Australian National University (Governance) Statute 2024

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EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Australian national university (GOVERNANCE) statute 2024

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1. Making of this instrument

1.1          This instrument was made by the Council of The Australian National University (the rule-maker).

2.       Legal authority for this instrument

2.1          This instrument was made by the rule-maker under the Australian National University Act 1991(the ANU Act), section 50 (Statutes).
 

2.2          This instrument may rely on subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. Under subsection 33(3), where an Act confers a power to make, grant or issue any instrument of a legislative or administrative character (including rules, regulations and by-laws), the power shall be construed as including a power exercisable in the like manner and subject to the like conditions (if any) to repeal, rescind, revoke, amend, or vary any such instrument.

3.       Commencement

3.1          This instrument commences on the day after it was registered.

4.       Compliance cost assessment

4.1          The cost of achieving/maintaining compliance with the instrument will be minor. There will be minimum impact for both implementation and ongoing compliance costs due to the minor or technical nature of the changes made in this instrument and to a robust support framework in place, which includes policies and procedures.

5.       About this instrument

7.       About The Australian National University

7.1          The Australian National University is continued in existence by the ANU Act (see section 4(1)).

7.2          Under the ANU Act, the University is, and has the functions of, an independent, self-governing institution of higher learning that conducts research and teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels (see especially section 5(1)).

7.3          The Act gives the University responsibilities as Australia’s national university (see section 5(1)(b) and (2)).

7.4          The Council of the University is the governing authority of the University (see section 8) and functions independently of the Commonwealth executive.

7.5          Subject to the ANU Act and statutes made by the Council under the Act, the Council has the entire control and management of the University (see section 9(1)). Subject to the Act, the Council decides how the University is organised (see section 7).

7.6          The Act does not contemplate that the Commonwealth executive may direct the University, the Council or Council members in relation to the exercise of functions or powers under the Act but requires the Council to act in all matters concerning the University in the way it thinks will best promote the interests of the University (see section 9(2)).

7.7          The ANU Act gives the Council power to make statutes and, by statute, to authorise the making of rules or orders (see sections 50 and 51).The Council is only permitted to authorise the making of rules and orders by authorities and officers of the University (see section 50(3)).

7.8          University statutes, rules and orders are legislative instruments and must be tabled in both Houses of the Parliament.

7.9          University statutes, rules and orders do not have general application, but focus on matters of particular concern to the University. These include its management, organisation and good governance, its staff and students, its degrees and other awards, and most importantly its values (especially academic freedom and integrity).

7.10      Under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, the Parliament has recognised ‘that universities are established under laws of the Commonwealth, the States and the Territories that empower them to achieve their objectives as autonomous institutions through governing bodies that are responsible for both the university’s overall performance and its ongoing independence’ (see section 2-1(b)).

8.       Exemption from sunsetting

8.1          This instrument is exempt from sunsetting under the Legislation (Exemptions and Other Matters) Regulation 2015, section 12, table, item 9.

8.2          However, this instrument includes an expiry provision (see section 78) that provides for its expiry 10 years after the day it commences. This provision achieves the same effect as sunsetting under the Legislation Act 2003.

9.       Exemption from disallowance

9.1          This instrument is exempt from disallowance under the Legislation (Exemptions and Other Matters) Regulation 2015, section 10, table, item 6, in consequence of the University being an independent, self-governing institution of higher learning.

9.2          The University’s Council is responsible for both the University’s overall performance and its ongoing independence.

9.3          The University, its Council and the members of its Council are not subject to direction by the Commonwealth executive in relation to the exercise of the University’s power to make statutes, rules, and orders under the ANU Act.

9.4          The foundational values of academic freedom and integrity would be put at risk if the University’s statutes, rules, and orders were not exempt from disallowance. The independence of the University would be unduly affected if its legislation, and indeed separate provisions of its legislation, were open to disallowance by either House of the Parliament.

9.5          The University recognises the important role of the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation and strives to ensure that the Committee’s requirements in relation to the technical scrutiny of delegated legislation are met for University statutes, rules, and orders.

10.   Further details of this instrument

10.1                     Further details of this instrument are set out in Attachment A.

10.2                     The University follows the practice of remaking its legislation with changes rather than  making amendments. Significant changes made in this instrument are mentioned in               Attachment A. This practice assists in ensuring that the provisions of University               statutes, rules and orders are reviewed on a regular basis and kept up to date.

11.   Statement of Compatibility

11.1                     A Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights is set out in Attachment B.

Corporate Governance and Risk Office

The Australian National University

Attachment A

PROVISION-By ProvISION EXPLANATION

Australian national University (GOVERNANCE) Statute 2024

Part 1 – Preliminary

1. Section 1 – Name
   1.         This section provides that the name of the instrument is the Australian National University (Governance) Statute 2024.

2.       Section 2 – Commencement

2.1.        This section provides for the instrument to commence on the day after it is registered.

3.       Section 3 – Authority

3.1.        This section provides that the instrument is made under the Australian National University Act 1991 (the ANU Act), section 50 (Statutes).

4.       Section 4 – Object

4.1.        This section sets out the object of the instrument. The object is unchanged in this instrument.

4.2.        The object of the instrument is to provide governance arrangements for the University that are of the highest standard and appropriate for its role as Australia’s national university and its status as one of the world’s great universities.

4.3.        The section includes a note that provides that the ANU Act and this instrument give effect to the Voluntary Code of Best Practice for the Governance of Australian Public Universities.

5.       Section 5 – Definitions

5.1.        This section provides definitions for the following terms used in the instrument: academic staff (Faculties) member (see section 11(1)), academic staff (Institute) member (see section 10(1)), ANUSA, appointed member, close of nominations, dean (see ANU Act, section 3), deans and research school heads member (see section 9(1)), executive office (see ANU Act, section 3), Institute (see ANU Act, section 3), member of the Council, postgraduate student member (see section 13(1)), professional staff, professional staff member (see section 12(1)), returning officer, staff or student member, student member, The Faculties (see ANU Act, section 3), and undergraduate student member (see section 14(1)).

5.2.        To assist the reader the section includes signpost definitions for definitions in the ANU Act that apply to this instrument (see e.g. dean) and definitions of general application elsewhere in the instrument (see e.g. academic staff (Faculties) member).

5.3.        The definitions are unchanged in this instrument.

Part 2 – The University

 This Part includes a section about the organisation of the University. The provisions of the section are unchanged in this instrument.

The Part also includes a general note drawing the reader’s attention to general provisions of the ANU Act about the University and its organisation. Similar general notes are included in relation to other provisions of the instrument (e.g. see the general note for Division 3.1).

From a legal point of view, the general notes do not form part of the instrument (see Legislation Statute, section 12 (Notes in or to University legislation)). The notes have been included for informational purposes only to assist the reader, particularly by increasing awareness of relevant related provisions of the ANU Act and of the relationship between the provisions of the ANU Act and this instrument. The notes do not create rights, impose liabilities, affect the meaning of provisions of the ANU Act, or otherwise change the law.

6.       Section 6 – Organisation of the University

6.1.        This section provides for the organisation of the University by the Council in accordance with the ANU Act.

6.2.        The ANU Act makes some provision for how the University is to be organised, including for the constitution of an Institute of Advanced Studies and the group to be known as ‘The Faculties’ (see section 7). Section 6 of this instrument has effect subject to any provision made by the ANU Act about the University’s organisation and, in particular, requires the Council to act in accordance with the ANU Act in establishing bodies within the University and giving them fields of learning and names.

6.3.        The section also establishes the Academic Board of the University.
 

Part 3 – The Council

Division 3.1 – Council functions and powers

 This Division includes provisions about the specific powers of the Council in relation to the conferral of degrees and awards (including honorary degrees) by the University.

The Division also includes a general note about general and specific powers of the Council under the ANU Act.

This instrument does not make any changes to the provisions of this Division.

7.       Section 7 – Degrees and awards

7.1.        This section authorises the Council to decide the degrees and other awards that the University may confer.

8.       Section 8 – Honorary degrees

8.1.        This section authorises the Council to approve the award of honorary degrees, and to revoke an approval that it has given.

8.2.        The section also authorises the Council to determine a range of matters in relation to honorary degrees, including, for example, conditions of eligibility for the award of honorary degrees, and procedures for the making, and consideration, of nominations for the award of honorary degrees.

Division 3.2 – Council composition

 This Division includes a general note about the composition of the Council under the ANU Act.

Under the ANU Act (see section 10), the Council consists of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, 6 elected staff and student members, and 7 members appointed by the Minister on the recommendation of the Nominations Committee established under the ANU Act. The staff and student members consist of the following:

• the academic staff (Faculties) member;
• the academic staff (Institute) member;
• the deans and research school heads member;
• the postgraduate student member;
• the professional staff member;
• the undergraduate student member.

Each of the staff and student members is elected by the members of a staff or student body of the University.

This Division contains specific provisions about the staff and student members of Council. The instrument does not make any changes to the provisions of this Division.

9.       Section 9 – Deans and research school heads member

9.1.        Under the ANU Act (see section 10(1)(k)), the deans and research school heads member must be either a dean or the head of a research school and must be elected, in either case, by the deans and the heads of the research schools voting together.

