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

 

Participate in our project

Minister for Education the Hon. Jason Clare MP has made clear that he intends to reform Australia’s higher education sector in 2025. We believe that the ANU community are the main stakeholders in any reform to our university and we know our university and sector best. We want our reform proposal to have internal legitimacy amongst those who are most impacted by governance outcomes and to be guided by the core mission of academic leadership to position ANU as an innovative, groundbreaking model of higher education governance.

This work requires participation from across disciplines and schools. We seek colleagues who recognise that effective governance is essential infrastructure for academic excellence and institutional sustainability.

COMPLETED: Phase 1: Community Engagement and Consultation

  • From 6-22 August we invited ANU staff, students, alumni and external stakeholders to participate in our survey, and share their views on governance reform principles and proposals. We also held Kitchen Table Conversations (KTCs) across all Colleges under Chatham House rules, capturing diverse perspectives from the ANU community. Professional and academic staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students were all welcomed. 
  • We are delighted to report that over 600 members of the ANU community participated in the survey and the KTCs. Responses are now being anonymised and moderated and will shortly be published in full on this webpage, and included in the reform proposal through the processes outlined below.

How can I participate now? Through our Collaborative Workshop

  • Nominate representatives for the Governance Workshop! We are aiming to achieve a representative sample of our ANU community, including representatives from all Colleges and Central, academic as well as professional staff, First Nations representatives, undergraduate and postgraduate representatives, etc. The workshop will examine the recommendations from the community made through the survey and KTCs, and generate feedback on community-generated principles and proposals, ensuring diversity from across ANU. 
  • Want to learn more about ANU governance processes and possibilities? See our Discussion Paper and other information on the Resources page.
  • Would you like to provide direct feedback? Send us your suggestions. 

What's next? Phase 2: Proposal Development 

  • The Governance Working Group collates feedback and workshop findings into comprehensive recommendations in the Finalised Reform Proposal. This proposal will be published on this website as part of the open letter below - please check back in early September.
  • Sign the ANU open letter supporting the recommended governance reforms for public endorsement. Signatories become public once 100+ signatures achieved. The open letter will be available to sign on this website following the project workshop - please check back in early September. 
  • Presentation to policymakers, including Education Minister Jason Clare, requesting collaborative implementation.

 

What else can I do?

  • Make a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Quality of Governance at Australian Higher Education Providers 

On 29 July 2025, the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee agreed to re-adopt its Inquiry into the quality of governance at Australian higher education providers. The committee has set 28 August 2025 as the due date for submissions. We encourage you to make a submission about the quality of governance at the ANU. For terms of reference and instructions for making a submission, see here 

  • Write to your Senators and MPs - 

Minister for Education the Hon. Jason Clare MP has already expressed his intention to reform the higher education sector, and many Senators and MPs based in the ACT have expressed support for doing so. The ANU is not only crucial to Australian sovereign capacity for research and innovation, it is a major driver of the Canberran economy and its alumni shape federal, state and. We encourage you to write to the Minister for Education, and ACT-based Senators and MPs to urge them to take into account ANU community views when considering higher education governance reform. You can find contact details and advice regarding writing to Senators and MPs here.

 

Effective governance is crucial to ANU’s future. Your voice is important!