Meeting 1/2026 (February 2026)

1. Welcome, Acknowledgement and Sector Environment

Council met at the Sippy Downs campus and commenced with an Acknowledgement of Country, recognising the Gubbi Gubbi people.

The Chancellor welcomed new members and briefed Council on the rapidly evolving national governance landscape. Recent ministerial correspondence emphasised strengthened expectations for university governing bodies, while sector reforms—including Senate inquiries, TEQSA oversight changes and new regulatory bodies—continue to shape the operating environment. Council reaffirmed the importance of clear boundaries between governance and management.

2. Financial Performance and Institutional Accountability

2025 Financial Position

Council noted that the University’s financial performance and position remained stable in 2025, including:  

• A surplus above forecast.
• Higher student revenue and strong international enrolments, particularly at Adelaide.
• Increased investment income and a significant bequest.
• Increased cash reserves.

All internal and external KPIs were rated green. Council commended the Finance team and noted the result provides resilience against uncertainty and supports strategic projects such as Moreton Bay Stage 3 and student accommodation.

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Council approved the 2025 UniSC Annual Report for submission to the Queensland Government and endorsed the 2025 Annual Financial Statements, noting a clean external audit with no findings. Council acknowledged strong progress in financial governance and transparency.

Revised Risk Appetite and Delegations

Council approved updates to the Risk Appetite Statement and Key Risk Indicators, reflecting streamlined measures, greater proportionality, and alignment with social licence expectations.
Council also approved revised Vice-Chancellor expenditure delegations—$5m annual operating expenditure and $10m capital expenditure—to support timely strategic decision-making while maintaining oversight.

3. Governance, Strategy and Institutional Development

Clinical Trials Centre Controlled Entity

Council approved the establishment of a controlled entity (“NewCo”) to support the growth, agility, and long term sustainability of UniSC’s Clinical Trials Centre. Council confirmed that the entity will report directly to Council, and approved governance structures, delegations, and board appointments.

Council Membership

Following an external search process, Council appointed Ms Renee Blackman in the Additional Council Member category (First Nations identifying), bringing significant health sector expertise and community leadership.

Council also appointed Mr Shaun McDonagh as the common member of both the Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Planning and Resources Committee.

4. Academic Quality, Students and Community

Academic Board

Council received a report from the Chair of Academic Board outlining work to strengthen academic quality assurance, enhance communication with staff and students, and support evidence based academic governance. Council members were encouraged to attend Academic Board meetings as observers.

Student Senate and Student Guild

Council received a detailed update from the Student Guild on student experience and priorities, highlighting:

• Significant increases in welfare and food security requests (83% rise in food pack access).
• The need for a centralised student space combining welfare, advocacy and community building functions.
• Ongoing reforms to the Guild Constitution and investment in improved governance and data systems.

Council requested a comprehensive analysis of student welfare demand, drivers, and options for support to be presented at the April meeting.

Student Safety, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Council considered the biannual report on student wellbeing, noting increasing complexity in student needs and pressures on the Safer Communities team. Preventative strategies, enhanced triage models, and strengthened emergency preparedness continue to shape UniSC’s wellbeing framework.

5. Campus Safety, Infrastructure and Operations

Council received the SafeUniSC Security and Emergency Management Report, noting:

• Continued decline in campus safety incidents.
• Infrastructure upgrades including a major CCTV replacement program and campus-wide key system renewal.
• Enhanced emergency management training and drills.
• Emerging risks such as paid tutoring on campus and unsafe use of motorised scooters.

6. Future Planning and Next Steps

Council reviewed the 2026 Forward Plan, noting that the 20 April 2026 Council meeting will include a dedicated strategy workshop covering sector-wide reforms, governance themes, academic integrity, and social cohesion issues.