9.2.        This section contains provisions about the election (including eligibility to vote and be elected), and the term of office, of the deans and research school heads member. The provisions of this section complement the provisions of the ANU Act and are complemented by provisions of the Governance Rule and the Governance Order.

10.   Section 10 – Academic staff (Institute) member

10.1.          Under the ANU Act (see section 10(1)(l)), academic staff (Institute) member must be a member of the academic staff of the Institute elected by members of that staff.

10.2.         This section contains provisions about the election (including eligibility to vote and be elected), and the term of office, of the academic staff (Institute) member. The provisions of this section complement the provisions of the ANU Act and are complemented by provisions of the Governance Rule.

11.   Section 11 – Academic staff (Faculties) member

11.1.          Under the ANU Act (see section 10(1)(m)), the academic staff (Faculties) member must be a member of the academic staff of The Faculties elected by members of that staff.

11.2.          This section contains provisions about the election (including eligibility to vote and be elected), and the term of office, of the academic staff (Faculties) member. The provisions of this section complement the provisions of the ANU Act and are complemented by provisions of the Governance Rule.

12.   Section 12 – Professional staff member

12.1.          Under the ANU Act (see section 10(1)(n)), the professional staff member must be a member of the professional staff of the University elected by members of that staff. The professional staff are referred to as the ‘general staff’ in the ANU Act.

12.2.          This section contains provisions about the election (including eligibility to vote and be elected), and the term of office, of the professional staff member. The provisions of this section complement the provisions of the ANU Act and are complemented by provisions of the Governance Rule.

13.   Section 13 – Postgraduate student member

13.1.         Under the ANU Act (see section 10(1)(o)), the postgraduate student member must be a postgraduate student of the University elected by the postgraduate students of the University.

13.2.         This section contains provisions about the election (including eligibility to vote and be elected), and the term of office, of the postgraduate student member. The provisions of this section complement the provisions of the ANU Act and are complemented by provisions of the Governance Rule.

14.   Section 14 – Undergraduate student member

14.1.         Under the ANU Act (see section 10(1)(p)), the undergraduate student member must be an undergraduate student of the University elected by the undergraduate students of the University.

14.2.         This section contains provisions about the election (including eligibility to vote and be elected), and the term of office, of the undergraduate student member. The provisions of the section complement the provisions of the ANU Act and are complemented by provisions of the Governance Rule.

15.   Section 15 – Limitation on election or re-election of staff and student members

15.1.    This section provides that a staff or student member of Council may not be elected or re-elected as a staff or student member for a total of 8 or more consecutive years unless the Council decides, in accordance with the section, that the person is eligible to be elected.
 

Division 3.3 – Council members

This Division includes provisions applying to Council members.

The Division also includes a general note drawing the reader’s attention to the provisions of the ANU Act about qualifications for Council membership and vacation of office (see sections 11 and 15). The general note also reminds the reader that the provisions of the Division do not apply to the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor. The ANU Act has separate provisions for the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor (see sections 32 and 34) and additional provisions for the Pro-Chancellor (see section 33).

This instrument does not make any changes to the provisions of the Division.

16.   Section 16 – Remuneration and allowances for staff and student members

16.1.    This section provides that a staff or student member of Council is not entitled to be paid remuneration or allowances as a Council member.

16.2.    However, the section makes it clear that the section does not prevent reimbursement of expenses reasonably incurred as a member and does not apply to certain specified kinds of allowances, payments, or reimbursements.

17.   Section 17 – Staff or student member ceasing to be qualified to be elected

17.1.    This section provides that, under the ANU Act (see section15(1)(g)), a staff or student member’s position on Council becomes vacant if the member ceases to be qualified to be elected to that position. The section draws attention to the operation of the ANU Act provision for informational purposes.

18.   Section 18 – Resignation of Council members

18.1.    This section provides for the resignation of Council members (other than the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor).

Division 3.4 – Council procedures

 This Division contains provisions about the procedures (including meetings) of Council.

This instrument does not make any changes to the provisions of this Division.

19.   Section 19 – Holding Council meetings

19.1.    This section makes provision for the holding of Council meetings, including the calling and giving notice of meetings.

20.   Section 20 – Presiding at Council meetings

20.1.    This section relates to presiding at Council meetings. The section draws attention to the relevant provisions of the ANU Act (see section 12(1), (2) and (3)) for informational purposes.

21.   Section 21 – Quorum at Council meetings

21.1.   This section relates to the quorum at Council meetings. The section draws attention to the relevant provision of the ANU Act (see section 12(4)) for informational purposes.

22.   Section 22 – Voting at Council meetings

22.1.    This section provides for voting at Council meetings.

23.   Section 23 – Council decisions without meetings

23.1.   This section provides that, under the ANU Act (see section 13), the Council may pass certain resolutions without a meeting. The section draws attention to the relevant ANU Act provision for informational purposes.

