This Act creates the Queensland University of Technology as a corporate body and sets out its functions, powers and governance: the council’s membership, elections, duties and delegation; officers (chancellor, vice‑chancellor); property, financial and trust rules; and conduct/traffic powers on university land. It affects council members, staff, students, donors and the Minister. The council makes most operating decisions (ss.8–11); the Minister has limited powers to extend or remove member terms (ss.26C, 76); university revenue must be applied to university purposes (s.53).
This Act establishes the Queensland University of Technology (the university), sets out its core functions and powers, and creates the council as its governing body with detailed rules for composition, elections, delegation, duties and removal. The university is a body corporate that may sue and be sued (s 4). The university’s functions include delivering higher education, encouraging study and research, conferring awards, promoting scholarship, providing staff and student wellbeing facilities, and exploiting university facilities or resources commercially for the university’s benefit (s 5). The council is the governing body and is charged with managing the university’s affairs, property and finances and appointing staff (ss 8, 9). The Act also equips the university to participate in corporations and commercial arrangements (s 60), to hold and manage trust funds and an investment common fund for pooled investment (ss 51, 52), and to deal with State land subject to the Land Act 1994 with specified exceptions (s 48).
The Act prescribes council composition and tenure. The council comprises official members (chancellor, vice-chancellor and, where applicable, the chairperson of the academic committee), three Governor in Council appointed members, five elected members drawn from staff and students, and four additional members appointed by the council with at least two alumni (ss 12-16). It sets terms, casual vacancy rules, ineligibility rules (including disqualification under the Corporations Act and convictions for indictable offences), and mechanisms for filling vacancies and failing elections (ss 18-26A, 20A, 21, 23). The council must adopt and publish an election policy and run council elections under the policy (ss 26AA-26AB). Members owe duties described in s 26A and may be removed by the council if at least 10 members are satisfied they breached those duties or a conduct obligation (s 26B). The Minister has limited powers: to extend members’ terms for up to one year in specified circumstances (s 26C) and, in transitional provisions, to remove existing appointed members (s 76).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Queensland University of Technology Act 1998.
142
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Queensland University of Technology Act 1998 .
sec.2
Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
sec.3
Definitions
sec.3 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 2 defines particular words used in this Act.
pt.2
The university and its council
The university and its council
pt.2-div.1
University establishment and general functions and powers
University establishment and general functions and powers
sec.4
Establishment of university
sec.4 Establishment of university
The Queensland University of Technology is established.
The university—
is a body corporate; and
has a seal; and
may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(sec.4-ssec.1) The Queensland University of Technology is established.
(sec.4-ssec.2) The university— is a body corporate; and has a seal; and may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(a) is a body corporate; and
(b) has a seal; and
(c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
sec.5
Functions of university
sec.5 Functions of university
The university’s functions are—
to provide education at university standard; and
to provide facilities for, and encourage, study and research; and
to encourage the advancement and development of knowledge, and its application to government, industry, commerce and the community; and
to provide courses of study or instruction (at the levels of achievement the council considers appropriate) to meet the needs of the community; and
to confer higher education awards; and
to disseminate knowledge and promote scholarship; and
to provide facilities and resources for the wellbeing of the university’s staff, students and other persons undertaking courses at the university; and
to exploit commercially, for the university’s benefit, a facility or resource of the university, including, for example, study, research or knowledge, or the practical application of study, research or knowledge, belonging to the university, whether alone or with someone else; and
to perform other functions given to the university under this or another Act.
(a) to provide education at university standard; and
(b) to provide facilities for, and encourage, study and research; and
(c) to encourage the advancement and development of knowledge, and its application to government, industry, commerce and the community; and
(d) to provide courses of study or instruction (at the levels of achievement the council considers appropriate) to meet the needs of the community; and
(e) to confer higher education awards; and
(f) to disseminate knowledge and promote scholarship; and
(g) to provide facilities and resources for the wellbeing of the university’s staff, students and other persons undertaking courses at the university; and
(h) to exploit commercially, for the university’s benefit, a facility or resource of the university, including, for example, study, research or knowledge, or the practical application of study, research or knowledge, belonging to the university, whether alone or with someone else; and
(i) to perform other functions given to the university under this or another Act.
sec.6
General powers of university
sec.6 General powers of university
The university has all the powers of an individual, and may, for example—
enter into contracts; and
acquire, hold, dispose of, and deal with property; and
appoint agents and attorneys; and
engage consultants; and
fix charges, and other terms, for services and other facilities it supplies; and
do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the university has the powers given to it under this or another Act.
The university may exercise its powers inside or outside Queensland.
Without limiting subsection (3) , the university may exercise its powers outside Australia.
(sec.6-ssec.1) The university has all the powers of an individual, and may, for example— enter into contracts; and acquire, hold, dispose of, and deal with property; and appoint agents and attorneys; and engage consultants; and fix charges, and other terms, for services and other facilities it supplies; and do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
(sec.6-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the university has the powers given to it under this or another Act.
(sec.6-ssec.3) The university may exercise its powers inside or outside Queensland.
(sec.6-ssec.4) Without limiting subsection (3) , the university may exercise its powers outside Australia.
(a) enter into contracts; and
(b) acquire, hold, dispose of, and deal with property; and
(c) appoint agents and attorneys; and
(d) engage consultants; and
(e) fix charges, and other terms, for services and other facilities it supplies; and
(f) do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
pt.2-div.2
Council establishment and general functions and powers
Council establishment and general functions and powers
sec.7
Establishment of council
sec.7 Establishment of council
There is a council of the university.
sec.8
Functions of council
sec.8 Functions of council
The council is the university’s governing body.
The council has the functions conferred on it under this or another Act.
(sec.8-ssec.1) The council is the university’s governing body.
(sec.8-ssec.2) The council has the functions conferred on it under this or another Act.
sec.9
Powers of council
sec.9 Powers of council
The council may do anything necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the council has the powers given to it under this or another Act and, in particular—
to appoint the university’s staff; and
to manage and control the university’s affairs and property; and
to manage and control the university’s finances.
(sec.9-ssec.1) The council may do anything necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
(sec.9-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the council has the powers given to it under this or another Act and, in particular— to appoint the university’s staff; and to manage and control the university’s affairs and property; and to manage and control the university’s finances.
(a) to appoint the university’s staff; and
(b) to manage and control the university’s affairs and property; and
(c) to manage and control the university’s finances.
sec.10
Council to promote university’s interests
sec.10 Council to promote university’s interests
The council must act in the way that appears to it most likely to promote the university’s interests.
sec.11
Delegation
sec.11 Delegation
The council may delegate its powers under this Act to—
an appropriately qualified member of the council; or
an appropriately qualified committee that includes 1 or more members of the council; or
an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff.
However, the council may not delegate its power—
to make an election policy; or
to adopt the university’s annual budget.
A delegation of a power under subsection (1) to the vice-chancellor may permit the subdelegation of the power to an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff.
s 11 amd 2005 No. 18 s 73 ; 2017 No. 36 ss 53 , 117
(sec.11-ssec.1) The council may delegate its powers under this Act to— an appropriately qualified member of the council; or an appropriately qualified committee that includes 1 or more members of the council; or an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff.
(sec.11-ssec.2) However, the council may not delegate its power— to make an election policy; or to adopt the university’s annual budget.
(sec.11-ssec.3) A delegation of a power under subsection (1) to the vice-chancellor may permit the subdelegation of the power to an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff.
(a) an appropriately qualified member of the council; or
(b) an appropriately qualified committee that includes 1 or more members of the council; or
(c) an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff.
(a) to make an election policy; or
(b) to adopt the university’s annual budget.
pt.2-div.3
Council membership
Council membership
sec.12
Membership of council
sec.12 Membership of council
The council consists of official members, appointed members, elected members and additional members.
s 12 sub 2005 No. 18 s 74
sec.13
Official members
sec.13 Official members
The official members are—
the chancellor; and
the vice-chancellor; and
if the chairperson of the academic committee is not the chancellor or vice-chancellor, or an elected, appointed or additional member—the chairperson.
s 13 sub 2005 No. 18 s 75
(a) the chancellor; and
(b) the vice-chancellor; and
(c) if the chairperson of the academic committee is not the chancellor or vice-chancellor, or an elected, appointed or additional member—the chairperson.
sec.14
Appointed members
sec.14 Appointed members
There are 3 appointed members.
The Governor in Council is to appoint the appointed members.
s 14 amd 2021 No. 22 s 3
(sec.14-ssec.1) There are 3 appointed members.
(sec.14-ssec.2) The Governor in Council is to appoint the appointed members.
sec.15
Elected members
sec.15 Elected members
There are 5 elected members.
The elected members are—
2 members of the full-time and part-time academic staff; and
1 member of the full-time and part-time professional staff; and
1 undergraduate student; and
1 postgraduate student.
