University of Wollongong called an example of university governance problems — ABC News Australia
In Australia, the University of Wollongong has been called a telling example of problems in the governance of higher education institutions in New South Wales. Union representatives, students and community members at a forum in Wollongong called on the authorities to implement the recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry into the state’s ten public universities, ABC News Australia reports.
The parliamentary inquiry concluded that the current university governance model is not fit for purpose. The report stated that institutions have shifted excessively toward corporate governance at the expense of education, research and public service.
Criticism of the governance model
Vince Cogli, secretary of the New South Wales branch of the higher education workers’ union, said too much power is concentrated in university councils and senior management, while staff and students have too little say. He also pointed to insufficient transparency, reliance on consultants and weak accountability in major commercial decisions.
The chair of the parliamentary inquiry, Labor MP Sarah Kaine, stressed that universities are public institutions created by parliament and supported by public resources. She said she intended to pressure the state government to respond to the report’s recommendations ahead of the state election.
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Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss questioned universities’ references to a financial crisis as grounds for restructuring and job cuts while institution leaders continue to receive high salaries.
Student complaints and committee observations
Student Caitlin Weigel, who gave evidence during the inquiry, described the situation on campus as catastrophic. According to her, staff and course cuts left some students unable to complete their studies and damaged the university’s reputation.
The committee’s report also examined the testimony of former acting University of Wollongong vice-chancellor John Dewar concerning his links to consulting firm KordaMentha. The committee said that in part of his testimony, Dewar misled the inquiry about the nature of these links and the extent of conflicts of interest associated with his appointment. The Independent Commission Against Corruption has not yet released its findings.
University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ana Deletic said the institution would consider the parliamentary inquiry’s recommendations, monitor the government’s response and continue its own governance review, under which it has already updated its conflict-of-interest procedure. State Higher Education Minister Steve Whan said the government would consider the report’s findings and recommendations and respond later.