24.   Section 24 – Council proceedings generally

24.1.    This section provides that, subject to the ANU Act and this instrument, the Council may conduct its proceedings (including its meetings) as it otherwise considers appropriate.

24.2.    The section includes a note drawing attention to provisions of other relevant Commonwealth legislation.

Division 3.5 – Council committees

 This Division makes provision for Council committees. This instrument does not make any               changes to the provisions of this Division.

25.   Section 25 – Council committees

25.1.    This section authorises the Council to establish committees of the Council and to make decisions about their functions, membership, operation, and reporting.
 

Part 4 – Elections for staff and student members of Council

Division 4.1 – Staff and student member elections

 This Division contains provisions applying to elections for staff and student members of Council. This instrument does not make any changes to the provisions of this Division (other than section 30).

26.   Section 26 – Application of Division 4.1

26.1. This section provides that the Division applies to all elections for the staff and student members of Council.

27.   Section 27 – Preferential voting and secret ballots for conduct of elections

27.1. This section requires an election for a staff or student member of Council to be conducted by a method of preferential voting and by secret ballot. This requirement is given effect to by the detailed election procedures specified in the Governance Rule.

28.   Section 28 – Appointment of returning officer etc.

28.1. This section authorises, and requires, the appointment of a returning officer to conduct an election for a staff or student member of Council.

28.2. The appointment is made by the Vice-Chancellor if the election is to be conducted by the University or by ANUSA if the election is to be conducted by ANUSA.

28.3. Appointments may be made for a single election or for a number of elections.

28.4. A returning officer may appoint deputies to assist the returning officer.

29.   Section 29 – Conduct of elections by returning officer

29.1. This section expressly requires the returning officer for an election to ensure that the election is conducted fairly.

29.2. The returning officer must, in particular, take reasonable steps to ensure that persons eligible to become candidates and vote in the election:

• are given reasonable opportunity to become candidates and vote; and
• are given reasonable information about how and when they may become candidates and vote; and
• have a reasonable opportunity to become candidates and vote in the election.

30.   Section 30 – Review of decisions of returning officer etc.

30.1. This section provides that a decision of the returning officer for an election about the conduct of the election is not subject to appeal or review in any way during the election process. The section has been included to ensure that decisions made by the returning officer during the election process have an appropriate degree of finality within the University and that election processes and outcomes are not unduly delayed. (It should be noted that student members of the University’s Council are elected (otherwise than to fill a casual vacancy) for a term of 1 year commencing on a fixed date.)

30.2. The section was previously expressed also to apply to decisions of the returning officer about the ‘result of an election’. The section has been revised to provide that it does not prevent or limit any appeal against, or review of, a decision to declare a candidate elected. Thus, the section does not prevent or limit any form of review of such a decision by any external entity, including the Ombudsman and the Federal Court.

30.3. A provision has also been added to the section to make it clear that the section is subject to section 32 (Conduct of student elections by the University). Under section 32, the Vice-Chancellor has certain powers in relation to elections for student members of Council, including power to end an election process in specified circumstances.

Division 4.2 – Elections for student members

 This Division contains provisions applying to elections for student members of Council. This instrument does not make any changes to the provisions of this Division.

31.   Section 31 – Conditions for conduct of student member elections by ANUSA

31.1. This section requires ANUSA to comply with specified conditions in relation to an election conducted by it for a student member of Council. The conditions are specified in subsection (2) and are intended to ensure that the election is conducted fairly and in accordance with the requirements of the ANU Act, this instrument and the Governance Rule.

31.2. The section includes a subsection (subsection (3)) to make it clear that the conditions do not prevent the matters specified in the subsection. For example, the subsection provides that the conditions do not prevent an election from being conducted for ANUSA by an authority of the Commonwealth or a State of Territory (e.g. an electoral commission). 

32.   Section 32 – Conduct of student member elections by University

32.1. This section sets out the circumstances in which the Vice-Chancellor may direct that elections for a student member of Council must be conducted by the University instead of ANUSA. The section also includes provisions about ancillary matters, including the effect of a direction, its period of operation, and notification of the Council and ANUSA.

Part 5 – Nominations Committee

This Part contains provisions and general note about the Nominations Committee.

The ANU Act establishes the Nominations Committee and provides for its composition and functions (see section 10). The Nominations Committee recommends persons for appointment by the Minister as Council members.

This instrument does not make changes to the provisions of this Part.

33.   Section 33 – Terms of appointment of Nominations Committee members

33.1. This section provides for the terms of appointment of members of the Nominations Committee appointed by the Chancellor. The Chancellor is automatically a member of the Nominations Committee.