Each elected member is to be elected at a council election.
s 15 amd 2002 No. 75 s 60 ; 2005 No. 18 s 76 ; 2017 No. 36 s 118 ; 2021 No. 22 s 4
(sec.15-ssec.1) There are 5 elected members.
(sec.15-ssec.2) The elected members are— 2 members of the full-time and part-time academic staff; and 1 member of the full-time and part-time professional staff; and 1 undergraduate student; and 1 postgraduate student.
(sec.15-ssec.3) Each elected member is to be elected at a council election.
(a) 2 members of the full-time and part-time academic staff; and
(b) 1 member of the full-time and part-time professional staff; and
(c) 1 undergraduate student; and
(d) 1 postgraduate student.
sec.16
Additional members
sec.16 Additional members
There are 4 additional members.
The council must appoint the additional members, at least 2 of whom must be alumni of the university.
An additional member must not be a student or a member of the university’s academic staff or professional staff.
s 16 sub 2005 No. 18 s 77
amd 2021 No. 22 s 5
(sec.16-ssec.1) There are 4 additional members.
(sec.16-ssec.2) The council must appoint the additional members, at least 2 of whom must be alumni of the university.
(sec.16-ssec.3) An additional member must not be a student or a member of the university’s academic staff or professional staff.
sec.17
When council is taken to be properly constituted
sec.17 When council is taken to be properly constituted
The council is taken to be properly constituted when it has 8 or more members, whether they be additional, appointed, elected or official members.
s 17 amd 2021 No. 22 s 6
sec.18
Appointed member’s term of office
sec.18 Appointed member’s term of office
An appointed member is to be appointed for a term of not more than 4 years.
s 18 amd 2005 No. 18 s 78
sec.19
Elected member’s term of office
sec.19 Elected member’s term of office
An elected member mentioned in section 15 (2) (a) or (b) holds office for 4 years.
An elected member mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) or (d) holds office for 2 years.
An elected member’s term of office starts—
if the member is re-elected—the day after the day when the member’s previous term of office ends; or
if paragraph (a) does not apply—the day after the day when the term of office of the member’s predecessor ends.
s 19 amd 2005 No. 18 s 79 ; 2021 No. 22 s 7
(sec.19-ssec.1) An elected member mentioned in section 15 (2) (a) or (b) holds office for 4 years.
(sec.19-ssec.2) An elected member mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) or (d) holds office for 2 years.
(sec.19-ssec.3) An elected member’s term of office starts— if the member is re-elected—the day after the day when the member’s previous term of office ends; or if paragraph (a) does not apply—the day after the day when the term of office of the member’s predecessor ends.
(a) if the member is re-elected—the day after the day when the member’s previous term of office ends; or
(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply—the day after the day when the term of office of the member’s predecessor ends.
sec.20
Additional member’s term of office
sec.20 Additional member’s term of office
An additional member is to be appointed for a term of not more than 4 years decided by the council.
s 20 sub 2005 No. 18 s 80
sec.20A
Dealing with casual vacancy in office of an elected member
sec.20A Dealing with casual vacancy in office of an elected member
This section applies if a casual vacancy arises in the office of an elected member.
If the member was elected at a council election, the council must appoint to the office the one person, if any, who—
was a candidate for the office in the council election; and
was not elected; and
received the highest number of votes of all the candidates who were not elected; and
is eligible, under this Act, to be a member; and
is willing to be, and available to perform the functions of, a member.
Subsection (4) applies if—
the elected member was not elected at a council election; or
no-one is eligible for appointment under subsection (2) .
A person is to be elected to the office at a council election.
Despite subsection (4) , if the elected member was a person of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) or (d) , the council may appoint a person of the same class to the office.
A person appointed under subsection (2) or (5) is taken, other than for subsection (2) or (3) (a) , to have been elected at a council election.
s 20A ins 2002 No. 75 s 61
amd 2005 No. 18 s 80A ; 2017 No. 36 s 119 ; 2021 No. 22 s 8
(sec.20A-ssec.1) This section applies if a casual vacancy arises in the office of an elected member.
(sec.20A-ssec.2) If the member was elected at a council election, the council must appoint to the office the one person, if any, who— was a candidate for the office in the council election; and was not elected; and received the highest number of votes of all the candidates who were not elected; and is eligible, under this Act, to be a member; and is willing to be, and available to perform the functions of, a member.
(sec.20A-ssec.3) Subsection (4) applies if— the elected member was not elected at a council election; or no-one is eligible for appointment under subsection (2) .
(sec.20A-ssec.4) A person is to be elected to the office at a council election.
(sec.20A-ssec.5) Despite subsection (4) , if the elected member was a person of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) or (d) , the council may appoint a person of the same class to the office.
(sec.20A-ssec.6) A person appointed under subsection (2) or (5) is taken, other than for subsection (2) or (3) (a) , to have been elected at a council election.
(a) was a candidate for the office in the council election; and
(b) was not elected; and
(c) received the highest number of votes of all the candidates who were not elected; and
(d) is eligible, under this Act, to be a member; and
(e) is willing to be, and available to perform the functions of, a member.
(a) the elected member was not elected at a council election; or
(b) no-one is eligible for appointment under subsection (2) .
sec.21
Failure to elect elected members
sec.21 Failure to elect elected members
This section applies if, by the end of the relevant day, insufficient persons are elected for a class of elected members mentioned in section 15 (2) (a) to (d) (each a relevant class ) to comply with section 15 (2) .
The Minister may appoint, as elected members for the relevant class, the number of persons required to comply with section 15 (2) .
The council may, if asked by the Minister, nominate a person for appointment under subsection (2) .
A person appointed under subsection (2) is taken, other than for section 20A (2) or (3) (a) , to have been elected at a council election for the relevant class.
This section applies to the periodic election of members and an election required because of a casual vacancy.
In this section—
relevant day , in relation to a relevant class, means the last day of the period notified under the election policy for the holding of a council election for an elected member of the relevant class.
s 21 amd 2002 No. 75 s 62
sub 2005 No. 18 s 80B ; 2017 No. 36 s 120
(sec.21-ssec.1) This section applies if, by the end of the relevant day, insufficient persons are elected for a class of elected members mentioned in section 15 (2) (a) to (d) (each a relevant class ) to comply with section 15 (2) .
(sec.21-ssec.2) The Minister may appoint, as elected members for the relevant class, the number of persons required to comply with section 15 (2) .
(sec.21-ssec.3) The council may, if asked by the Minister, nominate a person for appointment under subsection (2) .
(sec.21-ssec.4) A person appointed under subsection (2) is taken, other than for section 20A (2) or (3) (a) , to have been elected at a council election for the relevant class.
(sec.21-ssec.5) This section applies to the periodic election of members and an election required because of a casual vacancy.
(sec.21-ssec.6) In this section— relevant day , in relation to a relevant class, means the last day of the period notified under the election policy for the holding of a council election for an elected member of the relevant class.
sec.22
Casual vacancies
sec.22 Casual vacancies
A person appointed or elected to fill a casual vacancy in the office of a member is appointed or elected for the balance of the term of office of the person’s predecessor.
s 22 amd 2002 No. 75 s 74 sch
sec.23
Ineligibility for membership of council
sec.23 Ineligibility for membership of council
A person is not eligible to become an elected, appointed or additional member if—
the person is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
the person has a conviction for an indictable offence, other than an offence in relation to which the person is not eligible under paragraph (a) .
Also, a person is not eligible to be elected or appointed as an elected, appointed or additional member if the person’s election or appointment as the member would result in the person being a member for more than 12 years, whether continuously or not.
Subsection (2) does not apply to a person if a majority of members agree the person may be elected or appointed as an elected, appointed or additional member.
Subsection (1) (b) is subject to sections 25 and 26 .
s 23 sub 2005 No. 18 s 81
amd 2017 No. 36 s 54
(sec.23-ssec.1) A person is not eligible to become an elected, appointed or additional member if— the person is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or the person has a conviction for an indictable offence, other than an offence in relation to which the person is not eligible under paragraph (a) .
(sec.23-ssec.2) Also, a person is not eligible to be elected or appointed as an elected, appointed or additional member if the person’s election or appointment as the member would result in the person being a member for more than 12 years, whether continuously or not.
(sec.23-ssec.3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a person if a majority of members agree the person may be elected or appointed as an elected, appointed or additional member.
(sec.23-ssec.4) Subsection (1) (b) is subject to sections 25 and 26 .
