The general theme here is that a University doesn't need a leader. Perhaps. But the uniqueness of that proposition would surely require its full justification. The best reason would be that it succeeds without one whereas other earthly institutions cannot. That's where the debate really starts. Are Universities succeeding now? What does 'success' mean? How does one know? Whose assessment counts? Would a good leader make a difference? Unless those questions are addressed the views of an insider count for little, especially as he or she is conflicted, no doubt happier to pursue a career without the kind of interference mere mortals in the rest of society must endure. In case there are doubts, I'll toss in a few of my own views. Universities persistently exaggerate the economic relevance of their inventions and spur unjustified expectations. Academic educationalists create fads that bedevil schooling. The apparent levels of intolerance amongst scholars and students are a blot on academia. Pursuit of students as sources of income endangers academic standards. I'm confident others will add to this list. Which leaves the question, would a good leader at V-C level make a difference? Yes.

Parasitic and irrelevant: the university vice chancellor

When I made an uncanningly similar statement quite some years ago I was called every derrogatory term under the Sun.
These people earned $600,000.00+ then. For what I asked. I never did get an answer.
Nowadays we have CEO's in puny little local Councils on 400+/year. Again I ask, for what ?
That ABC sheilah that just got shown the door was I believe on 900+/year.
I really don't exect anyone from their ranks to tell us why they think they're worth that much.
Even the staffers that former PM Turnbull gave a $28,000 rise never told anyone what that was for.
Meanwhile Centrelink screws the genuine & rewards the hangers-on as does the ATO.
PM Morrison was one of the architects of this appallingly unfair system. I just hope that now that he calls the shots he'll re-think some of it. He'd better because his job depends on coming across as being sensible & fair.

Sounds very much like a perfect and preferred job description for the very next ABC CEO? Or even better, a very lifelike puppet on a government remote control!?.

Endlessly repeating we here at the ABC or wherever, care about you and what you think!? Your views and welfare are very important to us!?

Just like the government in Canberra and expressed most sincerely as they play musical chairs with their leadership?

Or was that Russian roulette? Hahahahahaha.
Alan B.

The main thing that irritates me about universities and their overpaid staff is that we, the public, pay for them. All universities and other publicly owned educational institutions should be sold off. How politicians can turn essential services like water and energy over to the private sector but cling to education and keep pouring our money into it - for increasingly poor results - is beyond reason.

ttbn - You are going to be very popular now with this statement Quote "All universities and other publicly owned educational institutions should be sold off."

Firstly most Primary and secondary schools are publicly owned, I will forgive your ignorance there. What do you recommend we do with all the children?

So lets look at Universities, are you aware that they are Australia’s third largest export industry, probably not, they contribute $22.4 billion to the Australian economy.

Quote "overpaid staff" where is your evidence to support that statement?

Quote "overpaid staff" where is your evidence to support that statement?
Philip S,
Where's your evidence that they're not overpaid ?