Council Meeting 19 March 2025

Chancellor’s Report

Council discussed ongoing government inquiries and consultations into university governance. These include: the Expert Council on University Governance; the Inquiry into the quality of governance at Australian Higher Education providers, and the revised UCC Code of Governance Principles and Practices for Australian Public Universities.

Vice-Chancellor’s Report

Council noted the Vice-Chancellor’s Report, which included updates on:

President of Academic Board’s Report

The President of the Academic Board reported on the December 2024 and February 2025 meetings of Academic Board.

The President reported that consultation had begun on proposed changes to the Academic Board membership model to reduce its size, offer broader representation of all levels of academic staff, and to improve continuity of attendance and decision-making.

Council noted the External Review of Academic Governance Report, delivered in accordance with the TEQSA Act (Cth) 2011 (Standard 6 of the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF)).

Committee Business

Council Committee reports were received from the Audit and Risk Committee, Finance Committee, Gift Committee and Governance and Nominations Committee. The major items of business for approval included:

  • The University of Melbourne 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements
  • 2025 Subsidiary Company Budgets and Business Plans
  • Internal Audit Plan
  • Updated governance and structure arrangements of the University’s faculties and schools

Other Business

Council noted the Alumni Council Annual Report for 2024 and approved the appointment of the Alumni Council President.

Renewed Affiliation Agreements with the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and with the Australian College of Optometry (ACO) were approved in accordance with section 18(1)(a) of the Council Regulation.

The next Council meeting will be held on 7 May 2025.

Jane Hansen AO
Chancellor