Report urges more student voices on university bodies

The Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee held an inquiry into enhancing Victorian university governance, hearing from a range of witnesses including tertiary education experts and academics, staff and student unions.

 ‘While staff and students advocated for legislative reforms to increase their representation on university governing bodies, universities did not share the same view and are reluctant to suggest any changes to the current legislative system,’ Committee Chair Alison Marchant said.

‘These competing perspectives highlight a central challenge facing the sector: how to strengthen the voice of staff and students in university governance and ensure that institutional decision-making remains focused on the interests of the university community.’

The Committee focused on the role and composition of university Councils, and the appointment processes for their members, including the role of the Victorian Government in appointing members within Councils.

It has made a series of recommendations aimed at improving transparency, strengthening accountability, and enhancing staff and student representation on university Councils.

“ ‘These reforms seek to rebuild trust and confidence in Victoria’s universities.’ ”

Committee Chair Alison Marchant

Some of the proposals to increase transparency include:

• All university Councils be required to have at least three elected staff members
• Consider a review process for the appointment of Councils’ members
• Publishing agendas and key outcomes of Councils’ meetings
• A review of the universities’ complaint processes for staff

The National Tertiary Education Union, National Union of Students and Council for Postgraduate Associations are among the stakeholders supportive of legislative changes within university governing bodies. 

All of the outcomes of the inquiry are now being considered by the state government, which has six months to provide a response. 

Overall, there are 37 findings and 17 recommendations. Read the full report on the Committee’s website.