Mr WOOD - 2009-08-18
Last Friday, I am informed, there was a meeting at the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education where approximately 100 staff members passed a vote of no confidence against the Chair of the Batchelor College, the Vice-Chancellor, the Senior Advisor, and the Registrar. Would you support an independent inquiry into the Batchelor Institute to find out what is going on?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. There are significant issues being looked at with the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, which is a very important institution in the Territory. Batchelor Institute was established under Northern Territory legislation. It is funded jointly by the Northern Territory government and the Commonwealth; the Commonwealth being the principal fund provider.
Under legislation, the affairs of Batchelor are the responsibility of its 22 member council and directors; CEO; and the Vice-Chancellor who is an appointment of the council. The Territory and the Australian governments have no role in the day-to-day operations or the management of BIITE.
On 12 March 2009, the council sought joint intervention by the Australian and Northern Territory governments. Since this request was made, we have taken several actions: a financial audit has been carried out and a strategic business manager was appointed for a three-month period. Reports from both of these activities have now been received. At this point in time, DET and DEEWR are seeking Batchelor council endorsement on an action plan to refocus the operations of Batchelor to address financial and governance issues.
Both the Australian and Northern Territory governments recognise the important role that BIITE plays. This issue is unfolding. I hear the call very loudly from the staff at Batchelor, but government has acted: a financial audit has been carried out; a strategic business manager has been appointed; reports have been received; and we are seeking council endorsement on an action plan for the way forward. I understand further meetings will be held this week. We will keep the member informed as the situation moves forward.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. There are significant issues being looked at with the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, which is a very important institution in the Territory. Batchelor Institute was established under Northern Territory legislation. It is funded jointly by the Northern Territory government and the Commonwealth; the Commonwealth being the principal fund provider.
Under legislation, the affairs of Batchelor are the responsibility of its 22 member council and directors; CEO; and the Vice-Chancellor who is an appointment of the council. The Territory and the Australian governments have no role in the day-to-day operations or the management of BIITE.
On 12 March 2009, the council sought joint intervention by the Australian and Northern Territory governments. Since this request was made, we have taken several actions: a financial audit has been carried out and a strategic business manager was appointed for a three-month period. Reports from both of these activities have now been received. At this point in time, DET and DEEWR are seeking Batchelor council endorsement on an action plan to refocus the operations of Batchelor to address financial and governance issues.
Both the Australian and Northern Territory governments recognise the important role that BIITE plays. This issue is unfolding. I hear the call very loudly from the staff at Batchelor, but government has acted: a financial audit has been carried out; a strategic business manager has been appointed; reports have been received; and we are seeking council endorsement on an action plan for the way forward. I understand further meetings will be held this week. We will keep the member informed as the situation moves forward.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016