Pro-Chancellorship Statute 2014

Overview

The Australian National University Pro-Chancellorship Statute 2014 was introduced to provide a structured framework for the role of the Pro-Chancellor within the Australian National University (ANU), as outlined under the Australian National University Act 1991, section 50. This legislative instrument aims to clarify and formalise the tenure, resignation procedures, and specific presiding duties associated with the office of the Pro-Chancellor. The statute was developed to ensure that the governance and administrative functions of the Pro-Chancellor are clearly defined, thereby enhancing the overall governance structure of ANU. The Statute was considered and approved by the Council of the University at its meeting on 5 December 2014, reflecting a collaborative governance approach within the institution.

Scope and Application

The Australian National University Pro-Chancellorship Statute 2014, made under the Australian National University Act 1991, specifies provisions for the office of the Pro-Chancellor, including the tenure of office, the method of resignation, and certain presiding duties. The Act applies to the Pro-Chancellor of the Australian National University, a federal statutory corporation established under the Australian National University Act 1991. The Statute provides a clear framework for the operation and conduct of the Pro-Chancellor, ensuring a structured approach to their role within the university’s governance. The statute was considered and approved by the Council of the University at its meeting on 5 December 2014, and the Corporate Governance and Risk Office endorsed the document on 8 December 2014. The scope of the Act is confined to the governance of the Australian National University, and it does not extend to other entities or jurisdictions. The Act itself does not incorporate any documents by reference and does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds. However, the Australian National University Act 1991 may provide for subordinate instruments that could further define or extend the application of the Pro-Chancellorship Statute.

Key Provisions

The Australian National University Pro-Chancellorship Statute 2014 (Statute) lays out the rules and requirements for the office of Pro-Chancellor at the Australian National University. Section 1 of the Statute (Section 1(1)) specifies that the tenure of the Pro-Chancellor shall be for a term of five years, which can be renewed for a further term if the Council of the University agrees. Section 2 (Section 2(1)) mandates that the Pro-Chancellor must be a person of high standing and must resign from the office if they are no longer able to discharge their duties effectively. Section 3 (Section 3(1)) outlines the presiding duties of the Pro-Chancellor, which include chairing meetings of the Council and Convocation and performing any other duties as may be determined by the Council. The Statute imposes certain obligations on the Pro-Chancellor, primarily to uphold the dignity and standing of the office and to perform their duties diligently. Under Section 4 (Section 4(1)), the Pro-Chancellor is expected to act in accordance with the Statute and any other applicable laws and regulations of the University. Additionally, Section 5 (Section 5(1)) requires the Pro-Chancellor to attend meetings of the Council and Convocation and to perform their presiding duties as specified. The Statute also places an obligation on the Council to ensure that the Pro-Chancellor is fulfilling their duties effectively, with Section 6 (Section 6(1)) allowing the Council to remove the Pro-Chancellor from office if they are unable to perform their duties. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Statute may result in certain consequences. While the Statute does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties, breach of the Statute could lead to disciplinary action under the Australian National University Act 1991 (Cth) or other applicable laws. The maximum penalties for such breaches would depend on the nature of the breach and the applicable laws. However, it is clear that the Statute aims to ensure that the office of Pro-Chancellor is held in high regard and that the Pro-Chancellor carries out their duties with the utmost integrity and diligence.