The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has given full support to the new parliament’s move to continue a critical Senate inquiry into university governance.
Late on Thursday afternoon, the upper house confirmed it would continue the government-chaired inquiry, which started before parliament was dissolved for the May federal election.
The NTEU campaigned hard for a federal parliamentary inquiry into university governance after a raft of scandals uncovered shocking mismanagement of public institutions.
NTEU National President Dr Alison Barnes said:
“This inquiry is absolutely essential in getting to the bottom of what is rotting at the core of university governance in Australia.
“Whether it’s shocking conflicts of interest, a wage theft epidemic, or damaging decisions from unaccountable executives who pocket outrageous salaries, there are so many issues this inquiry can help shine a light on.
“The first hearing and round of submissions illustrated a broken system needing urgent repair.
“Now the committee can continue its important work and we’re hopeful that it will lead to meaningful reform recommendations for the government to implement.
“I want to pay tribute to Senator Tony Sheldon, who as the previous chair of the committee established the inquiry.
“Senator Sheldon must be commended for his longstanding devotion to standing up for university staff and exposing university governance problems, and he remains deeply committed to exposing governance failures across the sector.
“The NTEU is looking forward to working with new chair Senator Marielle Smith and all members of the committee so we can find ways to fix the governance crisis.
“This is the path to lasting reform that will ensure staff can deliver the world-class teaching and research our students and community deserve.”
Contact details:
Matt Coughlan 0400 561 480