nationally and globally, and that their interests will be fiercely advocated for with Professor Gardner in [the] post.”

Group of Eight chief executive Vicki Thomson said Gardner, Australia’s longest-serving and most experienced vice chancellor, would be missed by the sector.

“Australian universities’ loss will be a major gain for the people of Victoria,” Thomson said.

“She is frank and fearless in her advice in the interests of ensuring good public policy outcomes for our research and higher education sector.”

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