As part of the Annual Statement of Intentions, The Premier, the Hon John Brumby MP, announced to Parliament on 5 February 2008 that the Government is undertaking a Review of Victorian Higher Education Legislation. The Review is being undertaken by the Higher Education Unit of Skills Victoria. The objective of the Review is to harmonise and align core governance and operational provisions across the Victorian higher education sector.

The Acts of each of the following universities are being reviewed during this process with the intent to introduce new principal Acts in 2009:

• The University of Melbourne
• Monash University
• Deakin University
• La Trobe University
• RMIT University
• Swinburne University of Technology
• Victoria University
• The University of Ballarat
• Melbourne College of Divinity
• Australian Catholic University

Model University Bill

An exposure draft of a Model University Bill 2009 has been developed.  The objective of the exposure draft is to provide key stakeholders, in particular universities, the opportunity to comment on the details of the proposed reforms to modernise existing university legislation.  This generic Bill will be used as a basis for developing individual university acts.

Model Bill University Bill 2009 (PDF 660KB)

How to respond to the Model University Bill 2009

Submissions can be made by email to: university.legislation.review@diird.vic.gov.au, or in writing to:

Review of Higher Education Legislation
Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
PO Box 266
MELBOURNE VIC 3001

Statement of Intent

This Statement of Intent, setting out the proposed shape of the new legislation, is part of the consultation process to which the Victorian Government is committed to ensure that we achieve the best practice legislative model. The Statement outlines the Victorian Government’s intentions with respect to the broader policy issues concerning Victoria’s various University Acts. It does not seek to deal with, for example, minor provisions identified as problematic and requiring amendment.

Statement of Intent - Victorian Higher Education Legislation Review (PDF 1.2MB)

This statement outlines the government's review into Higher Education Legislation.

Background paper

In January 2008, the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation released a Background Paper outlining the government's intention to undertake a review of Victorian universities acts.

Victorian Higher Education Legislation: Background Paper (PDF 140KB)

Background paper to the government's review of Victorian Higher Education Legislation.

How to access the submissions

To access the university submissions responding to the background paper, go to the Higher Education Legislation Review Submissions page in the publications section.

Submissions were received from the following universities and key stakeholders:

• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Melbourne's Committee of Convocation
• Monash University
• La Trobe University
• Deakin University
• RMIT University
• Victoria University
• The University of Ballarat
• The National Institute of Governance

Contact and Further Information:

Higher Education, Governance and Support
Skills Victoria
Level 3, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, 3002
Email: university.legislation.review@diird.vic.gov.au
Tel: (+61 3) 9637 3115
Fax: (+61 3) 9637 2720

This website will be updated to provide ongoing news about the review.