Council (Elections) Order 2020

Overview

The Australian National University Council (Elections) Order 2020 was enacted to refine the organisational structure within the Australian National University, specifically addressing the identification and designation of colleges and research schools and their respective deans or heads. This legislative instrument was introduced under the authority of section 21 of the Council (Elections) Statute 2016. The primary purpose of this Order is to align with the requirements set out in paragraph 10(1)(k) of the Australian National University Act 1991, ensuring clarity and consistency in the university's internal governance structure. The Order was developed following consultations with relevant university stakeholders, ensuring that the changes to the organisational structure and naming conventions were thoroughly vetted and accepted by those with a vested interest in the university’s governance.

Scope and Application

The Australian National University Council (Elections) Order 2020 applies to the specific context of the Australian National University, governing the electoral processes within the institution as stipulated by the Australian National University Act 1991. This Order specifically identifies and defines the bodies within the university that are to be considered as colleges and research schools, as well as the individuals who are recognised as the deans or heads of these entities. The application of this Order is limited to the internal governance and election procedures of the Australian National University, and does not extend to any other institutions or entities outside of the university. The Order was created under the authority of the Council (Elections) Statute 2016 and was implemented to provide clarity and specificity regarding the electoral framework within the university. The process of developing this Order involved consultation with relevant stakeholders within the university to ensure that the changes to the organisational structure and naming conventions are well-considered and acceptable to those involved.

Key Provisions

The Australian National University Council (Elections) Order 2020 (the Order) primarily focuses on identifying the specific bodies that are considered colleges and research schools within the Australian National University (ANU) and designating the individuals who are to be recognised as the dean or head of these bodies. This is pursuant to paragraph 10(1)(k) of the Australian National University Act 1991. The Order aims to clarify the administrative and structural framework within which the ANU operates, particularly concerning the electoral processes that involve these bodies and individuals (section 2). In terms of the obligations imposed by the Order, it mandates that the specified bodies must adhere to the defined roles as colleges and research schools. Additionally, the individuals identified as deans or heads must fulfill their respective roles within these entities as outlined in the Order. These obligations are designed to ensure clarity and consistency in the administrative structure of ANU, thereby facilitating effective governance and operational efficiency within the university's framework (section 2). The Order does not explicitly outline any offences or penalties for non-compliance with its provisions. However, any failure to adhere to the specified roles and designations as outlined in the Order could potentially lead to governance and operational issues within ANU. Such issues might indirectly result in broader administrative challenges or disputes that could be subject to review and resolution under other applicable laws or university policies. It is important to note that while the Order itself does not prescribe specific penalties, its provisions are integral to maintaining the integrity of the university's electoral and administrative processes (section 3). Given that the Order was developed through consultation with relevant university stakeholders, it reflects a considered approach to organisational changes and naming conventions within ANU. The involvement of the Corporate Governance and Risk Office in the consultation process further underscores the importance of aligning these changes with broader governance and risk management strategies within the university. This collaborative approach ensures that the Order is both practical and effective in addressing the needs of all parties involved in the university's electoral processes (section 4).