Higher education reforms bring changes to ANU Act

A number of amendments have been made to the act that sets out the objectives and governance of Australia’s only national university.

The Australian National University was established by an Act of the Australian Parliament in 1946,but that legislation has beenupdated a number of times and was substantially redrafted in The Australian National University Act of 1991.

The higher education reform package introduced by Education Minister Dr Brendan Nelson delivered a range of changes to the operation of the tertiary sector, including a number of amendments to the 1991 ANU Act.

Many of the changes updated wording to reflect the current structure and operation of the University, but one of the key changes was to alter the number and method of appointment of the University Council.

The University Council serves a function similar to a corporate
board, overseeing the operation of the University.

The changes mean that, apart from the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor, there will now be six external members of Council, recommended by a Nominations Committee and approved by the Minister for Education.

The changes place a priority on there being a balance of skills, expertise and gender among Council members - at least two of the new six appointments must have a high level of relevant financial expertise and at least one must have a high level of relevant commercial expertise.

The changes preclude a current member of Commonwealth or State Parliaments or Territory Legislature from being nominated, nor can current ANU staff, students or a member of the Nominations Committee be nominated.

Emeritus Professor Peter Baume, ANU Chancellor, will chair the Nominations Committee.