An examination of governance failures in public universities, this report aims to inform discussion about potential reforms that will help return universities to serving the public good. 

The report argues that the increasing corporatisation of universities has shifted focus away from the core missions of education and research, prioritizing profit-driven models at the expense of staff and students. It finds a range of negative consequences including job insecurity, unaddressed conflicts of interest, wage theft, and declining staff morale. 

The report calls for a parliamentary inquiry to investigate these matters further and proposes a set of recommendations to democratize university governance, enhance accountability, and ensure fair treatment of staff.

Key findings

• The average university has six executives paid more than their respective state premier.
• Universities have a pattern of poor workforce planning and retrenching indispensable staff.
• University managements have made decisions against the public interest, with no accountability to the public.
• Universities spent up to $734 million in 2023 on consulting and professional advice or services in 2023.
• 68 per cent of all persons working in the sector are employed using casual or fixed term contracts.

Key recommendations 

• A Federal Parliamentary inquiry into public university governance and workforce planning.
• The Minister’s Expert Council to reflect a diversity of expertise, with emphasis on experts who understand workforce needs, concerns, and issues. Influence from private and business interests’ groups should be minimised.
• A new regulatory framework for university governance be put in place, ensuring transparent appointments and community representation. 
• Remuneration levels be capped at the relevant state premiers.
• Improved, publicly available reporting on institutional data related to workforce planning and institutional governance, including universities’ usage of all forms of insecure employment.