Research Paper for National Tertiary Education Union: Reforming University Governance

Abstract

This report analyses and compares governance systems across universities in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, focusing on the University of Sydney (USYD) and the University of Melbourne (UniMelb) as representative institutions. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, the study examines foundational legislation, policies, and financial statements to assess governance effectiveness and identify opportunities for reform. Key findings reveal significant gaps in the specificity and implementation of university founding acts, with particular issues surrounding USYD's governance structures and UniMelb’s alignment with contemporary values. Financial analyses highlight opacity in USYD’s financial reporting, particularly in categorisation and clarity of transactions. These deficiencies hinder transparency and the universities’ ability to fulfil their legislated responsibilities as academic institutions. The paper recommends targeted reforms, including modernising legislation, streamlining governance structures, enhancing financial transparency, and aligning university policies with contemporary educational standards. These steps aim to strengthen accountability and ensure that universities meet their obligations as public educational and research institutions.