Corporate Governance Review

Over the course of 2023-24, the University of Canberra experienced a significant deterioration in its operating position, with the impact of financial challenges amplified by instability in University leadership. The University of Canberra has not been an outlier in the sector, with the majority of Australian universities in deficit. The higher education sector has experienced declining domestic student demand, a decrease in international student enrolments driven by government initiatives to cap international student numbers and operating expenses increasing at a faster rate than inflation.

In light of this broader environment and the financial and operational challenges facing the University of Canberra, the ACT Government, through the Chief Minister, supported calls for an independent review of the University of Canberra’s governance. It is within this context that the University initiated a review of corporate governance in early 2025.

The University of Canberra Corporate Governance Review was led by Professor Ian Chubb AC, former Chief Scientist and Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University and Sue Chapman former university executive and Deputy Chancellor at the University of Wollongong. These two independent assessors were supported by the Nous Group. The objectives of the review were to:

• Assess the effectiveness of the current governance framework.
• Examine how the University’s governance processes align with the University’s goals.
• Identify areas for improvement and recommend changes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards, particularly Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF) 2021, Domain 6: Governance and accountability
• Enhance transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement
• Position the University to respond well to changing laws, regulations, and standards.

The review included a comprehensive document review, interviews, focus groups and roundtables with internal and external stakeholders and sector benchmarking. Its final report was delivered to the University in April 2025. The report and corresponding University response were approved at the 10 July Council meeting.