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Council News
Meeting 7/2024
4 October

Council held its 7th meeting of 2024 in person in the RC Mills Room, Chancelry.

Council Membership
Council congratulated Dr Liz Allen and Professor Lyndall Strazdins re-elected to their roles as Academic Staff members on Council. Council also congratulated Progressor Juliana Ng elected as the Dean or Research School Heads member on Council. All three will join Council until the end of their terms in September 2026.

Council also acknowledged and farewelled Phoenix O’Neill and Edan Habel who attended their last Council meeting as student representatives. Will Burfoot and Brenna Barker-Lamb were welcomed as the incoming undergraduate and postgraduate student members respectively, with their terms commencing on 1st December 2024.

Chancellor’s Report
Council noted the Chancellor’s report, which included an update on attendance at recent events and meetings with ANU stakeholders, including a meeting with Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, an ANU alumna.

Vice-Chancellor’s Report
Council noted the Vice-Chancellor’s report, which included representing the ANU at two Senate Enquiries and evaluating the impact of potential caps on international students.  The VC hosted a Zoom All Staff Address on Renew ANU. A key component of this work is to ensure that staff wellbeing is prioritised throughout.

Expenditure Review Task Force
The Chief Operating Officer presented on the work of the task force, which is focused on non-salary expenditure. The group is made up of representatives from Portfolios and Colleges to identify how the University can ensure the most effective use of its resources.

Student Safety and Wellbeing
Council received an update from the Chair of the Student Safety and Wellbeing Committee, which detailed the extensive consultation underway on the Mental Health Strategy, the importance of relevant staff training being undertaken and ongoing updates to the Student Safety & Wellbeing Plan.

ANU Mental Health Strategy
Professor Strazdins presented to Council on the proposed ANU Mental Health Strategy. It was noted that the strategy will be regularly updated and has specific governance and risk considerations. The strategy was endorsed by Council.

Corporate Plan Framework
Council noted a proposed framework for the University to deliver its 2025-28 Corporate Plan, a requirement of the PGPA Act. Council supported the framework and positively noted the frameworks enhanced approach to accountability and verifiable measures and KPIs.

Sir Roland Wilson Foundation Update
Council received an update from the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation Chair and Executive Directors. This update focused on the work of the Foundation over the previous year and the possibilities for further engagement with the APS to support middle-management and dialogue between academics and public service leaders.

Next Meeting
Council next meets on Friday 6 December 2024.