The ANU is a unique national institution and world-class university. It also plays an important role in the Canberra community and economy.
Australian universities receive more than $22 billion in public funding each year and play a central role in Australia’s civic, economic and social life through education and research. Given this significant public investment and responsibility, universities are expected to maintain high standards of governance.
The Australian National Audit Office’s Australian National University Financial Management report highlighted the importance of legislative arrangements that support informed decision-making, access to relevant expertise, greater transparency and effective scrutiny.
In July 2026, the Australian Government amended the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 to embed the University Governance Principles and additional transparency requirements within the legislative framework.
The proposed reforms would modernise the ANU Act by strengthening accountability, representation, appointment processes and institutional culture.
The department is seeking feedback from staff, students, alumni, higher education stakeholders and the broader community on proposed reforms to ensure the ANU Act continues to meet contemporary standards and community expectations.
Speaking at the Australian Financial Review Summit this week, Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP said:
“These amendments respond to advice I have received from TEQSA.
“They will reinforce the role and responsibilities of the ANU Council with respect to institutional culture.
“They will require the ANU Council to have an equal number of elected and ministerially appointed members, and ensure the Council is representative of the community and has the appropriate skills and experience to enable the ANU to fulfil its mission.
“And they will reflect in the ANU Act the best practice governance approach that we have put into the Threshold Standards and that were recommended by the Governance Review.”
Consultation closes at 5pm AEST, Tuesday 1 September 2026. To read the consultation paper and share your views, visit ANU Act consultation.