34.   Section 34 – Remuneration and allowances of certain Nominations Committee members

34.1. This section provides that a member of the Nominations Committee is not entitled to be paid remuneration and allowances as a Nominations Committee member if the member is a member of staff or student of the University.

34.2. However, the section makes it clear that the section does not prevent reimbursement of expenses reasonably incurred as a member and does not apply to certain specified kinds of allowances.

35.   Section 35 – Termination of appointment of Nominations Committee members by Council

35.1. This section sets out when the Council must terminate the appointment of a Nominations Committee member appointed by the Chancellor.

36.   Section 36 – Resignation of Nominations Committee members

36.1. This section provides for the resignation of Nominations Committee members appointed by the Chancellor.

37.   Section 37 – Holding Nominations Committee meetings

37.1. This section makes provision for the holding of Nominations Committee meetings, including the calling and giving notice of meetings.

38.   Section 38 – Presiding at Nominations Committee meetings

38.1. This section makes provision for presiding at Nominations Committee meetings.

39.   Section 39 – Nominations Committee proceedings generally

39.1. This section makes provision for the conduct of the proceedings (including meetings) of the Nominations Committee.

Part 6 – Officers of the University

Division 6.1 – Chancellor

 This Division includes provisions and a general note about the Chancellor.

This instrument does not make changes to the provisions of this Division.

40.   Section 40 – Role of Chancellor

40.1. This section specifies the Chancellor’s primary and specific responsibilities.

41. Section 41 – Appointment of Chancellor

41.1.  This section specifies categories of persons ineligible for appointment as Chancellor.

42. Section 42 – Appointment of Chancellor

42.1. This section provides for the Chancellor’s term of appointment and for the Chancellor’s reappointment.

43. Section 43 – Termination of Chancellor’s appointment

43.1 This section sets out when the Council must terminate the Chancellor’s appointment.

44. Section 44 – Resignation of Chancellor

44.1. This section provides for the resignation of the Chancellor.

45.   Section 45 – Other conditions of Chancellor’s appointment

45.1. This section specifies that, subject to the ANU Act and this instrument, the Chancellor holds office on the conditions determined by Council. These conditions may, but need not, be specified in the Chancellor’s instrument of appointment.

46.   Section 46 – Pro-Chancellor acting as Chancellor

46.1. This section provides for the Pro-Chancellor to automatically act as Chancellor in the circumstances specified in the section.

46.2.  The section includes a note drawing attention to the provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 applying to acting arrangements. 

Division 6.2 – Pro-Chancellor

  This Division includes provisions and a general note about the Pro-Chancellor.

 This instrument does not make changes to the provisions of this Division.

47.   Section 47 – Role of Pro-Chancellor

47.1. This section specifies the Pro-Chancellor’s primary and specific responsibilities.

48.   Section 48 – Term of Pro-Chancellor’s appointment

48.1. This section provides for the Pro-Chancellor’s term of appointment.

48.2. The section includes a note drawing attention to the provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 relating to reappointment.

49.   Section 49 – Termination of Pro-Chancellor’s appointment

49.1. This section sets out when the Council must terminate the Pro-Chancellor’s appointment.

50.   Section 50 – Resignation of Pro-Chancellor

50.1. This section provides for the resignation of the Pro-Chancellor.

51.   Section 51 – Other conditions of Pro-Chancellor’s appointment

51.1. This section specifies that, subject to the ANU Act and this instrument, the Pro-Chancellor holds office on the conditions determined by Council. These conditions may, but need not, be specified in the Pro-Chancellor’s instrument of appointment.

52.   Section 52 – Acting Pro-Chancellor

52.1. This section authorises the Council to appoint an acting Pro-Chancellor.

52.2. The section includes a note drawing attention to the provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 applying to acting arrangements.
 

Division 6.3 – Vice-Chancellor

 This Division includes provisions and a general note about the Vice-Chancellor.

 This instrument does not make substantive changes to the provisions of this Division.

53.   Section 53 – Appointment of Vice-Chancellor

53.1. This section specifies categories of persons ineligible for appointment as Vice-Chancellor.

54.   Section 54 – President of the University

54.1. This section authorises the Vice-Chancellor to use, or be referred to using, the title President of the University, with or without any other title.

55.   Section 55 – General functions etc. of Vice-Chancellor

55.1. This section provides that the Vice-Chancellor is the principal academic officer and chief executive officer of the University, and is responsible for the academic standards, management and administration of the University.

55.2 The section specifies the general functions and powers of the Vice-Chancellor. These include any function or power given to the Vice-Chancellor under the ANU Act or any other Commonwealth law, University legislation or a Council decision.

