The University of Newcastle branch of the National Tertiary Education Union opposes the appointment of Mark Vaile as chancellor

Mr Vaile is a former leader of the federal National Party, deputy PM under John Howard and member for the seat of Lyne, adjacent to the Newcastle region.

But it’s not his coalition connection that upsets the NTEU. Branch president Dan Conway says, “(ANU chancellor) Julie Bishop who held similar roles in Liberal Governments is an appointment that I think most would be proud of.”

However, the union and allies on campus object to Mr Vaile’s chairing a large coal miner.

“The university has made a public commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2025 – all of our administrative appointments – especially those at senior levels – should be consistent with our forward-looking stance” Mr Conway says.

The university council meets today but Mr Vaile won’t be there – he takes over on July 1.