(a) the person is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
(b) the person has a conviction for an indictable offence, other than an offence in relation to which the person is not eligible under paragraph (a) .
sec.24
Vacation of office
sec.24 Vacation of office
The office of an elected, appointed or additional member becomes vacant if—
the member dies; or
for an elected member of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (a) to (d) —
if the election policy in effect when the member was elected included nomination requirements for the class—the member ceases to meet the nomination requirements under the policy; or
otherwise—the member ceases to be an eligible person for the class; or
An elected member of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) ceases to be an undergraduate student.
for an additional member—the member becomes a student or a member of the academic staff or professional staff of the university; or
the member is absent without the council’s leave and without reasonable excuse from every meeting of the council in a period of 6 months; or
the member becomes an official member; or
the member resigns from office by signed notice—
if the member is an appointed member—given to the Minister; or
if the member is an elected or additional member—given to the vice-chancellor; or
the member is removed from office under section 26B ; or
the member is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
the member is convicted of an indictable offence, other than an offence in relation to which the member’s office becomes vacant under paragraph (h) .
See section 61D for the requirement to disclose a matter mentioned in paragraph (h) or (i) .
Subsection (1) (i) is subject to sections 25 and 26 .
A resignation takes effect on the day the notice of resignation is given to the Minister or the vice-chancellor or, if a later day of effect is stated in the notice, the later day.
In this section—
nomination requirements means requirements for eligibility to be nominated as a candidate in a council election.
s 24 amd 2005 No. 18 s 82 ; 2017 No. 36 ss 55 , 121 ; 2021 No. 22 s 9
(sec.24-ssec.1) The office of an elected, appointed or additional member becomes vacant if— the member dies; or for an elected member of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (a) to (d) — if the election policy in effect when the member was elected included nomination requirements for the class—the member ceases to meet the nomination requirements under the policy; or otherwise—the member ceases to be an eligible person for the class; or An elected member of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) ceases to be an undergraduate student. for an additional member—the member becomes a student or a member of the academic staff or professional staff of the university; or the member is absent without the council’s leave and without reasonable excuse from every meeting of the council in a period of 6 months; or the member becomes an official member; or the member resigns from office by signed notice— if the member is an appointed member—given to the Minister; or if the member is an elected or additional member—given to the vice-chancellor; or the member is removed from office under section 26B ; or the member is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or the member is convicted of an indictable offence, other than an offence in relation to which the member’s office becomes vacant under paragraph (h) . See section 61D for the requirement to disclose a matter mentioned in paragraph (h) or (i) .
(sec.24-ssec.2) Subsection (1) (i) is subject to sections 25 and 26 .
(sec.24-ssec.3) A resignation takes effect on the day the notice of resignation is given to the Minister or the vice-chancellor or, if a later day of effect is stated in the notice, the later day.
(sec.24-ssec.4) In this section— nomination requirements means requirements for eligibility to be nominated as a candidate in a council election.
(a) the member dies; or
(b) for an elected member of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (a) to (d) — (i) if the election policy in effect when the member was elected included nomination requirements for the class—the member ceases to meet the nomination requirements under the policy; or (ii) otherwise—the member ceases to be an eligible person for the class; or Example— An elected member of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) ceases to be an undergraduate student.
(i) if the election policy in effect when the member was elected included nomination requirements for the class—the member ceases to meet the nomination requirements under the policy; or
(ii) otherwise—the member ceases to be an eligible person for the class; or Example— An elected member of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) ceases to be an undergraduate student.
(c) for an additional member—the member becomes a student or a member of the academic staff or professional staff of the university; or
(d) the member is absent without the council’s leave and without reasonable excuse from every meeting of the council in a period of 6 months; or
(e) the member becomes an official member; or
(f) the member resigns from office by signed notice— (i) if the member is an appointed member—given to the Minister; or (ii) if the member is an elected or additional member—given to the vice-chancellor; or
(i) if the member is an appointed member—given to the Minister; or
(ii) if the member is an elected or additional member—given to the vice-chancellor; or
(g) the member is removed from office under section 26B ; or
(h) the member is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
(i) the member is convicted of an indictable offence, other than an offence in relation to which the member’s office becomes vacant under paragraph (h) .
(i) if the election policy in effect when the member was elected included nomination requirements for the class—the member ceases to meet the nomination requirements under the policy; or
(ii) otherwise—the member ceases to be an eligible person for the class; or Example— An elected member of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) ceases to be an undergraduate student.
(i) if the member is an appointed member—given to the Minister; or
(ii) if the member is an elected or additional member—given to the vice-chancellor; or
sec.25
Discretion where appointed member convicted of indictable offence
sec.25 Discretion where appointed member convicted of indictable offence
If the Minister considers it would be reasonable, having regard to the circumstances of the indictable offence mentioned in section 23 (1) (b) or 24 (1) (i) of which a person has been convicted, the Minister may—
if the person was an appointed member when convicted—give notice to the chancellor and the person that the person is restored as an appointed member, and may be subsequently reappointed, despite the conviction; or
otherwise—give written approval for the person to become an appointed member despite the conviction.
On the day the chancellor receives a notice under subsection (1) (a) —
the person is restored as an appointed member; and
if another person has been appointed to fill the vacancy—the other person’s appointment ends.
If a person is restored as an appointed member under subsection (2) , the person’s term of office as a member ends when it would have ended if the person had not been convicted of the offence.
s 25 amd 2005 No. 18 s 165 sch ; 2017 No. 36 s 165 s ch 1 pt 2
(sec.25-ssec.1) If the Minister considers it would be reasonable, having regard to the circumstances of the indictable offence mentioned in section 23 (1) (b) or 24 (1) (i) of which a person has been convicted, the Minister may— if the person was an appointed member when convicted—give notice to the chancellor and the person that the person is restored as an appointed member, and may be subsequently reappointed, despite the conviction; or otherwise—give written approval for the person to become an appointed member despite the conviction.
(sec.25-ssec.2) On the day the chancellor receives a notice under subsection (1) (a) — the person is restored as an appointed member; and if another person has been appointed to fill the vacancy—the other person’s appointment ends.
(sec.25-ssec.3) If a person is restored as an appointed member under subsection (2) , the person’s term of office as a member ends when it would have ended if the person had not been convicted of the offence.
(a) if the person was an appointed member when convicted—give notice to the chancellor and the person that the person is restored as an appointed member, and may be subsequently reappointed, despite the conviction; or
(b) otherwise—give written approval for the person to become an appointed member despite the conviction.
(a) the person is restored as an appointed member; and
(b) if another person has been appointed to fill the vacancy—the other person’s appointment ends.
sec.26
Discretion where elected or additional member convicted of indictable offence
sec.26 Discretion where elected or additional member convicted of indictable offence
If the council considers it would be reasonable, having regard to the circumstances of the indictable offence mentioned in section 23 (1) (b) or 24 (1) (i) of which a person has been convicted, the council may—
if the person was an elected or additional member when convicted—give notice to the person that the person is restored as an elected or additional member, and may be subsequently re-elected or reappointed, despite the conviction; or
otherwise—give written approval for the person to become an elected or additional member despite the conviction.
On the day the person receives a notice under subsection (1) (a) —
the person is restored as an elected or additional member; and
if another person has been elected or appointed to fill the vacancy—the other person’s membership of the council ends.
If a person is restored as an elected or additional member under subsection (2) , the person’s term of office as a member ends when it would have ended if the person had not been convicted of the offence.
s 26 amd 2005 No. 18 s 165 sch ; 2017 No. 36 s 165 s ch 1 pt 2
(sec.26-ssec.1) If the council considers it would be reasonable, having regard to the circumstances of the indictable offence mentioned in section 23 (1) (b) or 24 (1) (i) of which a person has been convicted, the council may— if the person was an elected or additional member when convicted—give notice to the person that the person is restored as an elected or additional member, and may be subsequently re-elected or reappointed, despite the conviction; or otherwise—give written approval for the person to become an elected or additional member despite the conviction.
(sec.26-ssec.2) On the day the person receives a notice under subsection (1) (a) — the person is restored as an elected or additional member; and if another person has been elected or appointed to fill the vacancy—the other person’s membership of the council ends.
(sec.26-ssec.3) If a person is restored as an elected or additional member under subsection (2) , the person’s term of office as a member ends when it would have ended if the person had not been convicted of the offence.
(a) if the person was an elected or additional member when convicted—give notice to the person that the person is restored as an elected or additional member, and may be subsequently re-elected or reappointed, despite the conviction; or
(b) otherwise—give written approval for the person to become an elected or additional member despite the conviction.
(a) the person is restored as an elected or additional member; and
(b) if another person has been elected or appointed to fill the vacancy—the other person’s membership of the council ends.
pt.2-div.3A
Council elections
Council elections
sec.26AA
Election policy
sec.26AA Election policy
The council must—
make a policy (an election policy ) about the conduct of elections required under sections 15 and 20A ; and
publish the election policy on the university’s website.
