Page 557 - Week 02 - Thursday, 19 February 2015
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tranche of reforms through this amendment bill, the University of Canberra can get on with the business of growing and developing through improved clarity of purpose and better governance arrangements.
Madam Speaker, the bill presented today specifically makes provision for expanded functions for the university to include the provision of cultural, sporting, professional, technical and vocational services to the community and participation in public discourse; commercial use or development of property in which the university has an interest; authorising the University of Canberra council to determine remuneration for its members, with a determination by the Remuneration Tribunal setting the minimum threshold for minister-appointed members; clarifying appointment and vacancy arrangements for the council, chancellor and/or deputy chancellor; and authorising the council to delegate its functions to suitably skilled persons approved by the council in writing.
Madam Speaker, the close collaboration and cooperation between my government and the university will be further strengthened through an upcoming agreement of strategic intent which will draw together our shared commitments. This government is committed to helping the University of Canberra thrive over the long term. Whilst the university will always maintain its core role in delivering quality education to UC students, the university will be able to realise its potential to create a positive social influence to better serve the wider Canberra community and to build our city’s reputation as a smart city. This bill will help encourage the university to participate in public discourse to ensure that its ability to create public value is shared more widely and not confined to UC students and alumni.
Amendments to section 6 allow for the University of Canberra to have greater control and flexibility over its commercial functions. In the pursuit of sustainable development, greater flexibility over property will allow the university to exploit its assets and grow its prosperity, flowing through to the delivery of education services and to research. Its ongoing public lecture series, various markets, competitions, involvement with the arts, with music, with social events clearly reach a broader Canberra community. This amendment bill will ensure that the University of Canberra has an even greater opportunity to engage with the community in ways that may sit outside what we currently conceive to be the conventional role for a university.
I made it clear in my statement on government priorities and I reiterate that today: my government colleagues and I will only legislate as a means to an end, to grow the economy, to help people stay healthy and smart, to keep our city livable but, most importantly, Madam Speaker, to spread opportunity. There is a tough economic climate nationally, worsened for Canberrans locally by the rampant cutting of jobs and services by the Abbott Liberal government.
In responding to these challenging economic times, with no friendly federal government to assist, it is up to this place, to this government, to make our own future. This legislation reflects this goal, Madam Speaker, for our university and for our city. We are working with the University of Canberra so that we can all share in the benefits of being home to the best tertiary study and research experiences available in this country. I commend this outstanding bill for the future of this city to the Assembly.
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