Senate Committees & Working Parties

Governance & Nominations Committee

Members

Mr Terry Budge (Chancellor) (Chair)

Ms Eva Skira (Depty Chancellor)

Professor Richard Higgott (Vice Chancellor)

Ms Anna George

Dr Marian Kemp

Ms Maxine Murray

Ms Bec Thompson

Terms of Reference

The Governance and Nominations Committee is a standing committee of Senate established in accordance with sections 12(3) and 18(1) of the Murdoch University Act 1973. The committee operates in accordance with the Principles for Senate Standing Committees and conducts its business in accordance with the Senate Standing Orders.

1.	Role
	1.1	To identify the skills, experience and knowledge that should be sought in filling any appointed vacancies on the Senate and:
		a.	to recommend to the Minister on the appointment or re-appointment of any of the 6 positions on the Senate appointed by the Governor; and
		b.	to recommend to the Senate on the appointment or re-appointment to of any of the 3 co-opted positions on the Senate.
	1.2	To recommend to the Senate a systematic and transparent process and criteria for filling Senate vacancies, including who should be consulted.
	1.3	In making its recommendations, the committee will also take into account the following:
		a.	the Murdoch University Act 1973 at 12(2a) stipulates that there are at least two Senators having financial expertise (as demonstrated by relevant qualifications and financial management experience at senior level in the public or private sector) and at least one Senator with commercial expertise (as demonstrated by relevant experience at senior level in the public or private sector); and
		b.	the National Governance Protocols suggest that there be a majority of external independent Senators who are neither enrolled as a student nor employed by the higher education provider; and who must not be current Senators of any State or Commonwealth parliament or legislative assembly other than where specifically selected by the Senate itself;
	1.4	whether those considered have an appreciation of the values of a university and its core activities of teaching and research, its independence and academic freedom;
		a.	whether they can contribute to the Senate by having (or having the capacity to develop) a good understanding of what the external community needs from the University; and
		b.	the extent to which the experience of the persons being considered will contribute to the effective working of the Senate.
	1.5	To advise the Senate on matters relating to the overall governance policy of the University, to ensure that it adheres to the best governance principles and practice.
	1.6	To advise the Senate on changes to the Murdoch University Act.
	1.7	To advise the Senate on amendments to University Legislation where in the opinion of the Office of Legal and Governance these have not already been reviewed from a policy perspective.
	1.8	To regularly review the operating procedures of the Senate, including its committee structures, standing orders, standing resolutions and annual cycle of business.
	1.9	To advise on any other governance issues referred to it by the Senate or the Chancellor.
2.	Membership and Composition
	2.1	Chancellor (Chair)
	2.2	Deputy Chancellor
	2.3	Vice Chancellor
	2.4	An elected student member of Senate
	2.5	One to two lay Senators
	2.6	A Senator from those elected by the staff
3.Committee Skills Mix
	3.1	Respect for confidentiality of the discussions.
	3.2	Amongst the members:
		a.	People used to negotiating sensitive selections.
		b.	Knowledge of (and preferably personal acquaintance with) leaders in business and political circles and the community.
		c.	Experience and knowledge in relation to developments and best practice in governance policy and practices.
4.	Terms of Office
	Members are appointed under 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6 for a term of up to 3 years.
5.	Standing Observers
	There are no standing observers. The Committee may invite non-members along to take part in discussion and provide advice from time to time.
6.	Secretary
	University Secretary
7.	Meetings
	The Committee meets at least once a year.
8.	Quorum
	The quorum is three members.

Murdoch University Senate

Senate Committees & Working Parties

Governance & Nominations Committee

Terms of Reference