The election policy must include—
provisions to ensure the integrity and security of the voting system; and
without limiting paragraph (a) , provisions to ensure—
only persons who are eligible to vote may vote; and
a person can not vote more than once in an election; and
voting is done by secret ballot; and
a person is not improperly influenced in voting; and
provisions stating the procedure for voting, including the procedure for issuing ballots; and
provisions about—
notifying the period during which an election is to be held; and
nominating candidates, including calling for and making nominations, and fixing the day by which nominations must be made; and
publishing the results of an election, including the day by which the results must be published; and
making and resolving complaints.
Also, the election policy may include provisions stating requirements for—
eligibility to be nominated as a candidate for a particular class of elected members; and
eligibility to vote, including eligibility to vote for a particular class of elected members.
The election policy takes effect on the day it is published on the university’s website or any later day stated in the policy.
s 26AA ins 2017 No. 36 s 122
(sec.26AA-ssec.1) The council must— make a policy (an election policy ) about the conduct of elections required under sections 15 and 20A ; and publish the election policy on the university’s website.
(sec.26AA-ssec.2) The election policy must include— provisions to ensure the integrity and security of the voting system; and without limiting paragraph (a) , provisions to ensure— only persons who are eligible to vote may vote; and a person can not vote more than once in an election; and voting is done by secret ballot; and a person is not improperly influenced in voting; and provisions stating the procedure for voting, including the procedure for issuing ballots; and provisions about— notifying the period during which an election is to be held; and nominating candidates, including calling for and making nominations, and fixing the day by which nominations must be made; and publishing the results of an election, including the day by which the results must be published; and making and resolving complaints.
(sec.26AA-ssec.3) Also, the election policy may include provisions stating requirements for— eligibility to be nominated as a candidate for a particular class of elected members; and eligibility to vote, including eligibility to vote for a particular class of elected members.
(sec.26AA-ssec.4) The election policy takes effect on the day it is published on the university’s website or any later day stated in the policy.
(a) make a policy (an election policy ) about the conduct of elections required under sections 15 and 20A ; and
(b) publish the election policy on the university’s website.
(a) provisions to ensure the integrity and security of the voting system; and
(b) without limiting paragraph (a) , provisions to ensure— (i) only persons who are eligible to vote may vote; and (ii) a person can not vote more than once in an election; and (iii) voting is done by secret ballot; and (iv) a person is not improperly influenced in voting; and
(i) only persons who are eligible to vote may vote; and
(ii) a person can not vote more than once in an election; and
(iii) voting is done by secret ballot; and
(iv) a person is not improperly influenced in voting; and
(c) provisions stating the procedure for voting, including the procedure for issuing ballots; and
(d) provisions about— (i) notifying the period during which an election is to be held; and (ii) nominating candidates, including calling for and making nominations, and fixing the day by which nominations must be made; and (iii) publishing the results of an election, including the day by which the results must be published; and (iv) making and resolving complaints.
(i) notifying the period during which an election is to be held; and
(ii) nominating candidates, including calling for and making nominations, and fixing the day by which nominations must be made; and
(iii) publishing the results of an election, including the day by which the results must be published; and
(iv) making and resolving complaints.
(i) only persons who are eligible to vote may vote; and
(ii) a person can not vote more than once in an election; and
(iii) voting is done by secret ballot; and
(iv) a person is not improperly influenced in voting; and
(i) notifying the period during which an election is to be held; and
(ii) nominating candidates, including calling for and making nominations, and fixing the day by which nominations must be made; and
(iii) publishing the results of an election, including the day by which the results must be published; and
(iv) making and resolving complaints.
(a) eligibility to be nominated as a candidate for a particular class of elected members; and
(b) eligibility to vote, including eligibility to vote for a particular class of elected members.
sec.26AB
Conduct of election
sec.26AB Conduct of election
An election required under section 15 or 20A must be held under the election policy.
s 26AB ins 2017 No. 36 s 122
sec.26AC
Eligibility to vote
sec.26AC Eligibility to vote
A person is eligible to vote in an election for a class of elected members mentioned in section 15 (2) (a) to (d) only if the person—
is an eligible person for the class of elected members; and
otherwise meets any requirements under the election policy for eligibility to vote.
s 26AC ins 2017 No. 36 s 122
(a) is an eligible person for the class of elected members; and
(b) otherwise meets any requirements under the election policy for eligibility to vote.
pt.2-div.4
Members’ function, and removing elected, appointed and additional members from office
Members’ function, and removing elected, appointed and additional members from office
sec.26A
Member’s function, and obligations about function
sec.26A Member’s function, and obligations about function
A member has the function of ensuring the council performs its functions and exercises its powers appropriately, effectively and efficiently.
In performing the function, a member—
must act honestly and in the best interests of the university; and
must exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence; and
must disclose to the council any conflict that may arise between the member’s personal interests and the interests of the university; and
must not make improper use of his or her position as a member, or of information acquired because of his or her position as a member, to gain, directly or indirectly, an advantage for the member or another person.
s 26A ins 2005 No. 18 s 83
(sec.26A-ssec.1) A member has the function of ensuring the council performs its functions and exercises its powers appropriately, effectively and efficiently.
(sec.26A-ssec.2) In performing the function, a member— must act honestly and in the best interests of the university; and must exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence; and must disclose to the council any conflict that may arise between the member’s personal interests and the interests of the university; and must not make improper use of his or her position as a member, or of information acquired because of his or her position as a member, to gain, directly or indirectly, an advantage for the member or another person.
(a) must act honestly and in the best interests of the university; and
(b) must exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence; and
(c) must disclose to the council any conflict that may arise between the member’s personal interests and the interests of the university; and
(d) must not make improper use of his or her position as a member, or of information acquired because of his or her position as a member, to gain, directly or indirectly, an advantage for the member or another person.
sec.26B
Council may remove member from office
sec.26B Council may remove member from office
The council may remove an elected, appointed or additional member from office if at least 10 members are satisfied the member has not complied with—
section 26A (2) ; or
a conduct obligation.
If the council decides to remove a member from office under subsection (1) , the council must as soon as practicable—
give the member notice of the decision and the reasons for it; and
if the member is an appointed member—give the Minister a copy of the notice.
If the council gives a member a notice under subsection (2) (a) , the member’s term of office ends on the later of the following—
the day the member receives the notice;
the day, if any, stated in the notice for that purpose.
The council’s power to remove an appointed member from office under this section does not limit the Governor in Council’s powers under the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 25 (1) (b) (i) or (iii) .
s 26B ins 2005 No. 18 s 83
amd 2021 No. 22 s 10
(sec.26B-ssec.1) The council may remove an elected, appointed or additional member from office if at least 10 members are satisfied the member has not complied with— section 26A (2) ; or a conduct obligation.
(sec.26B-ssec.2) If the council decides to remove a member from office under subsection (1) , the council must as soon as practicable— give the member notice of the decision and the reasons for it; and if the member is an appointed member—give the Minister a copy of the notice.
(sec.26B-ssec.3) If the council gives a member a notice under subsection (2) (a) , the member’s term of office ends on the later of the following— the day the member receives the notice; the day, if any, stated in the notice for that purpose.
(sec.26B-ssec.4) The council’s power to remove an appointed member from office under this section does not limit the Governor in Council’s powers under the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 25 (1) (b) (i) or (iii) .
(a) section 26A (2) ; or
(b) a conduct obligation.
(a) give the member notice of the decision and the reasons for it; and
(b) if the member is an appointed member—give the Minister a copy of the notice.
(a) the day the member receives the notice;
(b) the day, if any, stated in the notice for that purpose.
pt.2-div.5
Extending terms of office
Extending terms of office
sec.26C
Minister may extend terms of office
sec.26C Minister may extend terms of office
The Minister may, by notice given to the council, extend the terms of office of the elected, appointed and additional members for not more than 1 year if the Minister is satisfied the extension—
is in the best interests of the university; and
is necessary for the council to perform its functions and exercise its powers appropriately, effectively and efficiently.
If the Minister acts under subsection (1) , the Minister must extend, by the same amount, the terms of office of all elected, appointed and additional members.
The extension applies only to members holding office when the notice is given under subsection (1) .
This section—
does not allow the Minister to extend the terms of office of the members for more than 1 year by again acting under subsection (1) ; and
applies despite sections 18 , 19 (1) and (2) and 20 .
s 26C ins 2005 No. 18 s 83
(sec.26C-ssec.1) The Minister may, by notice given to the council, extend the terms of office of the elected, appointed and additional members for not more than 1 year if the Minister is satisfied the extension— is in the best interests of the university; and is necessary for the council to perform its functions and exercise its powers appropriately, effectively and efficiently.
(sec.26C-ssec.2) If the Minister acts under subsection (1) , the Minister must extend, by the same amount, the terms of office of all elected, appointed and additional members.
