The ACT Greens have today backed union-proposed reforms to the University of Canberra Act 1989, which include capping the salary of the Vice Chancellor to no more than the Prime Minister.
"The corporatisation of the higher education sector has failed, as we've seen across this city," said Laura Nuttall MLA, ACT Greens Spokesperson for Education.
"The Assembly has the power to legislate for the University of Canberra, and we have a responsibility to make sure UC is an example of how to get university governance right."
The National Tertiary Education Union, which represents UC staff, has made ten recommendations for amendments to the ACT legislation that establishes the University of Canberra and sets out how it functions. These relate to transparency, integrity, remuneration and election and appointment to the university's council.
"These proposed reforms are modest, practical and frankly the bare minimum for fixing UC governance.
"Particularly at a time of sector cuts, how can there possibly be a justification for the Vice Chancellor to be paid significantly more than the elected leader of the country? The Prime Minister's salary should be the absolute ceiling for this role.
"Restoring trust also means bolstering transparency and accountability. Publishing minutes of UC Council meetings, disclosing contract expenditures, and creating conflict-of-interest registers are crucial first steps to do this.
"We're also particularly keen to see governance reform which gives power back to the people who make up universities; students and staff members.
"We fully back the recommendation for at least 40% of positions on the University of Canberra Council to be elected by staff and students. But we would emphasise this must be a floor and not a ceiling.
"Higher education is a crucial part of our Canberra community. It is incumbent upon us to ensure we are leaders in getting the sector back on track to provide world class education and research. The Greens are ready to work with the Government, the University of Canberra and the NTEU to implement these recommendations in full and we look forward to doing so," said Miss Nuttall.
