AHEIA seeks talks before higher ed reforms proceed
The Australian Higher Education Industrial Association has asked Victoria’s minister responsible for universities to consult the sector before acting on recommendations from a state parliamentary inquiry.
In late July, the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee released its report into university governance. It contained 37 findings and 17 recommendations.
AHEIA wants consultation before the government accepts any or all of those recommendations. The group has written to the minister to ask for her approach and timeline.
Executive director Craig Laughton said AHEIA had also offered input if needed. His comments came after Victoria changed both its Premier and Deputy Premier.
Meanwhile, the new Deputy Premier also has ministerial responsibility for overseeing universities. AHEIA said it hoped the new Victorian government would consider its proposal before agreeing to the union’s call for full implementation.
Staff and student seats debated
One key recommendation would increase staff and student representation on university governing bodies. However, AHEIA argues that staff and student representation already exists.
“We have written to the Minister asking for her approach and time-line on this matter and offering input, if necessary,” Laughton said.
AHEIA also pointed to government appointments to university governing bodies. According to Laughton, former Labor premiers Steve Bracks and John Brumby are examples.
The association rejected union claims that universities have operated in secrecy and lacked accountability. It also criticised the National Tertiary Education Union’s demand for more of its members on governing bodies.
AHEIA said the NTEU represents fewer than 10% of higher education employees. The union wants all recommendations adopted.
Laughton argued that staff and students are already well represented. He said the focus should be on the right skills matrix on governing bodies rather than partisan interests.
According to AHEIA, recent National Tertiary Education Union elections conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission left more than 75% of positions open and unfilled nationwide.
AHEIA used that figure to argue against any automatic increase in union involvement on university governing bodies. The association did not say when the minister might respond or when any recommendation could be implemented.