(sec.26C-ssec.3) The extension applies only to members holding office when the notice is given under subsection (1) .
(sec.26C-ssec.4) This section— does not allow the Minister to extend the terms of office of the members for more than 1 year by again acting under subsection (1) ; and applies despite sections 18 , 19 (1) and (2) and 20 .
(a) is in the best interests of the university; and
(b) is necessary for the council to perform its functions and exercise its powers appropriately, effectively and efficiently.
(a) does not allow the Minister to extend the terms of office of the members for more than 1 year by again acting under subsection (1) ; and
(b) applies despite sections 18 , 19 (1) and (2) and 20 .
pt.2-div.6
Meetings of the council
Meetings of the council
sec.27
Who is to preside at meetings
sec.27 Who is to preside at meetings
The chancellor must preside at meetings of the council.
However, if the chancellor and deputy chancellor are both absent from a meeting of the council or the offices are vacant, the members present must elect a member to preside at the meeting.
(sec.27-ssec.1) The chancellor must preside at meetings of the council.
(sec.27-ssec.2) However, if the chancellor and deputy chancellor are both absent from a meeting of the council or the offices are vacant, the members present must elect a member to preside at the meeting.
sec.28
Quorum
sec.28 Quorum
A quorum exists at a meeting of the council if at least half its members are present.
sec.29
Conduct of meetings
sec.29 Conduct of meetings
The council may otherwise regulate its proceedings as it considers appropriate.
pt.3
Certain officers of the university
Certain officers of the university
sec.30
Chancellor
sec.30 Chancellor
There is a chancellor of the university.
The council must elect a chancellor whenever there is a vacancy in the office.
The person elected need not be a member.
The person elected must not be a student or a member of the university’s academic staff or professional staff.
The chancellor holds office for the term, not longer than 5 years, fixed by the council.
s 30 amd 2005 No. 18 s 84
(sec.30-ssec.1) There is a chancellor of the university.
(sec.30-ssec.2) The council must elect a chancellor whenever there is a vacancy in the office.
(sec.30-ssec.3) The person elected need not be a member.
(sec.30-ssec.4) The person elected must not be a student or a member of the university’s academic staff or professional staff.
(sec.30-ssec.5) The chancellor holds office for the term, not longer than 5 years, fixed by the council.
sec.31
Deputy chancellor
sec.31 Deputy chancellor
There is a deputy chancellor of the university.
The council must elect a member as deputy chancellor whenever there is a vacancy in the office.
The deputy chancellor holds office for the term, not longer than 2 years, fixed by the council.
The deputy chancellor is to act as chancellor—
during a vacancy in the office of chancellor; and
during all periods when the chancellor is absent from duty or, for another reason, can not perform the functions of the office.
s 31 amd 2005 No. 18 s 85 ; 2017 No. 36 s 56
(sec.31-ssec.1) There is a deputy chancellor of the university.
(sec.31-ssec.2) The council must elect a member as deputy chancellor whenever there is a vacancy in the office.
(sec.31-ssec.3) The deputy chancellor holds office for the term, not longer than 2 years, fixed by the council.
(sec.31-ssec.4) The deputy chancellor is to act as chancellor— during a vacancy in the office of chancellor; and during all periods when the chancellor is absent from duty or, for another reason, can not perform the functions of the office.
(a) during a vacancy in the office of chancellor; and
(b) during all periods when the chancellor is absent from duty or, for another reason, can not perform the functions of the office.
sec.32
Vice-chancellor
sec.32 Vice-chancellor
There is a vice-chancellor of the university.
The council must appoint a vice-chancellor whenever there is a vacancy in the office.
The terms of appointment are as decided by the council.
The vice-chancellor is the chief executive officer of the university and may exercise the powers and perform the functions conferred on the vice-chancellor by this or another Act or the council.
The vice-chancellor may delegate powers of the vice-chancellor under this or another Act to an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff.
See also section 11 (3) in relation to the subdelegation by the vice-chancellor of a power delegated by the council.
s 32 amd 2017 No. 36 s 57
(sec.32-ssec.1) There is a vice-chancellor of the university.
(sec.32-ssec.2) The council must appoint a vice-chancellor whenever there is a vacancy in the office.
(sec.32-ssec.3) The terms of appointment are as decided by the council.
(sec.32-ssec.4) The vice-chancellor is the chief executive officer of the university and may exercise the powers and perform the functions conferred on the vice-chancellor by this or another Act or the council.
(sec.32-ssec.5) The vice-chancellor may delegate powers of the vice-chancellor under this or another Act to an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff. See also section 11 (3) in relation to the subdelegation by the vice-chancellor of a power delegated by the council.
pt.4
Bodies connected with the university
Bodies connected with the university
pt.4-div.1
QUT Alumni
QUT Alumni
sec.33
Establishment of QUT Alumni
sec.33 Establishment of QUT Alumni
QUT Alumni is established.
The council is to decide the membership of QUT Alumni.
The council is to decide—
how meetings of QUT Alumni are to be called; and
how QUT Alumni is to conduct its proceedings; and
if and how members of QUT Alumni are to be appointed as members of the council; and
the quorum of a meeting of QUT Alumni; and
the powers and functions of QUT Alumni.
s 33 amd 2017 No. 36 s 123
(sec.33-ssec.1) QUT Alumni is established.
(sec.33-ssec.2) The council is to decide the membership of QUT Alumni.
(sec.33-ssec.3) The council is to decide— how meetings of QUT Alumni are to be called; and how QUT Alumni is to conduct its proceedings; and if and how members of QUT Alumni are to be appointed as members of the council; and the quorum of a meeting of QUT Alumni; and the powers and functions of QUT Alumni.
(a) how meetings of QUT Alumni are to be called; and
(b) how QUT Alumni is to conduct its proceedings; and
(c) if and how members of QUT Alumni are to be appointed as members of the council; and
(d) the quorum of a meeting of QUT Alumni; and
(e) the powers and functions of QUT Alumni.
pt.4-div.2
Student guild
Student guild
sec.34
Establishment of student guild
sec.34 Establishment of student guild
The Queensland University of Technology Student Guild is established.
The student guild—
is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and
has a common seal; and
may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(sec.34-ssec.1) The Queensland University of Technology Student Guild is established.
(sec.34-ssec.2) The student guild— is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and has a common seal; and may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and
(b) has a common seal; and
(c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
sec.35
Composition
sec.35 Composition
The persons who are eligible to be members of the student guild are—
students; and
persons eligible for membership under the student guild’s constitution.
(a) students; and
(b) persons eligible for membership under the student guild’s constitution.
sec.36
Role
sec.36 Role
The student guild has the role and powers stated in its constitution.
The student guild also has the role and powers decided by the council.
However, the student guild is not the employee or agent of the council.
(sec.36-ssec.1) The student guild has the role and powers stated in its constitution.
(sec.36-ssec.2) The student guild also has the role and powers decided by the council.
(sec.36-ssec.3) However, the student guild is not the employee or agent of the council.
sec.37
General powers
sec.37 General powers
Without limiting section 36 , the student guild has all the powers of an individual, including, for example, the power to acquire, hold, dispose of, and deal with, property.
sec.38
Constitution
sec.38 Constitution
The student guild must have a written constitution.
The student guild’s constitution, and each amendment of the constitution, must be submitted to the council for its approval.
The constitution or amendment has no effect until approved by the council.
(sec.38-ssec.1) The student guild must have a written constitution.
(sec.38-ssec.2) The student guild’s constitution, and each amendment of the constitution, must be submitted to the council for its approval.
(sec.38-ssec.3) The constitution or amendment has no effect until approved by the council.
pt.4-div.3
sec.39
Section sec.39
s 39 om 2017 No. 36 s 124
pt.4-div.4
Application of Corporations legislation to bodies
Application of Corporations legislation to bodies
sec.39A
Excluded matters for Corporations legislation
sec.39A Excluded matters for Corporations legislation
QUT Alumni is declared to be an excluded matter for the Corporations Act , section 5F , in relation to parts 5.7 and 5 .7B of that Act.
The student guild is declared to be an excluded matter for the Corporations Act , section 5F , in relation to the provisions of that Act for which a statutory body within the meaning of the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 is declared to be an excluded matter under section 13A of that Act.
Corporations Act , part 2D .1 (Duties and powers), part 2D .6 (Disqualification from managing corporations), chapter 2K (Charges), chapter 2L (Debentures), part 5.7 (Winding up bodies other than companies), part 5.7 B (Recovering property or compensation for the benefit of creditors of insolvent company), part 5.9 (Miscellaneous) and part 5B .2 (Registrable bodies)
s 39A ins 2001 No. 45 s 29 sch 3
amd 2017 No. 36 s 125
(sec.39A-ssec.1) QUT Alumni is declared to be an excluded matter for the Corporations Act , section 5F , in relation to parts 5.7 and 5 .7B of that Act.
