Ellison appointed Prendiville successor

The University of Notre Dame Australia has appointed former senator Chris Ellison as chancellor, to replace Peter Prendiville when he steps down at the end of the year.

Notre Dame has also announced the appointment of Rio Tinto director Michael L'Estrange as deputy chancellor from April 30 this year.

Mr Ellison served as a Liberal senator for Western Australia in the federal parliament from 1993 to 2009.

During his time in government he held portfolios including assistant attorney general, minister for schools and training, special minister of state, minister for justice and customs, and minister for human services.

Mr Ellison has served as a director of the university since 2015, and Mr L'Estrange since 2014.

Mr L'Estrange is a former high commissioner to the UK, and a former secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In addition to Rio Tinto, Mr L'Estrange is also a director of Qantas.

Mr Prendiville has served as chancellor since 2016, after being appointed deputy chancellor in 2011.

He has been a governor of the university since 1990, and sat on its board of directors since 2005.

Mr Prendiville stepped down as chair of Tourism WA in June.