Justice Frank Vincent calls for apology from Don Nardella, MLA

31 October 2008

The following statement has been issued by the Hon. Justice Frank Vincent, AO, Chancellor Victoria University.

The Hon. Justice Frank Vincent, AO, Chancellor of Victoria University is surprised and distressed that the MLA for Melton, Don Nardella, has made a unreasonable and personal attacks on Victoria University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Elizabeth Harman, under Parliamentary Privilege.

He says: "It is important to note that the Vice Chancellor is an employee of the University who is charged with implementing the decisions of Council and entrusted with the management of the affairs of the University in accordance with the strategic directions and mission as determined by Council."

"It needs to be made clear with respect to the matters raised by Mr Nardella that the Vice Chancellor is acting under the directions of Council and in line with its decisions."

"The matters Don Nardella has raised about the future of Melton and Sunbury campuses and the University's need to staff it's courses and deliver its programs as efficiently as possible to which Mr Nardella referred, have been the subjects of the most serious consideration by Council over a substantial period of time through its committees, formal Council meetings and retreats.

The Vice Chancellor is responsible to Council for the implementation of its policy decisions."
"I call upon Mr Nardella to retract his inaccurate and highly emotive comments and apologise to the Vice Chancellor for the deeply regrettable personal nature of them."
The Hon. Justice Frank Vincent is not available for interview on this issue

Media Contacts:

Ms Christine White, Media Manager,Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria UniversityPh: (03) 9919 4322; mobile: 0434 602 884

Andy Gash, Snr. Media OfficerMarketing and Communications Department, Victoria UniversityPh: (03) 9919 4950; mobile: 0411 255 900