NSW inquiry urges universities to disclose vice-chancellor salaries and boost council transparency
A New South Wales parliamentary inquiry has recommended that universities make vice-chancellor remuneration public and increase elected representation on governing councils.
A parliamentary inquiry into university governance in New South Wales concluded that the sector has drifted toward corporatisation, sacrificing education and community service. It highlighted widespread job cuts, course restructures and heavy reliance on external consultants, with power held by a limited number of senior managers and council members. The final report, containing 23 recommendations, urges universities to publish the full remuneration packages of vice-chancellors, including bonuses and non-salary benefits, and to make council meeting minutes publicly available.
It also proposes that elected academic staff, professional staff and students occupy at least 50 % of council seats, and that an independent secretariat and whistle-blower mechanism be established. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has already announced transparency measures, and the inquiry chair, Sarah Kaine, warned that inaction could erode public trust in the state’s higher-education system.
Why it matters
Transparent university governance and pay practices affect public confidence and the wellbeing of staff and students.
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