56.   Section 56 – Exercise of functions etc. by Vice-Chancellor

56.1. This section provides that, in exercising a function, the Vice-Chancellor must act in accordance with:

• the ANU Act or any other Commonwealth law; and
• any other applicable laws; and
• University legislation; and
• Council decisions.

56.2. The section has been revised in this instrument to include a note drawing attention, for informational purposes, to the definition of function in the Legislation Statute and simplify the section consequentially.

57.   Section 57 – Executive appointments

57.1. This section provides that the Council may authorise the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the University, to make appointments to executive positions and to set the conditions of appointments to executive positions.

57.2. The section also allows the Council to designate executive positions as positions to which appointments must be made by the Council on the Vice-Chancellor’s recommendation.

57.3. Under the section the Vice-Chancellor must provide the reports in relation to executive position appointments (including their conditions of appointment) that the Council requires.

58.   Section 58 – Intellectual property powers of Vice-Chancellor

58.1. This section provides powers for the Vice-Chancellor to act for the University in the administration of the University’s intellectual property.

59.   Section 59 – Term of Vice-Chancellor’s appointment

59.1. This section provides for the Vice-Chancellor’s term of appointment.

59.2. The section includes a note drawing attention to the provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 relating to reappointment.

60.   Section 60 – Termination of Vice-Chancellor’s appointment

60.1. This section sets out when the Council must terminate the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment.

61.   Section 61 – Resignation of Vice-Chancellor

61.1. This section provides for the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor.

62.   Section 62 – Other conditions of Vice-Chancellor’s appointment

62.1. This section specifies that, subject to the ANU Act and this instrument, the Vice-Chancellor holds office on the conditions determined by Council. These conditions may, but need not be, specified in the Vice-Chancellor’s instrument of appointment.

63.   Section 63 – Acting Vice-Chancellor

63.1. This section provides that, under the ANU Act (see section 37), the Council may appoint a person to act as Vice-Chancellor. The section draws attention to the relevant provision of the ANU Act for informational purposes.

64.   Section 64 – Exercise of Vice-Chancellor’s functions by Provost

64.1. This section makes provision for exercise of certain of the Vice-Chancellor’s functions by the Provost.
 

Part 7 – Delegations and subdelegations

 General

 This Part contains provisions about the delegation of functions of the Council, the Vice-Chancellor and certain other University officials. The provisions are intended to remove the need to include separate delegation and subdelegation powers in individual items of University legislation and to allow the application of consistent governance arrangements across the University for delegations and subdelegations.

This Part includes a general note drawing attention to the provisions on the ANU Act (see sections 17 and 18) that give the Council power to delegate certain of its functions and powers under the ANU Act. As mentioned in the note, this Part does not deal with the delegation of these functions and powers, but deals instead with the delegation and subdelegation of the functions and powers of the Council under University legislation and the functions and powers of other University entities.

This instrument does not make any changes to the provisions of this Part.

Background to provisions of Part 7

The University is a large, complex organisation that needs delegated authorities to operate effectively. Part 7 was drafted to meet this need. However, the University is equally concerned to ensure that delegated authorities are exercised properly and support the application of high standards of governance consistently across the University.

It is for this reason that the University has been progressively removing separate delegation and subdelegation powers in individual items of University legislation and moving to reliance on general provisions that can be used in a consistent way across the University.

It is important to recognise that the delegation provisions of Part 7 do not operate in isolation, but instead form part of a comprehensive Delegations Framework for delegating authority within the University.

The Delegations Framework is managed centrally and at a high level within the University. The University’s Council has delegated authority to the Vice-Chancellor to oversee management of the framework and to approve amendments to it from time to time. Proposals for new delegations, and modifications of existing delegations, must be approved by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of the Delegations Administrator.

The Delegations Framework provides important limitations and safeguards for the delegation and subdelegation of functions. The framework is governed by policy and procedure approved by the University’s Council.

The Delegations Framework includes the following features:

• The Delegations Framework covers all delegations of authority within the University and is not limited to, but includes, delegations under Part 7 of functions under University legislation and under decisions of the University’s Council and Vice-Chancellor.
• The Delegations Framework reflects the University’s position-based organisational structure. Given the complexity of the organisation that is the University, it is not possible to effectively manage it otherwise than through the flexible, structured, consistent use of delegations. It is not practicable for the details of these delegations to be set out in University legislation.
• Under the Delegations Framework the University’s delegations are managed in a systematic, transparent way. All delegations are published on an internal University Delegations Website. Delegation assignments are recorded and managed within the University’s HR Management System and recorded against position data.
• Delegations are assigned on a position rather than an individual basis. A staff member appointed to a position is able to exercise the position’s delegations. The delegations may also extend to a person acting in the period for a specified period. The delegations for a position are generally established when a position is created and can be updated if duties change. Banded (Generic) Delegations (e.g. delegations authorising expenditure of funds) are assigned in accordance with the level of responsibility for a position.
• The University follows a merits-based appointments policy. The University would not appoint a person to a position within the University unless it was satisfied that the person had the skills, qualifications and experience required for the position, including the skills, qualifications and experience required to exercise the position’s delegations.
• The Delegations Framework includes important provisions for the responsibilities of delegates, disclosure of interests, regular monitoring, oversight and review of delegations, and training.