(sec.39A-ssec.2) The student guild is declared to be an excluded matter for the Corporations Act , section 5F , in relation to the provisions of that Act for which a statutory body within the meaning of the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 is declared to be an excluded matter under section 13A of that Act. Corporations Act , part 2D .1 (Duties and powers), part 2D .6 (Disqualification from managing corporations), chapter 2K (Charges), chapter 2L (Debentures), part 5.7 (Winding up bodies other than companies), part 5.7 B (Recovering property or compensation for the benefit of creditors of insolvent company), part 5.9 (Miscellaneous) and part 5B .2 (Registrable bodies)
pt.4A
Matters relating to offices of chancellor, deputy chancellor, vice-chancellor and chairperson
Matters relating to offices of chancellor, deputy chancellor, vice-chancellor and chairperson
sec.39B
Disqualification from office
sec.39B Disqualification from office
A person can not become, or continue as, the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson if—
the person is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
subject to subsections (2) to (4) , the person has a conviction for an indictable offence other than an offence in relation to which the person is disqualified from office under paragraph (a) .
See section 61D for the requirement to disclose the disqualification or conviction.
If the council considers it would be reasonable, having regard to the circumstances of the indictable offence mentioned in subsection (1) (b) of which the person has been convicted, the council may—
if the person was the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson when convicted—give notice to the person that the person—
is restored as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson; and
may be later re-elected or reappointed, despite the conviction; or
otherwise—give written approval for the person to become the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson despite the conviction.
On the day the person receives a notice under subsection (2) (a) —
the person is restored as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson; and
if another person has been elected or appointed to fill the vacancy—the other person’s term of office ends.
If a person is restored as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson under subsection (3) , the person’s term of office as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson ends when it would have ended if the person had not been convicted of the offence.
s 39B ins 2005 No. 18 s 86
amd 2017 No. 36 s 58
(sec.39B-ssec.1) A person can not become, or continue as, the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson if— the person is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or subject to subsections (2) to (4) , the person has a conviction for an indictable offence other than an offence in relation to which the person is disqualified from office under paragraph (a) . See section 61D for the requirement to disclose the disqualification or conviction.
(sec.39B-ssec.2) If the council considers it would be reasonable, having regard to the circumstances of the indictable offence mentioned in subsection (1) (b) of which the person has been convicted, the council may— if the person was the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson when convicted—give notice to the person that the person— is restored as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson; and may be later re-elected or reappointed, despite the conviction; or otherwise—give written approval for the person to become the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson despite the conviction.
(sec.39B-ssec.3) On the day the person receives a notice under subsection (2) (a) — the person is restored as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson; and if another person has been elected or appointed to fill the vacancy—the other person’s term of office ends.
(sec.39B-ssec.4) If a person is restored as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson under subsection (3) , the person’s term of office as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson ends when it would have ended if the person had not been convicted of the offence.
(a) the person is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
(b) subject to subsections (2) to (4) , the person has a conviction for an indictable offence other than an offence in relation to which the person is disqualified from office under paragraph (a) .
(a) if the person was the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson when convicted—give notice to the person that the person— (i) is restored as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson; and (ii) may be later re-elected or reappointed, despite the conviction; or
(i) is restored as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson; and
(ii) may be later re-elected or reappointed, despite the conviction; or
(b) otherwise—give written approval for the person to become the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson despite the conviction.
(i) is restored as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson; and
(ii) may be later re-elected or reappointed, despite the conviction; or
(a) the person is restored as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson; and
(b) if another person has been elected or appointed to fill the vacancy—the other person’s term of office ends.
sec.39C
Council may remove chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson from office
sec.39C Council may remove chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson from office
The council may remove the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson from office if at least 10 members are satisfied the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson has not complied with—
section 26A (2) ; or
a conduct obligation.
If the council decides to remove the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson from office under subsection (1) , the council must as soon as practicable give the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson notice of the decision and the reasons for it.
The chancellor’s, vice-chancellor’s or chairperson’s term of office ends on the later of the following—
the day he or she receives the notice;
the day, if any, stated in the notice for that purpose.
s 39C ins 2005 No. 18 s 86
amd 2021 No. 22 s 11
(sec.39C-ssec.1) The council may remove the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson from office if at least 10 members are satisfied the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson has not complied with— section 26A (2) ; or a conduct obligation.
(sec.39C-ssec.2) If the council decides to remove the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson from office under subsection (1) , the council must as soon as practicable give the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson notice of the decision and the reasons for it.
(sec.39C-ssec.3) The chancellor’s, vice-chancellor’s or chairperson’s term of office ends on the later of the following— the day he or she receives the notice; the day, if any, stated in the notice for that purpose.
(a) section 26A (2) ; or
(b) a conduct obligation.
(a) the day he or she receives the notice;
(b) the day, if any, stated in the notice for that purpose.
sec.39D
Particular matters about removal of vice-chancellor
sec.39D Particular matters about removal of vice-chancellor
The council may remove the vice-chancellor from office under section 39C despite the vice-chancellor’s terms of appointment.
If the council removes the vice-chancellor from office under section 39C —
the removal does not affect the vice-chancellor’s right to claim compensation or other entitlements under his or her terms of appointment applying when the appointment ends; and
the vice-chancellor may only claim compensation and other entitlements under his or her terms of appointment as if—
the appointment had been ended as permitted under the terms of appointment; or
his or her term of office had ended.
s 39D ins 2005 No. 18 s 86
(sec.39D-ssec.1) The council may remove the vice-chancellor from office under section 39C despite the vice-chancellor’s terms of appointment.
(sec.39D-ssec.2) If the council removes the vice-chancellor from office under section 39C — the removal does not affect the vice-chancellor’s right to claim compensation or other entitlements under his or her terms of appointment applying when the appointment ends; and the vice-chancellor may only claim compensation and other entitlements under his or her terms of appointment as if— the appointment had been ended as permitted under the terms of appointment; or his or her term of office had ended.
(a) the removal does not affect the vice-chancellor’s right to claim compensation or other entitlements under his or her terms of appointment applying when the appointment ends; and
(b) the vice-chancellor may only claim compensation and other entitlements under his or her terms of appointment as if— (i) the appointment had been ended as permitted under the terms of appointment; or (ii) his or her term of office had ended.
(i) the appointment had been ended as permitted under the terms of appointment; or
(ii) his or her term of office had ended.
(i) the appointment had been ended as permitted under the terms of appointment; or
(ii) his or her term of office had ended.
sec.39E
Vacation of office
sec.39E Vacation of office
The office of the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson becomes vacant if he or she—
can not continue as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson under section 39B ; or
is removed from office under section 39C .
The office of the deputy chancellor becomes vacant if his or her office as a member becomes vacant under section 24 or he or she otherwise stops being a member.
s 39E ins 2005 No. 18 s 86
(sec.39E-ssec.1) The office of the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson becomes vacant if he or she— can not continue as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson under section 39B ; or is removed from office under section 39C .
(sec.39E-ssec.2) The office of the deputy chancellor becomes vacant if his or her office as a member becomes vacant under section 24 or he or she otherwise stops being a member.
(a) can not continue as the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson under section 39B ; or
(b) is removed from office under section 39C .
pt.5
Property and finance
Property and finance
pt.5-div.1
Property held on trust or conditions
Property held on trust or conditions
sec.40
Definition for div 1
sec.40 Definition for div 1
In this division—
property includes income from property and a part or residue of the property.
sec.41
Amendment of terms of trusts and gifts
sec.41 Amendment of terms of trusts and gifts
This section applies if—
property is held by the university on terms requiring the property to be used for a particular purpose (the donor’s purpose ); and
the council is satisfied—
the donor’s purpose—
has been wholly or substantially achieved; or
no longer exists; or
has been adequately provided for in another way; or
is uncertain, can not be identified, or is insufficiently defined; or
becomes impossible, impractical or inexpedient to carry out; or
the property is inadequate for the donor’s purpose.
The council may set up and maintain a scheme for the use of the property for another purpose (the designated purpose ).
The scheme must be in writing.
The university must without charge give a copy of the scheme to anyone who asks for it.
(sec.41-ssec.1) This section applies if— property is held by the university on terms requiring the property to be used for a particular purpose (the donor’s purpose ); and the council is satisfied— the donor’s purpose— has been wholly or substantially achieved; or no longer exists; or has been adequately provided for in another way; or is uncertain, can not be identified, or is insufficiently defined; or becomes impossible, impractical or inexpedient to carry out; or the property is inadequate for the donor’s purpose.
(sec.41-ssec.2) The council may set up and maintain a scheme for the use of the property for another purpose (the designated purpose ).
(sec.41-ssec.3) The scheme must be in writing.
