17 December 2008 - Senate Minutes

Present:	Mr Terry Budge (Chair) Prof John Yovich (Vice Chancellor) Mr Brian Aitken Ms Janice Bowra Prof Nick Costa Mr Gerry Georgatos Mr Reece Harley Mr Garry Hunt Mr Tony Iannello Mr Paul Niardone Dr Lyndy Scott Ms Eva Skira Dr Stewart Washer
Secretary:	Mr Jeremy Rigg
Observers:	Mr Ian Callahan (DVC – Corporate) Prof Gary Martin (DVC – Faculty, Enterprise & International) Prof Jim Reynoldson (DVC - Research) Prof Jan Thomas (DVC - Academic) Assoc. Prof Beverly Thiele (President, Academic Council) Mr John Pike Ms Clare Middlemas (for itm 7 only) Ms Basha Stasak (for item 7 only)
Apologies	Mr Russell Gibbs, Dr Marian Kemp, Ms Maxine Murray, Mr Darren Munday and Dr Jacqueline Phillips

1. MEMBERSHIP
2. APOLOGIES
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (MURDOCH UNIVERSITY ACT s17A)
4. VICE CHANCELLOR'S REPORT
5. 2008 BUDGET
6. SUMMER COMMITTEE
7. QUALITY REPORT
8. MINUTES
9. ACADEMIC COUNCIL
10. AUDIT & RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
11. CHANCELLOR'S COMMITTEE
12. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
13. GOVERNANCE & NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
14. HONORARY AWARDS & CEREMONIAL COMMITTEE
15. LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
16. RESOURCES COMMITTEE (PAPERS & DISCUSSION COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE)
17. OFFICIAL SEAL
18. SENATE MEETING DATES 2009
19. MATTERS FOR INFORMATION
20. OTHER BUSINESS

Meeting commenced at 4:35pm

1.MEMBERSHIP

The Chancellor was pleased to notify Senate that Mr Brian Aitken has been appointed by the Governor for a further term of three years. 

The Chancellor also advised that Ms Maxine Murray has been appointed by the Governor, but unfortunately was unable to attend this meeting. Ms Murray is the former Commissioner for Public Sector Standards, and is well versed in matters of governance.  She will serve for a term of 3 years.

It was also noted that Professor Jacqueline Phillips had recently been re-elected to Senate for a term of 3 years, and that this meeting would be the last meeting for Mr Reece Harley and Mr Gerry Georgatos.

2.APOLOGIES

Mr Russell Gibbs, Dr Marian Kemp, Ms Maxine Murray, Mr Darren Munday and Dr Jacqueline Phillips.

3.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (MURDOCH UNIVERSITY ACT s17A)

Mr Georgatos declared an interest in items 11 and 13.

4.VICE CHANCELLOR'S REPORT

Dr Lyndy Scott joined the meeting during this item.

The Vice Chancellor addressed a number of matters not included in his written report, including:

• Dr Casta Tungaraza, Manager, Equal Opportunity and Social Justice, has been appointed to the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council.  This appointment is a great recognition of Dr Tungaraza’s skills and experience in the area.  Senate agreed to pass on its congratulations to Dr Tungaraza.

• Murdoch has been awarded a one off allocation of $7.8m from the Federal government’s teaching and learning capital fund, to be made available in July 2009.

• Two awards have been made to Murdoch from DEEWR’s Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund.  These are $240,000 over two years for the Addressing Labour Markets & Regional Needs project, a study in the Rockingham and Peel area, and $390,000 for the Development Studies Professional Practicum project, involving the placement of students in development organisations in Indonesia.

The Vice Chancellor spoke to his report, with key points including:

• The Murdoch University International Study Centre Dubai was formally opened on 27 October 2008 at a ceremony officiated by the Dubai Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Vice Chancellor.

• The ARC grants were recently announced, and Murdoch had a wide range of successful projects and grant recipients.