65.   Section 65 – Delegation and subdelegation of Council’s functions under statutes etc.

65.1. This section allows the Council to delegate any or all of its functions under University legislation to an eligible entity. Eligible entity is defined in subsection (1) and function is defined in the Legislation Statute (see dictionary in Schedule 1).

65.2. The section also allows the subdelegation of functions and specifies when subdelegation is permissible.

65.3. The section provides that, in exercising functions under a delegation or subdelegation under the section, a delegate or subdelegate must comply with any directions of the Council and, for a subdelegate, the subdelegator.

65.4. The section applies specified provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to subdelegations under the section.

66.   Section 66 – Delegation and subdelegation of Vice-Chancellor’s functions

66.1. This section allows the Vice-Chancellor to delegate any or all of the Vice-Chancellor’s functions under University legislation and Council decisions to an eligible entity. Eligible entity is defined in subsection (1) and function is defined in the Legislation Statute (see dictionary in Schedule 1).

66.2. However, the section does not allow the Vice-Chancellor to delegate a function if University legislation, or a Council decision, requires the Vice-Chancellor to exercise the function personally.

66.3. The section also allows the subdelegation of functions and specifies when subdelegation is permissible.

66.4. The section provides that, in exercising functions under a delegation or subdelegation under the section, a delegate or subdelegate must comply with any directions of the Vice-Chancellor and, for a subdelegate, the subdelegator.

66.5. The section applies specified provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to subdelegations under the section.

67.   Section 67 – Delegation and subdelegation of functions of other University officials

67.1. This section allows a University official to delegate any or all of the official’s functions under University legislation and Council decisions to an eligible entity. University official and eligible entity are defined in subsection (1) and function is defined in the Legislation Statute (see dictionary in Schedule 1).

67.2. However, the section does not allow a University official to delegate a function if University legislation, or a decision of the Council or the Vice-Chancellor, requires the official to exercise the function personally.

67.3. The section also allows the subdelegation of functions and specifies when subdelegation is permissible.

67.4. The section provides that, in exercising functions under a delegation or subdelegation under the section, a delegate or subdelegate must comply with any directions of the Vice-Chancellor and the relevant University official and, for a subdelegate, the subdelegator.

67.5. The section also gives the Vice-Chancellor a wide power to issue directions with respect to the delegation and subdelegation of functions under the section, and requires University officials, delegates and subdelegates to comply with the Vice-Chancellor’s directions.

67.6. The section applies specified provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to subdelegations under the section.

Part 8 – Rules, orders and other legislative instruments

 This Part contains provisions about the making of rules, orders and other legislative instruments.

This instrument makes minor changes to the provisions of this Part to remove provisions that are no longer needed (see sections 68 and 70) and make consequential changes to provision cross-references.

68.   Section 68 – General power to make rules and orders

68.1. This section provides general power for the Council and the Vice-Chancellor to make rules and orders by legislative instrument. The power complements the statute-making power provided to the Council under the ANU Act (see sections 50 and 51). The provisions of the section are intended to remove the need to include separate rule and order-making powers in individual items of University legislation.

68.2. The general power provided by the section to make rules and orders is intended to be as broad as the power provided by the ANU Act to make statutes, with 3 important exceptions. First, the section does not permit the making of rules or orders by the Council or the Vice-Chancellor to which the ANU Act, section 50(5) applies. Section 50(5) relates to the making of rules or orders about traffic, parking, and related matters (see section 51(1)). Second, the Vice-Chancellor is not permitted to make rules or orders under the section prescribing matters about the exercise by the Council of a function or power under the ANU Act that the Council must not delegate. These matters are specified in the ANU Act, sections 17 and 18. Third, the application of the general power may be displaced expressly by, or by a contrary intention in, a statute or, for an order, by a rule.

68.3. The section expressly provides that the general power under the section to make rules and orders is not limited to making rules or orders for the purposes of this instrument, and that rules and orders may be made under the section for other purposes (including, for example, for the purposes of any other statute or for purposes that are not related to a statute).

