The Allan Labor Government has announced a Parliamentary Inquiry to give students and staff a greater voice in how Victorian universities are run.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney said the inquiry will review university governance structures, with a focus on boosting staff and student representation on university councils to ensure they reflect the communities they serve.
“Victoria’s universities are one of our state’s greatest assets – and it’s time they better reflect the people who make them what they are,” Minister Tierney said.
“This is about giving students and staff a seat at the table – making sure our world-class institutions stay focused on education, not profit.”
The move follows the release of a national Expert Panel report on 17 October, which called for stronger accountability and transparency across the higher education sector.
Victoria has endorsed the national plan to reform governance, which includes introducing limits on Vice-Chancellor pay, requiring councils to publish key decisions, and adopting governance standards similar to those used in the private sector.
Similar to steps taken in New South Wales, Victoria’s inquiry will explore how best to implement these reforms—ensuring university councils include members with higher education expertise, and that student and staff voices are heard at the highest levels.
Melbourne remains Australia’s leading student city and ranks fifth globally. The government says the reforms will strengthen Victoria’s reputation for quality education while giving staff and students more influence in shaping their universities’ futures.
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