• Perth Education City hosted its inaugural WA International Education Excellence Awards on 9 September 2008, and Murdoch students were recipients of both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Highest Achiever Awards.

• The IRUA has recently released a publication “Extending Opportunity: Social inclusion research informing policy and practice”, featuring research among its member University in the area as a resource for government, community agencies and industry to assist them in locating these capabilities.  Murdoch University will host the IRUA forum in 2009.

• Murdoch students and Guild Manager Gerry Georgatos have been recognised for their work on social inclusion, with the Students Without Borders program receiving two awards at the WA Community Services Industry Awards.

• Senate member Professor Jacqueline Phillips recently completed the 2008 Leadership WA program, and was elected by participants to deliver the address at the ceremony to celebrate completion of the program on 5 December 2008.

Senate was advised that the Final Report of the Bradley Review of Higher Education had been released earlier that day, with the Deputy Prime Minister yet to respond.   Elements of the report that were discussed included:

• A target of 40% of Australians in the 25-34 year age group having a degree by 2020 is recommended.

• Targets for equal participation in higher education for a range of equity groups are recommended, with 4% of base Commonwealth funding to be directed to social inclusion programs.

• The establishment of a quasi-independent government body for auditing and accrediting of all higher education providers is recommended, with 2.5% of base funding to be tied to performance benchmarks to be met by providers.

• It is recommended that the Federal government seek the agreement of the States to assume primary responsibility for regulation of higher education.

• The provision of matching funds for new philanthropy income up to a maximum of $200m over three years is recommended.

The implications for Murdoch and the sector generally of the proposed voucher system, and the establishment of three tiers of higher education providers (being “comprehensive universities”, “specialist universities” and “other providers”) were discussed.

It was commented that the review report highlights the importance of the Murdoch 2010 program in preparing for the likely new operating environment.  It was also noted that Murdoch will endeavour to provide continuing input into the review process.  Members of Senate were encouraged to provide any feedback or commentary to the Executive Manager of the Vice Chancellor’s Office.

Resolved: S/41/2008

That the Chancellor, on behalf of Senate, write to Dr Tungaraza to congratulate her on her appointment to the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council.

5.2008 BUDGET

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Corporate) Mr Ian Callahan, and Director, Financial Services, Mrs Julie Keene spoke to the papers and presentation on the University Budget for 2009.

As a preliminary point, it was highlighted that cost increases at 5% per annum and indexation of CGS funds at 2% per annum creates a shortfall of $5m per annum.  This underlies the current strategy to adjust University operations by implementing the 2010 project plans and expand sources of funding.  The 2008 forecast and performance were also noted, with a range of “one off” events contributing to a higher than expected consolidated surplus.

In relation to the 2009 budget is was noted:

• Excluding “one off” funding events in 2008, revenue in 2009 is expected to grow by 2.2%.

• A higher operating deficit is forecast for 2009, comprising mostly of 2010 project costs that are not matched by savings within the 2009 year.

• A consolidated surplus is forecast, similar to the 2008 budget forecast.

• The current economic conditions have a range of impacts on the University, and it is not clear whether there will be net costs or benefits in terms of student numbers.

• Key risks for 2009 include shortfalls in student numbers, higher costs or delays in implementation of the 2010 projects, and the threat of industrial action.

In response to a question, it was noted that the budget as presented includes the 4% increase to staff employed under the award, and any further increase to be offered in the course of negotiations will need to be self-funding.

The Executive Management and Financial Service team were commended for their work in delivering a new budget framework and a responsible budget that still provided for strategic spending.  It was commented that in the context of ongoing economic uncertainties, the budget may need review during 2009.

Senate resolved to approve the 2009 budget as presented.

Resolved: S/42/2008

To approve the Murdoch University Budget for 2009

Secretary's note: Mr Georgatos requested that his vote against the 2009 budget be recorded.

