The Chancellor informed Senate of the passing of Dr Michael Booth, senior lecturer in Psychology and Philosophy of Science at ISTP. Dr Booth was a valued teacher and great colleague and Senate extends its sympathy and condolences to his family

The Vice Chancellor updated Senate on the AUQA Audit report which was released on 05/09/2006. The report reflected positively on Murdoch’s self review and internal quality processes, as well as Prof Jan Thomas, who steered the exercise.

The report was well received by the media and the various items highlighted in the report will be followed up by an implementation committee.

The Vice Chancellor spoke to his report to Senate. Key items included:

• The new enterprise bargaining agreements were approved by staff in the recent ballot. The University, staff and the unions have all worked well together to achieve this excellent result;
• Arrangements for the allocation of the various Commonwealth funding pools continue to be in a state of flux. The University’s role in the Innovative Research Universities Australia (IRUA) group has been invaluable, supporting effective and prompt responses to Federal Government requests and initiatives;
• The launch of the WA Biotechnology Industry Development Strategy at the on-campus State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre on 10/08/2006 was an excellent opportunity for the University. The State will be distributing a significant amount of research funding over the next four years and the University has made a submission regarding this.
• Minister McTiernan recently launched of the Draft Murdoch Activity Centre Structure Plan. The plan is open for comment over the next 2 months. The infusion of residential space and activity into the Murdoch area will be a good result overall for the University.
• The University maintained its 5 star teaching rating, as marked by the Good Universities Guide, making it 11 out of 12 years. The University also achieved 5 stars for research intensivity.

It was moved that Senate approve the recommendations made at the conclusion of the Vice Chancellor’s report.

Senate noted the minutes of the Legislation Committee meeting held on 01/09/2006. and resolved the following:

Secretary’s Note: In accordance with section 25 of the Murdoch University Act, an absolute majority of Senate must ratify the amendment to this Statute. Items 7 to 15 were put to Senate for a vote and absolute majority was received, with the twelve members present passing the resolutions unanimously.

Senate noted the minutes of the Resources Committee meeting held on 22/08/2007 and resolved the following:

The Guild President spoke to Senate about the changes and current programmes adopted by the Guild of Students in 2006. Key issues raised by the President were:

• Student poverty;
• Loss of revenue as a result of voluntary student unionism (VSU); and
• The new financial and management programmes implemented by the Guild.

The Senate members were most impressed by the hard work and enthusiasm of the President and his team and warmly congratulated him on his achievements in 2006. In particular, the Guild’s sound financial management, the undertaking of social equity initiatives (such as the donations of used computers to African countries) and focus on student amenities was supported.