University Governance and the ANU
ACT Labor Conference congratulates the Albanese Labor Government on achievements as part of the Universities Accord process to date.
In particular, Conference would like to commend the establishment of the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee's inquiry into 'Quality of governance at Australian higher education providers' and express gratitude to Senator Tony Sheldon for his role in its establishment.
ACT Labor Conference encourages the Albanese Labor Government to continue to pursue governance reform in our universities.
Unfortunately, the Australian National University has been an example of some of the worst management and governance failures in the higher education sector.
In recent times, the ANU has experienced mass job cuts, wage theft, financial mismanagement, serious conflicts of interest, potential contempt of the Senate, and serious revelations of widespread cultural problems.
Noting that the ANU is the only university established by Commonwealth legislation, we encourage the Albanese Labor Government to ensure that the ANU becomes a model of exemplary governance in the sector.