Installation of Dr Philip Freier as Chancellor of Federation University

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which this building stands – the Wadawurrung people – and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is often attributed with the quote:

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

The career of Dr Philip Freier is one defined by this creed.

It is a path not defined by imprinting one’s values on another, but rather by deploying empathy to bridge differences and find common ground.

Across this esteemed career, Dr Freier has held many leadership roles – and yet he has not viewed them as a title or prize gained, but rather as a responsibility to those being led.

He has reflected on the role of leadership as being one that empowers people to do things the leader can’t do themselves.

These are more than just words – his career is marked by countless examples of inclusive leadership and giving back to uplift those around him.

This service stands as proof of the fact that the leaders who make the biggest impact are the ones who consistently demonstrate generosity in the way they work with others.

From far North Queensland to the Northen Territory, and now to Victoria – the breadth of Dr Freier’s service has touched almost all corners of our vast country.

Despite facing different circumstances and challenges across these communities, his impact has remained significant through this approach of openness and sincerity.

It is an ethos evident in not only the way he has led ministries, but also in the way he has led important public conversations about contemporary issues in society.

Whether working as a teacher, a bishop or a board member – Dr Freier’s leadership has been inclusive of the full diversity of our communities, particularly those less fortunate.

And importantly, he has brought people along through their own language and culture – not despite it.

Just like any good teacher, Dr Freier has been committed to his own journey of continuous learning.

Degrees in science, education, and history stand as proof of his achievements in formal education, and his grasp of indigenous languages is testament to his desire to gain knowledge to connect with others.

As he commences this new chapter as Chancellor of Federation University, Dr Freier has an opportunity, perhaps unlike any he has had before, to connect with a broad range of people through education.

It is fitting that he takes on this role in an institution that shares his passion for educational equity and strengthening regional communities.

Despite the new title, he will rely upon the same values of openness and humility that have served him well to this point.

As he was appointed as the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne almost two decades ago, Dr Freier was asked of the link between his faith and his humanitarianism.

If I can quote Dr Freier to Dr Freier himself, in answer to that question, you said:

"They are very entwined… When we are at our best these things are in close connection."

There is no doubt that this philosophy will shape your Chancellor, and I know we can all be confident that you will meet every challenge as you always have – with warmth and wisdom.

It is now my great pleasure to formally commence the installation of Dr Philip Freier as the seventh Chancellor of Federation University.