Council Meeting 18 March 2026

Historic university building

A meeting of the University of Melbourne Council was held at 8.30am on Wednesday 18 March 2026 at the University’s Parkville Campus, and via videoconference (Zoom).

The Chancellor delivered a formal minute of appreciation for Professor Emma Johnston AO, 21st Vice-Chancellor of the University, who passed away on 26 December 2025. The Chancellor noted Professor Johnston’s enduring connection with the University, her research impact, and her service to higher education.

STRATEGIC FOCUS
Council’s Strategy Session on 17 March was focused on discussing the program of work to implement the University’s refreshed Strategy 2030; and the social licence responsibilities of the University.

KEY MATTERS (ECUG Principle 4)
This section describes governance and performance matters related to the University’s purpose and objectives that were considered by Council.

Educational standards (ECUG Principle 3)

Council noted progress on recommendations from the Admissions Taskforce and the review of international student enrolments.

The report given by the President of the Academic Board included progress on the further introduction of Melbourne Online programs. All programs are subject to the University’s quality assurance processes, including regular review by the Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance Committee, under the direction of the Academic Board.

Research standards (ECUG Principle 3)

Council approved the renewed Affiliation Agreement with the Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, supporting ongoing collaboration within a clear governance and accountability framework.

Financial sustainability (ECUG Principle 1.1(a)(iii))

Council approved the 2025 Annual Report and Annual Financial Statements, noting the robust review of earlier drafts undertaken by several Council committees.

Council noted the 2025 Financial Performance Report and the 2026 Indicative Financial Forecast as reviewed by the Finance Committee.

University culture (ECUG Principle 5.2)

Council noted and discussed updates on the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect at Uni Final Report and the University’s ongoing anti‑racism initiatives, including improvements to complaints pathways and faculty‑level resource implementation.

Council discussed the University’s Antisemitism Response Program and noted the whole-of-institution approach through the establishment of a coordinating group to manage engagement with external bodies and inquiries.

Council noted progress under the Diversity & Inclusion Strategy 2030, including risks associated with non‑implementation of key actions and the importance of coordinated delivery across faculties.

Risk Culture (ECUG Principle 7.1(e))

After due consideration, Council approved the University’s Risk Appetite Statement 2026 and took into account the endorsement of both University Executive and the Audit and Risk Committee of Council. The Statement promotes consistent, risk-informed decision-making and supports the development of a positive risk culture.

Council approved the Risk Management Attestation statement included in the Annual Report, embedding risk considerations into strategic and financial decision‑making.

Council approved amendments to the Fraud and Corruption Management Policy as endorsed by the Audit and Risk Committee. The amendments strengthen alignment with ISO 37003 Fraud Control Management Systems and government guidance, and clarify expectations, roles and responsibilities.

Council approved amendments to the Vice‑Chancellor Regulation relating to student general misconduct and immediate orders affecting students, including off‑campus conduct. The changes support compliance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender‑Based Violence and strengthen the University’s capacity to manage serious health and safety risks while maintaining a student‑centred, trauma‑informed approach. Council approved the human rights assessment of the amendments in accordance with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.

Stakeholder expectations and engagement (ECUG Principle 6.1)

Council noted updates on engagement with Ministers, regulators and sector-wide reviews, including the University’s compliance attestation with TEQSA’s Statement of Regulatory Expectations: Compliance with Workplace Obligations and preparations for the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

The 2025 Annual Report supports clear communication with stakeholders including government, donors, partners and the community.

Workforce strategy (ECUG Principle 8)

Council noted the People Strategy Report and the realignment of priorities for 2026 to support Strategy 2030: Resilience, following endorsement by University Executive.

Council noted compliance with TEQSA’s Statement of Regulatory Expectations: Compliance with workplace obligations, endorsed by the Human Resources, Remuneration and Employment Compliance Committee.

GOVERNING BODY MATTERS AND PERFORMANCE
This section highlights significant matters relating to Council’s own governance, performance and accountability, as well as Council’s oversight of mechanisms for staff and student input and engagement.

Council noted the Action Sheet and the Action Plan arising from the 2024 External Review of Council, supporting ongoing governance uplift and continuous improvement.

Council noted the updated 2026 Council Workplan, which lists standing and significant annual items of Council business, cross-referenced to the relevant HESF provisions. This includes twice-yearly updates on Gender-based Violence Code compliance and consolidated controlled entity reporting. Council also received an updated list of key resources to support effective Council and Council Committee operations.

Council approved amendments to the Standing Resolutions of Council, now renamed the Council Charter, to ensure alignment with the Expert Council on University Governance’s Principles. These amendments were endorsed by the Governance and Nominations Committee of Council under its Terms of Reference.

Council approved the 2026 Council Committee Terms of Reference and membership, including staff and student appointments across committees (Gift Committee; Governance and Nominations Committee; and Human Resources, Remuneration and Employment Compliance Committee).

Council noted the Higher Education Sector Governance Update discussed at the Governance and Nominations Committee, noting emerging governance obligations and University compliance.

Council received an update on the forthcoming election to appoint a second student elected Council member, supporting student voice at the governing body level.

The University Secretary is liaising with Student Association Presidents to secure a date for office bearers to attend and present to Council.

Council received an update from the Chancellor on the progress of the Vice-Chancellor Selection Process.

OTHER MATTERS

Council approved constitutional amendments for Orygen Ltd and Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics Ltd to ensure alignment with regulatory and charitable requirements.

Council approved the 2026 appointments to Trust Committees in alignment with University trust records which provide that Council approves the membership of the trust committee administering the trust.

Council received the following for information:

  • Updated information on controlled entity governance and the list of directors and body corporate representatives of University subsidiary companies.
  • The Melbourne Theatre Company Board Report for the meeting held on 20 February (1/2026).
  • The Alumni Council Annual Report for 2025.
  • The Grattan Institute Annual Financial Report for 2024-2025.
  • The appointment of Katerina Kapobassis, Vice-President (Administration & Finance) and Chief Operating Officer, as a University Employer Representative on the UniSuper Consultative Committee.

The next Council meeting will be held on 24 June 2026.

Jane Hansen AO
Chancellor