The Australian Higher Education Association (AHEIA) has asked Victoria’s Minister responsible for universities for consultation before implementation of recommendations arising from a recent state parliamentary inquiry.
The Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee released a report into university governance in late July. It contained 37 findings and 17 recommendations.
AHEIA wants consultation before implementation of any or all of the recommendations are accepted. The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), which represents fewer than 10 per cent of higher education employees, wants all recommendations adopted.
Since that time there has been a change of Premier and Deputy Premier. The new Deputy Premier also has ministerial responsibility for overseeing universities.
“We have written to the Minister asking for her approach and time-line on this matter and offering input, if necessary,” the Executive Director of AHEIA, Craig Laughton, said.
“One of the key recommendations of the inquiry is to increase staff and student representation on university governing bodies.
“Such representation already exists. In addition, the government appoints to university governing bodies. Former Labor Premiers, Bracks and Brumby are examples.
“We reject union claims that universities have operated in secrecy and lacked accountability. Further, we are bemused by the union demand for more of its members serving on university governing bodies. Staff and students already are well represented.
“The focus should be on ensuring the right skills matrix on governing bodies, not on serving partisan interests.
“The NTEU at its recent Australian Electoral Commission conducted elections for all union positions nationwide, were left with more than 75 per cent of the roles open, unfilled. That fact brings into question how the union would fill any increase in its involvement in university governing bodies when it can’t fill its own committees.”
AHEIA said it hoped the ‘new’ Victorian government would consider its proposal before acceding to a union demand of full implementation.
