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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 10 Hansard (23 September) . . Page.. 3094 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

Mr Speaker, as a higher education institution accountable to the Commonwealth, the university is different from other Territory authorities. The university will therefore not be required to provide monthly and quarterly interim financial reports. However, the Bill allows the responsible Minister to give a written direction to the university council requiring it to provide the responsible Minister with particular financial statements. The direction will be presented to the Assembly within five sitting days after it is given to the university.

The university has taken this opportunity to change aspects of its operations. The office of deputy chancellor has been created, with a seat on the council. This will minimise delays when the chancellor is unavailable. The title of vice-chancellor will be expanded to include that of president. The vice-chancellor will use the title of president when overseas at international forums. University council members are not currently indemnified from suit, contrary to the situation existing in other university councils. To rectify this, the 1997 Bill indemnifies council members for actions taken in good faith in the performance of their duties. I must emphasise to the Assembly that academic and general staff will continue under the current industrial awards. Long service and maternity leave are also provided for under industrial awards. All employee liabilities will continue to be fully funded by the university. The Territory will incur no liability for superannuation costs or long service leave liabilities.

Mr Speaker, the transfer of the University of Canberra is an important milestone in Territory history. The ACT will now have its own university like other States. The transfer is testimony to our growth as a regional centre of excellence in education. It is with great pleasure that I commend the Bill to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Ms McRae) adjourned.

MR STEFANIAK (Minister for Education and Training) (11.14): Mr Speaker, in accordance with standing order 152, I move:

That order of the day No. 1, Executive business, relating to the University of Canberra (Transfer) Bill 1995, be discharged from the notice paper.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

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