(sec.41-ssec.4) The university must without charge give a copy of the scheme to anyone who asks for it.
(a) property is held by the university on terms requiring the property to be used for a particular purpose (the donor’s purpose ); and
(b) the council is satisfied— (i) the donor’s purpose— (A) has been wholly or substantially achieved; or (B) no longer exists; or (C) has been adequately provided for in another way; or (D) is uncertain, can not be identified, or is insufficiently defined; or (E) becomes impossible, impractical or inexpedient to carry out; or (ii) the property is inadequate for the donor’s purpose.
(i) the donor’s purpose— (A) has been wholly or substantially achieved; or (B) no longer exists; or (C) has been adequately provided for in another way; or (D) is uncertain, can not be identified, or is insufficiently defined; or (E) becomes impossible, impractical or inexpedient to carry out; or
(A) has been wholly or substantially achieved; or
(B) no longer exists; or
(C) has been adequately provided for in another way; or
(D) is uncertain, can not be identified, or is insufficiently defined; or
(E) becomes impossible, impractical or inexpedient to carry out; or
(ii) the property is inadequate for the donor’s purpose.
(i) the donor’s purpose— (A) has been wholly or substantially achieved; or (B) no longer exists; or (C) has been adequately provided for in another way; or (D) is uncertain, can not be identified, or is insufficiently defined; or (E) becomes impossible, impractical or inexpedient to carry out; or
(A) has been wholly or substantially achieved; or
(B) no longer exists; or
(C) has been adequately provided for in another way; or
(D) is uncertain, can not be identified, or is insufficiently defined; or
(E) becomes impossible, impractical or inexpedient to carry out; or
(ii) the property is inadequate for the donor’s purpose.
(A) has been wholly or substantially achieved; or
(B) no longer exists; or
(C) has been adequately provided for in another way; or
(D) is uncertain, can not be identified, or is insufficiently defined; or
(E) becomes impossible, impractical or inexpedient to carry out; or
sec.42
Selection of designated purpose
sec.42 Selection of designated purpose
In selecting the designated purpose, the council must prefer a purpose that—
is as nearly similar as practicable to the donor’s purpose; and
can practically and conveniently be achieved.
However, the scheme is not invalid merely because another designated purpose may have been more properly selected under subsection (1) .
(sec.42-ssec.1) In selecting the designated purpose, the council must prefer a purpose that— is as nearly similar as practicable to the donor’s purpose; and can practically and conveniently be achieved.
(sec.42-ssec.2) However, the scheme is not invalid merely because another designated purpose may have been more properly selected under subsection (1) .
(a) is as nearly similar as practicable to the donor’s purpose; and
(b) can practically and conveniently be achieved.
sec.43
Property to be held for designated purpose
sec.43 Property to be held for designated purpose
Property to which the scheme applies is to be held by the university for the property’s designated purpose instead of the donor’s purpose.
sec.44
Certain persons to be given notice of scheme
sec.44 Certain persons to be given notice of scheme
If the scheme applies to land, the university must, as soon as practicable after the scheme is set up, give a copy of the scheme to the registrar of titles.
sec.45
Amendment of scheme
sec.45 Amendment of scheme
The council may amend the scheme.
Sections 41 to 44 apply to the amendment of a scheme as if a reference to the donor’s purpose is a reference to the designated purpose of the scheme that is to be amended.
(sec.45-ssec.1) The council may amend the scheme.
(sec.45-ssec.2) Sections 41 to 44 apply to the amendment of a scheme as if a reference to the donor’s purpose is a reference to the designated purpose of the scheme that is to be amended.
sec.46
University’s powers under other laws not limited
sec.46 University’s powers under other laws not limited
This division does not limit the university’s powers and rights under any other law about property held on trust by the university.
sec.47
University may carry out conditions of gift etc.
sec.47 University may carry out conditions of gift etc.
The university may agree to and carry out any conditions of a gift, grant, bequest or devise of property to the university.
pt.5-div.2
Dealing with State land by council
Dealing with State land by council
sec.48
Application of Land Act 1994
sec.48 Application of Land Act 1994
State land is held and may be disposed of under the Land Act 1994 .
However, the university may grant an interest in State land only by way of lease.
Despite the Land Act 1994 , a trustee lease or sublease for land under that Act that is subject to an operational reserve or operational deed of grant in trust may be for up to 100 years.
Subsection (5) applies if the purpose for which a reserve was dedicated or for which land was granted in trust under the Land Act 1994 includes a reference to—
‘educational institution’; or
‘technical college’.
The purpose is taken to include anything that is consistent with the university’s functions under section 5 .
Subsections (4) and (5) apply whether the reserve was dedicated or the land was granted in trust before or after the commencement of this section.
In this section—
operational deed of grant in trust see the Land Act 1994 , schedule 6 .
operational reserve see the Land Act 1994 , schedule 6 .
s 48 amd 2011 No. 39 s 36 ; 2024 No. 12 s 131 s ch 1 pt 1
(sec.48-ssec.1) State land is held and may be disposed of under the Land Act 1994 .
(sec.48-ssec.2) However, the university may grant an interest in State land only by way of lease.
(sec.48-ssec.3) Despite the Land Act 1994 , a trustee lease or sublease for land under that Act that is subject to an operational reserve or operational deed of grant in trust may be for up to 100 years.
(sec.48-ssec.4) Subsection (5) applies if the purpose for which a reserve was dedicated or for which land was granted in trust under the Land Act 1994 includes a reference to— ‘educational institution’; or ‘technical college’.
(sec.48-ssec.5) The purpose is taken to include anything that is consistent with the university’s functions under section 5 .
(sec.48-ssec.6) Subsections (4) and (5) apply whether the reserve was dedicated or the land was granted in trust before or after the commencement of this section.
(sec.48-ssec.7) In this section— operational deed of grant in trust see the Land Act 1994 , schedule 6 . operational reserve see the Land Act 1994 , schedule 6 .
(a) ‘educational institution’; or
(b) ‘technical college’.
pt.5-div.3
Finance
Finance
sec.49
University is statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009
sec.49 University is statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009
To remove any doubt, it is declared that the university is a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 .
s 49 amd 2009 No. 9 s 136 sch 1
sec.50
University is statutory body under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982
sec.50 University is statutory body under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982
Under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , the university is a statutory body.
The Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 2B sets out the way in which the university’s powers under this Act are affected by the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
(sec.50-ssec.1) Under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , the university is a statutory body.
(sec.50-ssec.2) The Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 2B sets out the way in which the university’s powers under this Act are affected by the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
sec.51
Trust funds
sec.51 Trust funds
The university may establish or administer trust funds.
sec.52
Investment common fund
sec.52 Investment common fund
The university may establish an investment common fund for the collective investment of trust funds or other amounts held by it.
The university may add amounts to or withdraw amounts from the investment common fund, without incurring any liability for breach of trust.
The university must periodically distribute the income of the investment common fund among each of the funds forming the investment common fund (a component fund ) having regard to the share of each component fund in the investment common fund.
Despite subsection (3) , if a component fund consists of an amount received for use for a stated purpose and the amount can not or will not be used for the purpose immediately, income attributable to the share of the amount in the investment common fund may be paid into the general funds of the university if the income is not needed immediately for the stated purpose.
Also, despite subsection (3) , the university may—
add a part of the income of the investment common fund to the fund’s capital; or
use a part of the income to establish or augment another fund to make provision against capital depreciation or reduction of income.
(sec.52-ssec.1) The university may establish an investment common fund for the collective investment of trust funds or other amounts held by it.
(sec.52-ssec.2) The university may add amounts to or withdraw amounts from the investment common fund, without incurring any liability for breach of trust.
(sec.52-ssec.3) The university must periodically distribute the income of the investment common fund among each of the funds forming the investment common fund (a component fund ) having regard to the share of each component fund in the investment common fund.
(sec.52-ssec.4) Despite subsection (3) , if a component fund consists of an amount received for use for a stated purpose and the amount can not or will not be used for the purpose immediately, income attributable to the share of the amount in the investment common fund may be paid into the general funds of the university if the income is not needed immediately for the stated purpose.
(sec.52-ssec.5) Also, despite subsection (3) , the university may— add a part of the income of the investment common fund to the fund’s capital; or use a part of the income to establish or augment another fund to make provision against capital depreciation or reduction of income.
(a) add a part of the income of the investment common fund to the fund’s capital; or
(b) use a part of the income to establish or augment another fund to make provision against capital depreciation or reduction of income.
sec.53
Application of revenue
sec.53 Application of revenue
Subject to the terms of a relevant trust, amounts received by the university from any source are to be applied solely to university purposes.
To remove any doubt, each of the following purposes is a university purpose—
enabling a student or staff member, or former student or staff member, of the university to undertake study or research at the university or elsewhere;
the advancement of learning generally;
helping a body affiliated or associated with the university.
