Meet Peter Coaldrake AO
PhD(Griffith), BA(Hons)(JCU)
Why did you join the University Council?
I have a close interest in higher education and the University of Newcastle.
What do you look back on most fondly when it comes to your own education?
The friendships made.
Biography
Professor Peter Coaldrake AO is currently Chair of the Foundation, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). He was Chair of the Board of Queensland Performing Arts Trust (QPAT) from 2018 to 2025.
Professor Coaldrake was the Commissioner of TEQSA from 2020 to May 2024, and Chief Commissioner for the latter three years. He was Vice-Chancellor of QUT from 2003 to 2017 and Chair of Universities Australia from 2009 to 2011.
Professor Coaldrake is a Dual Fulbright scholar: Postdoctoral Fellow 1980 to 1981; and Senior Scholar from 2001 to 2002.
He is the author of a number of books, including 'Raising the Stakes: Gambling with the Future of Universities' 2013, and 2016; and 'Let the Sunshine In' (a review of culture and accountability in the Queensland Public Sector), 2022.
He is alos the recipient of a Doctor of Education honoris causa from the University of Newcastle 2025.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.