The ACT Government and the University of Canberra will strengthen our long-standing partnership under a refreshed Civic Partnership Agreement signed today, setting shared priorities to grow Canberra's knowledge economy and support UC's continued renewal through stronger governance, transparency, and accountability.
Canberra is the knowledge capital of Australia, with the strength out tertiary education and innovation sectors driving our Territory's growth.
As the only university established by Territory legislation, UC has a clear remit to serve the needs and interests of the ACT community, and plays a distinctive role as the Territory's higher education sector.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr and University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Shorten have signed a new Statement of Intent, updating the original Civic Partnership Agreement between the ACT Government and UC - establishing a more direct line of accountability at the most senior level of leadership.
The Statement of Intent sets out six shared priorities and key deliverables:
- Effective institutional governance - supporting UC's continued reform of governance structures, transparency and accountability, including compliance with the new Federal University Governance Principles, elected representation on the UC Council to a minimum of 40 per cent, and a commitment to explore the establishment of an Independent Student Union.
- Knowledge-based economic growth and workforce capability - aligning UC's course offerings with ACT workforce and public sector skills needs, and expanding pathways, micro credentials and work-integrated learning.
- Civic leadership, public policy, and community engagement - strengthening UC's role in evidence-based policy, public debate, and community engagement.
- Health, wellbeing, and inclusive participation - supporting the ACT Wellbeing Framework through UC's education, training and research in health, education, and community services.
- Sustainability, infrastructure, and campus as civic asset - integrating UC's campus development with community infrastructure and the ACT Government's net zero ambitions.
- Global profile, social and cultural economy - growing Canberra's international education brand and Brand CBR through UC's global partnerships and student mobility.
Delivery of the Statement of Intent's priorities will be overseen by a reconstituted Civic Engagement Joint Working Group, which will report regularly to government on progress.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
"Canberra's success has been built on education, skills, innovation and our ability to attract talented people from around Australia and the world.
"The University of Canberra is one of the Territory's most important institutions, and this refreshed partnership reflects just how much we value it.
"This Statement of Intent gives us a shared, transparent set of priorities – from governance and accountability to workforce development and civic leadership - so that UC continues to earn the confidence of the community it serves.
"Growing the region for good, together, means the ACT Government and the University working side by side with a clear line of accountability at the most senior level, to shape Canberra's next decade of growth."
Quotes attributable to Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra, Professor The Honourable Bill Shorten:
"This refreshed Civic Partnership Agreement reflects our shared commitment to work together to expand access to education, build skills, and drive research and innovation for the best interests of the ACT and region.
"This marks an important new chapter for UC as Canberra's university. It establishes a clear framework for collaboration, transparency and accountability, enabling us to create greater opportunities for students and staff, support local industries and contribute to the prosperity of our region.
"UC's success is Canberra's success, and we are setting a clear direction for the future, one that strengthens our university, grows the ACT's workforce capabilities, and delivers lasting economic and social benefits for everyone."
