[Greens-Media] Greens seek to amend uni reforms in NSW

[Hans VanLeeuwen]

Greens seek to amend uni reforms in NSW
Media release - December 6, 2004

The Carr Government is sacrificing accountability and democracy on university councils as it moves to implement Federal Education Minister Brendan Nelson's new governance protocols, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has warned.
 
Ms Rhiannon will this week move amendments to the Carr Government's complex legislation to implement the National Governance Protocols.
 
"The Greens are concerned that this legislation accelerates the trend towards university councils that are smaller and largely unelected," said Ms Rhiannon.
 
"Our chief concern is the big shift in the composition of governing councils and boards, which are gradually coming to favour 'expertise' and commercial experience over 'representation' and educational experience.
 
"The Greens' amendments are designed to strengthen the involvement of staff, students and graduates, as they have a superior understanding of the purpose and function of universities."
 
The Greens amendments, which would not jeopardise the Federal funding boost associated with this legislation, seek to:
 
Increase representation on governing bodies for non-academic university staff and alumni, and ensure alumni are elected not appointed.
·        Mandate greater community representation and diversity in membership of university governing bodies.
Improve transparency and consultation through amendments to the official guidelines for good governance and the practices of governing bodies. This would include open meetings and publicly available minutes.
Strengthen the legislated "objects and functions of a university" by including a commitment to open debate and serving the public interest.
Widen the charters of governing bodies so that they are explicitly committed to principles such as intellectual freedom and institutional autonomy.
 
Hans van Leeuwen
Media Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon
Tel: (61 2) 9230 3551
Fax: (61 2) 9230 3550
Mob: 0425 310 562
hans.vanleeuwen at parliament.nsw.gov.au