Australia’s universities have voted to bring Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors together within Universities Australia, creating a single national body representing both the governance and executive leadership of the sector.
The change gives UA an expanded mandate, including responsibility for the activities currently led by the University Chancellors Council (UCC) and a stronger role in lifting governance capability across the sector.
That broader role comes as universities face heightened expectations from government and the public around governance, accountability and performance.
Universities Australia Chair Professor Carolyn Evans said the reform marked an important new chapter for the sector.
“Bringing Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors together gives us a stronger platform for collaboration and a more unified national voice,” Professor Evans said.
“As publicly funded institutions, universities have a responsibility to maintain high standards, and this change reflects our shared commitment to ensuring they are well governed, well represented and well placed to meet the expectations of the communities we serve.”
Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said the new arrangements would strengthen UA’s ability to support universities.
“UA’s job is to help universities deliver for Australia,” Mr Sheehy said.
“This change broadens the expertise and capability we can bring to that task, while keeping our focus where it belongs – on students, research and the contribution universities make to the nation.”
University Chancellors Council Convenor Professor John Pollaers OAM said UCC and UA had worked closely together to shape the new arrangements.
“Bringing Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors together strengthens our collective leadership of the sector. It carries forward the work of the UCC while building our capacity to strengthen governance, anticipate emerging issues and maintain public confidence in Australian universities,” Professor Pollaers said.
As part of the transition, chancellors Mr John Hood FAICD (Flinders University), Dr Diane Smith-Gander AO (University of Western Australia) and Ms Sandra McPhee AM (Southern Cross University) will join the current UA Board as interim Chancellor Directors.
The UCC will cease operating on 31 October 2026, with its activities transitioning to UA. The results of the first full Board election under the new arrangements will be ratified at UA’s Annual General Meeting in March 2027.
Background
- Universities Australia (UA) was established in 2007 as the successor to the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, founded in 1920. UA is the national peak body for Australia’s universities, representing the sector and leading advocacy and engagement on higher education, research and related policy.
- The University Chancellors Council (UCC) was established in 2004 as the University Chancellors Conference and renamed in 2007. It brings together Australian university Chancellors and has focused on strengthening governance practice and capability across the sector.
- Under the new arrangements, these complementary roles come together within Universities Australia – combining UA’s national advocacy and representation with an expanded role in sector governance and governance capability.
- Under the new Constitution, the UA Board will be chaired by a Vice-Chancellor and comprise the CEO, seven Vice-Chancellor Directors and three Chancellor Directors.
- UA will also establish a University Governance Committee of the Board which will be Chaired by a Chancellor Director.
