The Federal Government is rolling out an overhaul of university governance standards. Photo: UC.
Universities will have to publicly disclose how much they pay their vice-chancellors and how much they spend on consultants under new governance rules announced today (13 July).
They will also have to develop rigorous and transparent processes for dealing with racism complaints. They will need to adopt definitions of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Federal Government has announced the University Governance Principles it says will strengthen the standards universities must meet to improve governance, transparency and action against racism.
Public universities will need to comply with the new racism standards from January, while private institutions have until July next year.
While the higher education standards overhaul (which was initially flagged following the Bondi terror attack last December) is now being rolled out, the government also wants to give the Tertiary Education and Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) greater enforcement powers.
That will need to be legislated, with the government’s aim to have it passed through parliament before the end of the year.
Universities will have to report to the regulator and could face penalties for non-compliance.
In announcing the new standards, Education Minister Jason Clare noted that Australian universities receive more than $22 billion in public funding each year.
He said they play a central role in Australia’s civic, economic and social life through education and research, but with this public investment and their public role, universities should exhibit high standards of governance.
The minister said too many unis are falling short.
“Anyone who doesn’t think there have been some challenges in university governance has been living under a rock,” Mr Clare said.
“This is about making sure our universities meet the standards their students, staff and whole communities expect.”
Universities Australia, which represents 39 institutions, has previously officially adopted a definition of antisemitism on behalf of its members.
The minister said the new anti-racism standard requires all higher education providers to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for students and staff.
He said universities will have to adopt definitions of antisemitism, racism towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and Islamophobia.
They will need to implement transparent complaints processes and enable representation and participation in decision-making.
Universities must also provide clear guidance to students and staff on actions that enhance safety and security on campus and online.
TEQSA will work with the sector to develop detailed guidance on how the new standards will operate.
“There is no place for antisemitism or any type of hate in our universities or anywhere else,” Mr Clare said.
“We announced this standard on 18 December as part of the Plan to Combat Antisemitism. It was also a recommendation of the Respect at Uni report into racism at universities.
“Unis will have to act to prevent racism and respond when it happens.”
Yet while universities must adopt definitions of racism, the government says they will not be required to be specific definitions against a set of criteria.
The Opposition, however, says the definitions should be mandated.
Shadow education minister Julian Leeser said the government should make unis use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
“This is another instance where we will have to drag the government kicking and screaming because the universities have to be dragged kicking and screaming again to do the right thing,” Mr Leeser said on Monday morning.
“The time for mucking around with these issues is long past. Fifteen people were murdered in cold blood on our most famous beach because of their religion.
“The time to adopt IHRA is now, and I’m calling on the minister to mandate the IHRA definition.”
In the areas of strengthening governance, the new principles establish a clear framework for universities, similar to the ASX Corporate Governance Principles for listed companies.
The principles were developed by the Expert Council on University Governance.
Universities will be required to report to the regulator, TEQSA, annually against these new principles on an “if not, why not” basis.
The Principles set strong expectations across eight key themes:
- Accountability: Governance structures and accountabilities are well-defined, effective and transparent
- Diversity of perspectives: Composition of the governing body enables purpose and performance
- Independence: Academic standards and freedom are respected and protected
- Transparency: Purpose, strategy and performance are clear and openly communicated
- Trustworthy: The university operates lawfully, ethically, responsibly, and consistent with its public purpose
- Inclusive and responsive: Expectations of the university’s community and stakeholders are understood, respected and responded to
- Sustainable: Risks are understood and managed effectively, and
- Responsible: Workforce and remuneration are structured fairly and responsibly.
Public universities will be required to publish the outcomes of governing body meetings and decisions; consultancy spending and its purpose; external roles held by vice-chancellors and senior executives; and annual remuneration reports, including vice-chancellor remuneration.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
