Labor MP Sarah Kaine, who leads the inquiry into university governance, has committed to urging the Minns government to implement reforms in this area. Her commitment was made during a forum in Wollongong where participants identified the University of Wollongong (UOW) as a key example of governance issues affecting the higher education sector.
Representatives from unions, students, and the community gathered at the public event on Monday night to advocate for action based on the conclusions of a recent NSW parliamentary inquiry concerning the state’s ten public universities. The inquiry criticized the current governance frameworks as “not fit for purpose,” arguing that universities have become excessively corporatized at the cost of their educational, research, and public service missions.
Vince Caughley, the NSW secretary of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), delivered a harsh critique of UOW, stating that there is an unhealthy concentration of power within councils and senior management, with insufficient input from staff and students. He highlighted issues of poor transparency, overdependence on consultants, and a lack of accountability regarding significant commercial decisions. “The University of Wollongong serves as a prime example of the worst manifestations of these problems,” he declared.
The concerns raised at the forum echoed the findings of the parliamentary inquiry. In her introduction to the report released last week, inquiry chair Sarah Kaine emphasized that universities are public entities, created by Parliament and supported by taxpayer resources, with a duty to promote education, research, and the public welfare.
At the gathering, Dr. Kaine expressed the urgency for reform, stating, “As we approach a state election, we have a unique opportunity to highlight issues that resonate with the public.” She insisted that the narrative should not be reduced to complaints from academics. “We must advocate that universities exist to serve the public interest, and this needs to be articulated politically,” she added.
While Australian universities receive significant federal funding, they operate under state legislation, which gives the NSW Parliament a direct role in their governance. However, Richard Denniss, chief executive of the Australia Institute, pointed out that this division of responsibilities could lead to complications, suggesting that states might disregard potential mismanagement of federal funds by universities.
Dr. Denniss also challenged the notion of a financial crisis being used as justification for restructuring and job cuts, especially when vice-chancellors and executives continue to earn substantial salaries. “Universities are established through legislation and funded by the public to educate students, not to enrich management,” he asserted.
UOW student Caitlin Veigel, who provided testimony during the inquiry, described the campus situation as a “disaster,” noting that reductions in staff and courses have hindered some students’ ability to complete their degrees. She raised concerns about the university’s diminishing public reputation, questioning why prospective students would choose an institution perceived as neglecting its staff and student body.
Former interim vice-chancellor John Dewar has also come under scrutiny in the inquiry’s report after his testimony to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) regarding his connections to the consulting firm KordaMentha. The report indicated that the committee believes Mr. Dewar misled them about the nature of his relationship with KordaMentha and the potential conflicts of interest stemming from his appointment, describing such actions as serious and potentially contemptuous.
UOW’s provost, Ana Deletic, stated that the university would take the inquiry’s recommendations into account while awaiting the NSW government’s response and will proceed with a governance review that has already updated its conflict-of-interest policies. Meanwhile, NSW Minister for Tertiary Education Steve Whan confirmed that the government would review the findings and recommendations and respond accordingly. The ICAC’s findings are still pending release.
