Fees (General) Order 2015

Overview

The Australian National University Fees (General) Order 2015 was enacted to provide a structured approach to the setting and publication of fees at the Australian National University (ANU). This Order was introduced to fill the need for a transparent and consistent framework for fee calculation, as outlined under the Fees Statute 2006, section 4. The Order serves to ensure that the fees charged by ANU are fair and reflect the costs associated with the provision of education and related services. By establishing a clear mechanism for fee determination, the Order aims to uphold the university's commitment to financial accountability and to provide students with necessary information about their educational costs. The Order was issued by the Corporate Governance and Risk Office and is intended to support the overarching policy objectives of ensuring transparency, fairness, and consistency in fee structures within the institution.

Scope and Application

The Australian National University Fees (General) Order 2015 applies to the Australian National University, a Commonwealth institution, and governs the fees that the university can charge for various services and educational programs. The scope of the Order is limited to the fees set by the Australian National University and does not extend to any other institutions, entities, or industries. The Order outlines a framework for calculating fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, administrative services, and other related services. The Order applies nationally as it pertains to a Commonwealth institution, however, it is specific to the operations of the Australian National University and does not have a broader jurisdictional reach beyond this institution. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in the Order, but it does specify certain thresholds and fee structures. The application and implementation of the Order may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, as permitted under the Fees Statute 2006.

Key Provisions

The Australian National University Fees (General) Order 2015 (F2015L02031) lays out specific fees and establishes a framework for calculating fees within the university. Section 2 of the Order defines the fees that are to be charged for various services, including tuition and administrative fees, and specifies the rates at which these fees are to be applied. Section 3 provides the methodology for calculating fees, ensuring that the fee structure remains transparent and consistent. This includes setting out the basis on which fees are to be adjusted in subsequent years, typically in line with the Consumer Price Index or other specified indices. The Order imposes certain obligations on the Australian National University (ANU) and its students. Primarily, ANU is required to adhere to the specified fee structures and calculation methods outlined in the Order (Section 2 and 3). This includes providing clear and timely information to students about the fees they are expected to pay and the basis on which these fees are calculated. Students, in turn, are obliged to pay the fees as determined by the Order and in accordance with the university’s policies. The university must also ensure that the fee information is readily accessible and understandable to all students. Breaches of the provisions in the Order can lead to various consequences. Although specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the Order itself, breaches of fee-related provisions could potentially be dealt with under broader legislative frameworks, such as the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011. Non-compliance might result in administrative penalties, fines, or other civil consequences. In severe cases, breaches could also have implications under criminal law, depending on the nature and extent of the non-compliance. However, the specific penalties for such breaches would be governed by the overarching legislation and not explicitly detailed within the Order.