Media releases

Federation University’s new Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley says regional Victoria has the knowledge and resources to build a bright future on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic.   

Starting his new role today, Professor Bentley said he was optimistic about the prosperity of regional Australia, and Federation University’s 150-year connection to its local communities meant it was uniquely positioned to support regional economic growth. 

Throughout his career Professor Bentley has supported universities to grow through design thinking, digital innovation, deep community engagement and long-term global partnerships.  

He comes to Federation from a distinguished academic career at Swinburne University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) where he led the academic, international, online and Indigenous portfolios, as well as serving on the Board of Swinburne (Sarawak).  

He was previously Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Victoria University with oversight of Vocational Education, External Engagement, and International. 

Professor Bentley believes a dual-sector regional university such as Federation, sits at the heart of its communities and plays a core role in their prosperity and growth. 

Growing up on coffee plantations and game reserves in Africa, Professor Bentley has considerable experience in championing the adoption of technologies to support sustainability.  

His qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Cape Town, Master of Laws from the University of London, Master of Laws (Corporate & Commercial) and PhD from Bond University, Australia. He also has an international research record in tax policy, with a current focus on the ethics, skills and capabilities required to deliver digital government and digital tax. 

Professor Bentley replaces Professor Helen Bartlett who served as Vice-Chancellor for three years. 

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley 

“I am delighted to join the community of staff, students, alumni and partners at Federation University and look forward to listening to all of the rich experience across the regions to learn how the institution can help to drive economic growth on the other side of the pandemic.” 

“Through this incredibly challenging time for all Australians, I am energised to see the resilience of regional communities.” 

“Federation University is uniquely positioned to provide re-skilling, up-skilling and lifelong learning for regional Victoria and to work with our communities to deliver on a sustainable and enriching future unique to each one.”  

“We innovate, we create, we reimagine the future so that in 2030 we’ll be in the place we dreamed about.”