As far back as the mid-1960's, the idea of a second university for Brisbane had been discussed. After years of protracted decision making by the Queensland Government, former Managing-Director of Queensland Newspapers, Theodor Bray (later Sir Theodor) was approached in 1970 by the Queensland Minister for Education to plan a second university institution in Brisbane. Theodor Bray accepted the challenge, handpicked the Interim Council (later the First Council) which met for the first time on 22nd January 1971 to begin planning. The brief from the Queensland Government on the formation of this new university contained one stipulation - the institution must be named after former Queensland Premier and the first Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia - Sir Samuel Griffith.

The Interim Council acted swiftly and Griffith University was constituted in the Queensland Parliament with the Griffith University Act 1971 on the 30th September, 1971. Over the next three and a half years the Council worked tirelessly organising our buildings and facilities, appointing administrative and academic staff and developing teaching and research programs. On the 5th March 1975 Griffith University began teaching at our foundation campus of Nathan. Over forty years on, Griffith University is today represented by five campuses that stretch from Brisbane City to the Gold Coast and we are recognised as one of the top 50 young universities in the world. A remarkable achievement.