University councils need 50% elected staff and students, NSW inquiry says
A NSW inquiry recommends university councils be at least 50% elected staff and students to restore the public mission.
Universities have moved too far toward corporate management, away from education, research and community service. A NSW parliament inquiry found this.
The Social Affairs Committee is led by Labor member Sarah Kaine. The committee concluded this shift has harmed both staff and students.
The inquiry made a main recommendation. University councils should be at least 50% elected staff and students.
The inquiry also called for stronger transparency rules around executive appointments. The inquiry called for a dedicated body to protect whistleblowers.
University of Wollongong staff union backed the findings. UOW's governance response so far does not go far enough.
- 50 percent elected staff and students
- Recommended council composition
- Dr Sarah Kaine, Labor MLC
- Committee chair
- University of Wollongong
- Institution cited
Why it mattersHow university councils are run affects what students learn. It affects how much academics earn. It affects whether institutions serve their region or just chase corporate profits.
AustraliaNSW university staff and students now have a parliamentary roadmap to push for real power in their institutions, with the government able to change the laws that govern university governance.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 23 h ago
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