On 29 January 2025, under Standing Order 25(2)(a)(v), the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee agreed to inquire into governance at Australian higher education providers, specifically:
- The adequacy of the powers available to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency to perform its role in identifying and addressing corporate governance issues at Australian higher education providers, with particular reference to:
a. The composition of providers' governing bodies and the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of their functions and processes, including in relation to expenditure, risk management and conflicts of interest;
b. The standard and accuracy of providers' financial reporting, and the effectiveness of financial safeguards and controls;
c. Providers' compliance with legislative requirements, including compliance with workplace laws and regulations;
d. The impact of providers' employment practices, executive remuneration, and the use of external consultants, on staff, students and the quality of higher education offered; and
e. Any related matters.
The committee will present its report on 4 April 2025.
Submissions are requested by 3 March 2025.