John Hay

Interviewed by
Peter Spearritt and Chris Salisbury
Aug 29 2012
John Hay
Time Summary Keywords
00:00:00

John Hay discusses his impressions of the University of Queensland upon accepting the position of Vice-Chancellor. He discusses the process of university faculty restructuring and the development of the University's research institutes.

Alan Gilbert, Brian Wilson, Llew Edwards, University of Queensland
00:04:31

John Hay comments on the appointment of Executive Deans to the University's new faculties.

University of Queensland
00:05:25

John Hay discusses the challenges of 'far flung' campuses and compares the situation of Deakin University with his experiences at the University of Queensland.

Deakin University, University of Queensland
00:06:42

John Hay comments on his relationships with government during his time as Vice-Chancellor. He comments on the generosity of Chuck Feeney and the injection of philanthropic funds into higher education. He comments on the influence of American universities on his thinking regarding working with governments.

Atlantic Philanthropies, Borbidge Government 1996-98, Chuck Feeney, University of Queensland, Wayne Goss
00:09:49

John Hay discusses the development of research institutes within Queensland. 

Australian National University, biosciences, Chuck Feeney, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, research
00:11:32

John Hay recalls his first meeting with Chuck Feeney at the Irish Club on 16 March 1998. He explains Feeney's desire to remain anonymous and his unhappiness at the eventual disclosure of his generosity. 

Chuck Feeney, Jim Soorley, Ken Fletcher, Lawrie Powell
00:14:36

John Hay discusses funding of the University's research institutes. He comments on the matching of funds by the state and federal governments and the restructuring of the University that was required following the injection of these funds.

biosciences, Chuck Feeney, Ken Smith, Peter Beattie, research, University of Queensland
00:18:02

John Hay comments on the role of the Chancellor and the University Senate in supporting the priorities of the University.

Chuck Feeney, John Story, Llew Edwards, University of Queensland
00:19:07

John Hay explains the relationship between Chuck Feeney and the Queensland Government and comments on the circumstances surrounding his contributions being made public.

Chuck Feeney
00:20:14

John Hay explains the funding commitment made by the Borbidge Government to the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) and argues Rob Borbidge's role should not be under-acknowledged. 

Beattie Government 1998-2007, Borbidge Government 1996-98, Goss Government 1989-96, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Rob Borbidge
00:23:03

John Hay discusses his strategies for maintaining relationships with the state government. He comments on the importance of establishing university priorities.

Smart State, State Development Department, University of Queensland
00:26:55

John Hay comments on the funding support from both the state and federal governments. He speaks on the role of philanthropy in universities and the differences between American and Australian universities. 

Howard Government 1996-2007, universities, University of Western Australia
00:28:38

John Hay discusses his professional relationship with Glyn Davis and Ken Smith and the personal and intellectual commitment of both men while heads of the Premier's Department.

Glyn Davis, Ken Smith, Premier's Department
00:30:33

John Hay discusses the role of institute leaders in pursuing specific areas of research funding.

Institute for Molecular Bioscience, John Mattick, Peter Andrews
00:33:32

John Hay discusses the dispute regarding the Dutton Park Bridge, commenting on the role of the state government and Brisbane City Council.

Brisbane City Council, public transport
00:37:01

John Hay explains the relationship between the School of Medicine and the Royal Brisbane Hospital. He describes the challenges posed by the distances between many of the hospitals and the St Lucia campus of the University of Queensland.

hospitals, Mater Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, University of Queensland
00:40:22

John Hay comments on the location of some Australian universities in relation to city centres. He comments on the role of adjunct positions in fostering interactions between universities and professions.

Customs House, universities
00:44:55

John Hay discusses infrastructure decisions in relation to the Institutes of Research Excellence. He discusses the aesthetic and architectural considerations required when making building additions.

infrastructure, Perry Bartlett, Queensland Brain Institute, universities, University of Queensland
00:48:45

John Hay comments on his involvement with the Smart State Standing Committee and the choice of the 'Smart State' slogan.

Smart State
00:50:17

Interview ends

Further reading: 

Ben Robertson, The People's University: 100 Years of the University of Queensland (St Lucia: University of Queensland Press, 2010)