Tertiary education governance review welcome

Tertiary education governance review a welcome move

Yesterday’s announcement of an independent review of public tertiary education governance is a welcome move, according to Education Forum policy adviser Norman LaRocque.

"While the current ‘one-size fits all’ model of institutional governance may have been appropriate when it was developed in the late 1980s, times have changed. It is not at all clear that the current model of institutional governance remains relevant given the realities of the tertiary education sector in 2002," Mr LaRocque said.

Current governance arrangements have come in for considerable criticism over the years. Most recently, the government-appointed Tertiary Education Advisory Commission recommended a review of governance arrangements.

"It is good to see the government acting on that recommendation," said Mr LaRocque.

Changes to governance arrangements can be a catalyst for better decision-making, improved institutional performance and a more responsive and relevant tertiary education sector. It can also help to ensure that the considerable student and taxpayer investment in the tertiary education sector delivers value for money, he said.

The government has appointed Professor Meredith Edwards, the director of the National Institute for Governance at the University of Canberra, to conduct the review. "We wish Professor Edwards well in her review," concluded Mr LaRocque.

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