Council Meeting 3 December 2025
Chancellor’s Report
Council received updates on the ongoing government inquiries and consultations into university governance, including the Final Report and Principles from the Expert Council on University Governance.
Amendments to the Gift Committee Terms of Reference were approved.
Vice-Chancellor’s Report
Council noted the Vice-Chancellor’s Report, which included updates on:
- The new National AI Plan for Australia
- The University’s successful bid for a $28.8M competitive tender from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to lead the development of a new support needs assessment
President of Academic Board’s Report
The President of the Academic Board reported on the most recent meeting of Academic Board and provided an update on activities for 2026.
The President noted the Board’s approval of additional members being:
- Two First Nations members
- Two members of staff identifying as having a disability
Committee Business
Council Committee reports were received from the Finance Committee, Audit and Risk Committee, Human Resources, Remuneration and Employment Compliance Committee, Gift Committee, and the Governance and Nominations Committee.
Strategic Matters
Council approved the refreshed University Strategy 2030.
The 2026 Operating Budget and Capital Investment Plan were approved.
Council endorsed the Whole-of-Organisation Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Plan 2026–2030 in compliance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence, and consequential updates to the University’s Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy effective 1 January 2026.
Council approved amendments to the University’s Risk Management Policy and Risk Management Framework.
Other Business
Council received a presentation from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) on the University’s 2024 Indigenous Outcomes Performance Report and progress against the Indigenous Outcomes Measurement Framework.
Council Membership
Council approved the reappointment of two Council-appointed members and endorsed the reappointment of two Governor in Council appointed members.
Council approved the proposal for a second student-elected member of Council. Council will have one undergraduate and one graduate elected member, with the new undergraduate member to be elected in 2026.
The next Council meeting will be held on 18 March 2026.
Jane Hansen AO
Chancellor