MEDIA RELEASE
GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS -
SIXTH HIGHER EDUCATION DISCUSSION PAPER RELEASED
13 August, 2002 MIN 147/02
Over the past decade the environment in which universities
operate, and institutions themselves, have changed dramatically.
Universities have succeeded in navigating through a period of
considerable change and uncertainty.
The years ahead present new challenges to the way in which
universities are governed, managed and held publicly accountable.
The latest discussion paper in the series to inform the Review of
Higher Education examines these issues.
Meeting the Challenges: The Governance and Management of
Universities covers some very broad issues about the regulatory
environment in which universities operate and the appropriate scope
of public accountability. It also considers questions about
government ‘red tape’, the effectiveness of university governing
bodies, the efficient and effective use of resources and possible
improvements to workplace practices within universities.
The paper canvasses a range of issues for consideration and
discussion, asking:
- Are governance structures appropriate to meet the changing
nature of university activities in the 21st century?
- How can university managements be encouraged and supported in
their efforts to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of
their institutions?
- Does the data collected by the Commonwealth duplicate in any
way data collected by the States/Territories?
- Is all the information collected essential and does it add to
accountability and quality in the sector?
- What is the best approach for the Commonwealth to support
continuous management improvement within the higher education
sector?
- How can universities and the Commonwealth work together to
foster the achievement of significant workplace reform?
Many of these issues are the preserve of universities themselves
and/or State and Territory governments.
The paper discusses these issues in full acknowledgement of the
respective roles of the Commonwealth, State and Territory
governments and the sector.
The final discussion paper in the series will be issued shortly
and will focus on the interface between higher education and
vocational education and training.
A dedicated Secretariat within my Department has been working on
the Review and a Reference Group has been assisting to guide me
through the issues raised during the consultation process.
The Review will conclude towards the end of the year with a forum
to consider all the issues raised and the subsequent development of
a package of policy measures for consideration by Government.
The paper will be launched electronically at 8am on the following
site: www.dest.gov.au/crossroads
Previous discussion papers can also be accessed on the site.
A summary of the issues raised in Meeting the Challenges: The
Governance and Management of Universities is attached.
Copies of the full report are also available by contacting my
Canberra Office on 02 6277 7460.
For further information:
Dr Nelson’s office: Ross Hampton 0419 484 095
Department of Education, Science and Training Jane Smith 0412 973
411
|
