[Greens-Media] Greens say that abolishing elected staff and students from university councils is wrong - Pennicuik

[Amanda.Sharp at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Greens say that abolishing elected staff and students from university 
councils is wrong

1 November 2012

Legislation introduced into the Victorian parliament will abolish elected 
staff and student representatives from university councils, denying 
students and staff their voice and reducing the accountability and 
transparency of university boards, according to Greens Education 
spokesperson, Sue Pennicuik MLC.

"The Education Legislation Amendment (Governance) Bill 2012 allows for 
staff and student appointments to be based on the possession of 'relevant 
expertise,' eliminating the crucial role of staff and student 
representatives in advocating for the interests of staff and students," Ms 
Pennicuik said.

"This legislation will silence staff and students and rob university 
councils of their valuable perspectives and commitment to universities as 
public institutions," Ms Pennicuik said.

"The Greens do not support these provisions. It is unnecessary, 
undemocratic and counter- productive," Ms Pennicuik said. "It's been a 
long standing practice to include elected staff and student 
representatives on university and TAFE boards and it has worked well." 

"Higher Education Minister, Peter Hall, has stated that there was 
extensive consultation with tertiary education institutions, yet this 
doesn't seem to be the case," Ms Pennicuik said. "I had heard of a secret 
review and the NTEU reports that there has been no consultation with 
staff, students or unions." 

"University councils must continue to include elected staff and student 
representatives who are involved in university decision making and the 
government should withdraw the legislation," Ms Pennicuik said. "The 
Greens are concerned to see universities becoming increasingly corporate 
and commercial in their focus," Ms Pennicuik said.

For more information:  Sue Pennicuik  0409 055 875 / 9530 8399

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Parliament of Victoria                                                                                                                    . 
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