6.SUMMER COMMITTEE

The Chancellor spoke to Senate, explaining the background to the Summer Committee, which has traditionally comprised of the Chancellor, Deputy Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and two other members of Senate. Senate then resolved as follows:

Resolved: S/43/2008

To appoint Mr Tony Iannello and Prof Nick Costa to the Summer Committee for the 2008/2009 Summer period.

7.QUALITY REPORT

Senate noted the Quality Report.

8.MINUTES

Senate confirmed the minutes of the meeting held on 22/10/2008 and confirmed the minutes of decision by circulation effective 16/10/2008. It also noted a report of action taken to implement previous resolutions of Senate.

9.ACADEMIC COUNCIL

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Academic Council held on 05/11/2008. There were no recommendations requiring a Senate resolution.

Secretary's note: All legislative amendments are dealt with under the Legislation Committee item

10.AUDIT & RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Audit & Risk Management Committee held on 18/11/2008. There were no recommendations requiring a Senate resolution.

11.CHANCELLOR'S COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Chancellor’s Committee held on 21/11/2008. There were no recommendations requiring a Senate resolution.

12.ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Environmental Committee held on 21/11/2008. There were no recommendations requiring a Senate resolution.

13.GOVERNANCE & NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Environmental Committee held on 14/10/2008. There were no recommendations requiring a Senate resolution.

14.HONORARY AWARDS & CEREMONIAL COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Environmental Committee held on 14/11/2008. There were no recommendations requiring a Senate resolution.

15.LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minute of the Legislation Committee (in a decision by circulation resolution) effective on 16/10/2008 and resolved in accordance with the recommendation of the committee as follows:

Resolved: S/44/2008	To amend the following legislation (as attached)
	(i)	Clauses 11 and 19 of the Faculty Regulations  (AC/135/2008)
	(ii)	Schedule 2 of the Postgraduate Coursework Regulations (AC/138/2008), (AC/139/2008), (AC/140/2008), (AC/142/2008), (AC/143/2008) and (AC/144/2008)
	(iii)	Clauses 2.2 and 2.2.1 of the Academic Progress Rules for Postgraduate Coursework Qualifications (AC/150/2008)
	(iv)	Clause 28.4 of the Postgraduate Coursework Regulations (AC/153/2008)

16.RESOURCES COMMITTEE (PAPERS & DISCUSSION COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE)

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Resources Committee held on 24/09/2008. Budget approval was dealt with under item 5 above and Senate resolved in accordance with the remaining recommendations of the Committee as follows:

Resolved: S/45/2008	to approve the final version of the Financial Delegations Policy as settled by the Chair, Mr Tony Iannello and Committee member Mr Ross Hughes..
Resolved: S/46/2008	to approve the Fixed Asset write-offs as at 31/10/2008 of $67,759.00.
Resolved: S/47/2008	to approve the student debt write-off amount as of 01/11/2008 of $195,844.71.

17.OFFICIAL SEAL

Senate noted the official seal report provided in accordance with resolution S/51/2007.

18.SENATE MEETING DATES 2008 & 2009

Senate noted the meeting dates for 2008 & 2009.

19.MATTERS FOR INFORMATION

Senate noted the matters for information

20.OTHER BUSINESS

[Mr Georgatos commenced to say a few words regarding his time on Senate.  During the course of his statement, Senate members agreed that his comments were not appropriate and a motion was passed that Mr Georgatos no longer be heard].

Mr Georgatos left the meeting at this point

Mr Harley expressed thanks for the opportunities provided to him to learn from his time as a member of Senate, and encouraged the University to continue to provide opportunities for student representation on campus.

The Deputy Chancellor proposed a motion in support of the Vice Chancellor and the executive management team

Resolved: S/48/2008

To express the support of Senate for the Vice Chancellor and the executive management of the University for achieving excellent performance for the University in the challenging operating environment in 2008.

The meeting concluded at 6:50pm