68.4. The section previously included express additional power for the Council and Vice-Chancellor to make rules about program requirements and the granting of degrees and other awards and for an ‘authority’ (that is, a Deputy Vice-Chancellor or an Associate Dean of an ANU College) specified in the rules to make orders about these matters. This additional power related to University legislation that has been repealed and the power no longer needed. The general rule-making power of the Council and the Vice-Chancellor under the revised section includes, but is not limited to, power to make rules about program requirements and the granting of degrees and other awards.

69.   Section 69 – Specific powers to make rules and orders

69.1. This section specifies some of the particular matters about which rules and orders may make provision under the general rule and order-making power in section 68. The purpose of the section is to ensure that the general power is not displaced by the specific provisions of this instrument that make some provision for the matters.

69.2. The section expressly provides that it is additional to, and does not limit, section 68, another provision of this instrument or any other University legislation.

70.   Section 70 – Tabling of rules, orders etc.

70.1. This section applies to rules, orders and other legislative instruments made under University legislation otherwise than by the Council.

70.2 The section requires the Vice-Chancellor to arrange for copies of the rules, orders, and legislative instruments to be tabled at the first practicable Council meeting.

70.3. The section has been revised in this instrument to omit a reference to orders made under University legislation that are not legislative instruments. All orders made under University legislation are legislative instruments.

70.4. This section previously included a provision that provided that failure to comply with the tabling requirement in the section in relation to an instrument did not affect the validity of the instrument. The provision has been omitted in this instrument.
 

Part 9 – Miscellaneous

 This Part includes provisions about the validity of acts and proceedings, the execution of  contracts, and the University seal.

This instrument omits a previous substantive provision about the validity of certain acts and proceedings (see section 71). No other changes are made to the Part in this instrument.

71.   Section 71 – Validity of certain acts and proceeding

71.1.  This section previously included a provision that provided that contravention of any instrument made under, or provided by, the ANU Act by the Council, the Vice-Chancellor or certain other University bodies and officials did not affect the validity of any act, contract, instrument, or anything else.

71.2 This provision has been removed in this instrument and replaced by a provision drawing the reader’s attention, for informational purposes only, to a provision of the ANU Act (section 39).

72.   Section 72 – Execution of contracts

72.1 This section relates to the execution of contacts on behalf of the University. The section draws attention to the relevant provisions of the ANU Act (see section 38(1) and (2)) for informational purposes.

73.   Section 73 – University seal

73.1. This section makes provision about the custody and use of the University seal.
 

Part 10 – Repeal and transitional provisions

 This Part includes details and transitional provisions that are specific to this instrument e.g.               the repeal provided by section 74.

 This instrument omits transitional provisions included in the repealed statute that are no  longer needed. Any ongoing operation of these provisions is saved by the Legislation Statute,               section 26.

Division 10.1 – Repeal

74.   Section 74 – Repeal of instrument

74.1. This section repeals the Australian National University (Governance) Statute 2023.
 

Division 10.2 – Transitional provisions

75.   Section 75 – Transitional rules

75.1. This section allows for transitional measures to be prescribed by rules made under the Governance Statute, section 68. Under the Governance Statute rules may be made by the Vice-Chancellor as well as the University’s Council.

75.2. The section will, for example, enable the Vice-Chancellor to make urgent transitional rules to deal with any unforeseen transitional issues arising out of the transition from the repealed statute to this instrument. Any rules made by the Vice-Chancellor must be tabled at a Council meeting (see Governance Statute, section 70 (Tabling of rules, orders etc.)).

76.   Section 76 – Application of Legislation Statute, section 26

76.1. This section has been included to apply the Legislation Statute, section 26 to the repeal of the existing statute. Section 26 has provisions saving the effect of action taken under repealed University legislation to which it applies.

76.2. The section also declares the provisions of the Division to be transitional provisions for that section. Section 26 preserves any ongoing operation of transitional provisions on their repeal.

77.   Section 77 – Transitional provisions additional

77.1. This section makes it clear that the transitional provisions of Division 3.2 are additional to other legislation applying to transitional matters.

Division 10.3 – Expiry

78.   Section 78 – Expiry of instrument

78.1. This section is a general expiry provision that provides for the expiry of the instrument after 10 years. The section achieves the same effect as sunsetting.

Attachment B

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011

Australian national university (gOVERNANCE) statute 2024

This instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

The Australian National University is committed to the furtherance of equity and inclusion in all pursuits and, in doing so, is respectful and supportive of all human rights.

Overview of the instrument

The object of this instrument is to provide governance arrangements for the University that are of the highest standard and appropriate for its role as Australia’s national university and its status as one of the world’s great universities.

Human rights implications

The instrument promotes human rights by providing clear, robust and consistent governance arrangements for the University.

Conclusion

This instrument is compatible with human rights because it promotes the protection of human rights by facilitating good University governance.