Please note: we are in the process of moving to a new website. You can find latest details on the project here. 

What is the ANU Governance Project?

Universities are vital to Australia’s future, yet we face a crisis of confidence in higher education governance. At the Australian National University, we have a unique mission to safeguard and produce knowledge and capabilities in areas of national importance to Australia and to serve as a national public policy resource to address the major issues of our time. As the only Australian university governed under federal law, we have an opportunity to lead the sector as a model of good governance led by values of accountability, transparency, collegiality, and responsibility.

We are well-positioned to demonstrate how strong academic governance can enhance institutional effectiveness, scholarly excellence, and public confidence.

Drawing from collegial governance models of leading international universities—Oxford, Cambridge, UC Berkeley, and many others—we can develop frameworks that strengthen academic voices in institutional decision-making while maintaining operational efficiency. Such an approach should be led by the principles of institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and transparent and responsive governance.

Our Approach

As a group of staff passionate about the future of our university, we are establishing a collaborative process to develop evidence-based governance reform proposals for the ANU - and we invite you to participate. This initiative is:

• Academic-led: Designed and conducted by university staff 
• Evidence-based: Grounded in comparative analysis of successful governance models and informed by experts on governance, higher education, and policy design
• Consultative: Incorporating diverse perspectives from across the university community
• Pragmatic: Focused on implementable solutions that enhance institutional capacity
• Impactful: Inviting active participation and collaboration from policymakers to achieve long-term transformation 

Why This Matters

Effective governance is fundamental to institutional resilience and academic excellence. Clear decision-making processes, transparent accountability mechanisms, and meaningful academic participation in governance create the conditions for:

• Enhanced institutional reputation and public confidence
• More effective strategic planning and resource allocation
• Improved staff satisfaction and retention
• Better educational outcomes for students
• Stronger research performance and impact

Our Goal

We aim to produce comprehensive, credible reform proposals that could inform amendments to the Australian National University Act 1991 and related legislation. These proposals will be developed through rigorous consultation and will reflect the highest standards of governance design.

This work requires expertise from across disciplines and schools. We seek colleagues and members of the ANU community who recognise that effective governance is essential infrastructure for academic excellence and institutional sustainability. 

How our process works

Phase 1: Community Engagement

• Public Survey: Open to all ANU staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders to gather views on governance reform principles and proposals
• Kitchen Table Conversations (KTCs): Informal discussions across all Colleges under Chatham House rules, capturing diverse perspectives from academic and professional staff and students.
• Governance Workshop: Representatives from all Colleges and major work units provide feedback on community-generated principles and proposals, ensuring diversity of ANU's staff and student community.

Phase 2: Proposal Development

• Finalised Reform Proposal: The Governance Working Group collates feedback into comprehensive recommendations
• Public Endorsement: ANU open letter supporting the recommended governance reforms. Signatories become public once 100+ signatures achieved
• Policy Engagement: Presentation to ANU Executive and policymakers, including Minister for Minister Jason Clare, requesting collaborative implementation

How to Participate

• Read our Discussion Paper or other summaries available on the Resources & FAQ page
• The survey and Kitchen Table Conversations have now closed, but you can still provide direct feedback by contacting us
• Nominate representatives for the Governance Workshop
• Stay updated on preliminary project findings on the community views page
• Endorse the finalised proposal and open letter as a public signatory

This initiative represents an investment in institutional sustainability, recognising that strong governance is essential infrastructure for academic excellence and public service. Through careful implementation, ANU can fulfil its potential as Australia's leading public university whilst contributing to broader higher education sector renewal.