Page 598 - Week 02 - Thursday, 25 February 1993

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .

---

CHIEF MINISTER FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NO. 522

University Councils - Appointments

MR CORNWELL - asked the Chief Minister on notice on 16 February 1993:

Why has the Government not implemented Point 13.3 of its 1991-92 Platform namely:

"Seek to ensure that ACT community representatives are included on the governing Councils of the University of Canberra and the Australian National University" despite being in power for eleven months.

MS FOLLETT - the answer to the members question is as follows:

The delay in appointing nominees to the Councils of the University of Canberra and the Australian National University has arisen due to an inconsistency in Commonwealth legislation relating to the Australian National University.

The Australian National University Act 1991 currently restricts me from appointing Members of the ACT Legislative Assembly to the Council of the Australian National University. This is not consistent with legislation and practice relating to other Universities.

I wrote to Minister Beazley in November 1992 asking that he reconsider the restriction with a view to concluding that it might be removed when other amendments to the ANU legislation are being undertaken. I have not yet received a response.

In the meantime, I have been exploring other options for appointment to the Councils from community and other key groups. It is my preference, however, to be able to choose from a full range of persons, including members of this Assembly.

Further, I believe it is desirable for the Government to examine appointments to the Councils of tertiary institutions in the ACT as a whole to ensure that the nominees represent the most appropriate mix of individuals.

598

---

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .