University Chancellors support stronger transparency on Vice-Chancellor Remuneration

Melbourne, VIC | Tuesday 15 July 2025

The University Chancellors Council (UCC) has today confirmed that they have written to the Minister for Education to formally propose the development of a new advisory framework for Vice-Chancellor remuneration, to be supported by the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal

This proactive move by the Chancellors of Australian universities aims to strengthen public confidence in university governance, while preserving the autonomy of university governing bodies.

“Vice-Chancellors lead some of the country’s largest and most complex public institutions,” said Professor John Pollaers OAM, Convenor of the University Chancellors Council. “They are delegated responsibility from their university governing bodies to deliver public interest, academic excellence, and financial sustainability outcomes – advancing Australian national interests across research, innovation, and education.”

The UCC has proposed a new partnership with the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal to provide independent, nationally consistent advice to university governing bodies on Vice-Chancellor remuneration – aligning the sector with best practice and ensuring remuneration settings are transparent, appropriate, and publicly defensible.

Under the proposal, a joint working group would explore how this framework could be implemented, including relevant legislative considerations, existing contractual obligations, and performance-related benchmarks.

“This is about strengthening public trust through credible, sector-led reform,” Professor Pollaers said. “We see this as a timely opportunity to demonstrate leadership, transparency, and a shared commitment to responsible governance.”

The proposal reflects a wider shift in how universities engage with stakeholders. “We acknowledge the critical role that staff and their representative bodies – including the NTEU – have played in raising concerns around transparency and accountability,” said Professor John Pollaers. “This work is part of a new approach to governance that listens, engages, and responds.”

The proposal complements wider work being led by the UCC’s Social Licence Steering Committee, which aims to ensure that universities are able to continue meeting public expectations for ethical conduct, accountability, and long-term national value creation.

The UCC looks forward to working constructively with the Australian Government, the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal, and other partners across the sector to advance this important initiative.

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