(sec.53-ssec.1) Subject to the terms of a relevant trust, amounts received by the university from any source are to be applied solely to university purposes.
(sec.53-ssec.2) To remove any doubt, each of the following purposes is a university purpose— enabling a student or staff member, or former student or staff member, of the university to undertake study or research at the university or elsewhere; the advancement of learning generally; helping a body affiliated or associated with the university.
(a) enabling a student or staff member, or former student or staff member, of the university to undertake study or research at the university or elsewhere;
(b) the advancement of learning generally;
(c) helping a body affiliated or associated with the university.
sec.54
Financial review
sec.54 Financial review
The council must, in each year, adopt a budget for the university for the next year.
In framing the budget the council need not take account of amounts mentioned in subsection (4) .
The council must control its spending as nearly as possible within the limits of the approved budget.
The council must undertake an annual review of—
amounts available, or expected to be available, to the university by way of bequest, donation or special grant; and
the spending of the amounts.
(sec.54-ssec.1) The council must, in each year, adopt a budget for the university for the next year.
(sec.54-ssec.2) In framing the budget the council need not take account of amounts mentioned in subsection (4) .
(sec.54-ssec.3) The council must control its spending as nearly as possible within the limits of the approved budget.
(sec.54-ssec.4) The council must undertake an annual review of— amounts available, or expected to be available, to the university by way of bequest, donation or special grant; and the spending of the amounts.
(a) amounts available, or expected to be available, to the university by way of bequest, donation or special grant; and
(b) the spending of the amounts.
sec.55
University’s financial year
sec.55 University’s financial year
The university’s financial year is a calendar year.
pt.6
sec.56
Section sec.56
s 56 amd 2005 No. 18 s 87 ; 2017 No. 36 s 59
om 2017 No. 36 s 126
sec.57
Section sec.57
s 57 om 2017 No. 36 s 126
sec.58
Section sec.58
s 58 om 2017 No. 36 s 126
sec.59
Section sec.59
s 59 om 2017 No. 36 s 126
pt.7
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
sec.60
Forming and taking part in corporations
sec.60 Forming and taking part in corporations
The university may be a member of, form, take part in forming or manage a corporation whose objects include any of the following—
making available facilities for study, research or education;
providing teaching, research, development, consultancy or other services for public or private entities;
helping or engaging in the development or promotion of the university’s research or the application or use of the results of the research;
preparing, publishing, distributing or licensing the use of literary or artistic work, audio or audiovisual material or computer software;
exploiting commercially a facility or resource of the university, including, for example, study, research or knowledge, or the practical application of study, research or knowledge, developed by or belonging to the university, whether alone or with someone else;
seeking or encouraging gifts to the university or for the university’s purposes;
another object, consistent with this Act, that the council considers is appropriate in the circumstances.
The university, or a corporation managed by the university or of which the university is a member, may enter into an agreement or arrangement with a corporation whose objects include an object mentioned in subsection (1) for achieving the object.
This section applies despite the Corporations Act .
s 60 amd 2001 No. 45 s 29 sch s 2 – 3 ; 2005 No. 18 s 88
(sec.60-ssec.1) The university may be a member of, form, take part in forming or manage a corporation whose objects include any of the following— making available facilities for study, research or education; providing teaching, research, development, consultancy or other services for public or private entities; helping or engaging in the development or promotion of the university’s research or the application or use of the results of the research; preparing, publishing, distributing or licensing the use of literary or artistic work, audio or audiovisual material or computer software; exploiting commercially a facility or resource of the university, including, for example, study, research or knowledge, or the practical application of study, research or knowledge, developed by or belonging to the university, whether alone or with someone else; seeking or encouraging gifts to the university or for the university’s purposes; another object, consistent with this Act, that the council considers is appropriate in the circumstances.
(sec.60-ssec.2) The university, or a corporation managed by the university or of which the university is a member, may enter into an agreement or arrangement with a corporation whose objects include an object mentioned in subsection (1) for achieving the object.
(sec.60-ssec.3) This section applies despite the Corporations Act .
(a) making available facilities for study, research or education;
(b) providing teaching, research, development, consultancy or other services for public or private entities;
(c) helping or engaging in the development or promotion of the university’s research or the application or use of the results of the research;
(d) preparing, publishing, distributing or licensing the use of literary or artistic work, audio or audiovisual material or computer software;
(e) exploiting commercially a facility or resource of the university, including, for example, study, research or knowledge, or the practical application of study, research or knowledge, developed by or belonging to the university, whether alone or with someone else;
(f) seeking or encouraging gifts to the university or for the university’s purposes;
(g) another object, consistent with this Act, that the council considers is appropriate in the circumstances.
sec.61
Use of facilities and staff
sec.61 Use of facilities and staff
The university may enter into a contract or other arrangement with an entity for the use of the university’s facilities and the provision of services by the university’s staff.
sec.61A
Protection from liability
sec.61A Protection from liability
A member is not civilly liable to someone for an act done, or omission made, honestly and without negligence under this Act.
If subsection (1) prevents a civil liability attaching to a member, the liability attaches instead to the university.
s 61A ins 2005 No. 18 s 89
(sec.61A-ssec.1) A member is not civilly liable to someone for an act done, or omission made, honestly and without negligence under this Act.
(sec.61A-ssec.2) If subsection (1) prevents a civil liability attaching to a member, the liability attaches instead to the university.
sec.61B
Report about person’s criminal history
sec.61B Report about person’s criminal history
To decide whether to recommend to the Governor in Council a person for appointment under section 14 (2) as an appointed member, the Minister may ask the commissioner of the police service for—
a written report about the person’s criminal history; and
a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
To decide whether a person is eligible to be the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson, or an elected or additional member, the council may ask the commissioner of the police service for—
a written report about the person’s criminal history; and
a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
The commissioner of the police service must comply with a request under subsection (1) or (2) .
However, the Minister or council may make a request about a person under subsection (1) or (2) only if the person has given the Minister or council written consent for the request.
The duty imposed on the commissioner of the police service to comply with the request applies only to information in the commissioner’s possession or to which the commissioner has access.
The Minister or council must ensure that a report given to the Minister or council under this section is destroyed as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was requested.
In this section—
criminal history , of a person, means the person’s criminal history as defined under the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986 , other than spent convictions.
s 61B ins 2005 No. 18 s 89
(sec.61B-ssec.1) To decide whether to recommend to the Governor in Council a person for appointment under section 14 (2) as an appointed member, the Minister may ask the commissioner of the police service for— a written report about the person’s criminal history; and a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
(sec.61B-ssec.2) To decide whether a person is eligible to be the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson, or an elected or additional member, the council may ask the commissioner of the police service for— a written report about the person’s criminal history; and a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
(sec.61B-ssec.3) The commissioner of the police service must comply with a request under subsection (1) or (2) .
(sec.61B-ssec.4) However, the Minister or council may make a request about a person under subsection (1) or (2) only if the person has given the Minister or council written consent for the request.
(sec.61B-ssec.5) The duty imposed on the commissioner of the police service to comply with the request applies only to information in the commissioner’s possession or to which the commissioner has access.
(sec.61B-ssec.6) The Minister or council must ensure that a report given to the Minister or council under this section is destroyed as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was requested.
(sec.61B-ssec.7) In this section— criminal history , of a person, means the person’s criminal history as defined under the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986 , other than spent convictions.
(a) a written report about the person’s criminal history; and
(b) a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
(a) a written report about the person’s criminal history; and
(b) a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
sec.61C
Delegation by Minister
sec.61C Delegation by Minister
The Minister may delegate the Minister’s power under section 61B (1) to an appropriately qualified officer of the department.
s 61C ins 2005 No. 18 s 89
sec.61D
Requirement to disclose particular matters
sec.61D Requirement to disclose particular matters
This section applies if a person who is a member—
is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
is convicted of an indictable offence mentioned in section 24 (1) (i) or 39B (1) (b) .
The person must, unless the person has a reasonable excuse, immediately give notice of the disqualification or conviction to—
if the person is the chancellor when disqualified or convicted—the vice-chancellor; or
if the person is an appointed member when disqualified or convicted—the Minister; or
otherwise—the chancellor.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The notice must include the following information—
if the notice is of the person’s disqualification—
the existence of the disqualification; and
when the disqualification took effect; and
sufficient details to identify the grounds for the disqualification;
if the notice is of the person’s conviction—
the existence of the conviction; and
when the offence was committed; and
sufficient details to identify the offence; and
the sentence imposed on the person.
The Minister, chancellor or vice-chancellor must ensure a notice given to the Minister, chancellor or vice-chancellor under this section is destroyed as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purposes of this Act.
s 61D ins 2017 No. 36 s 60
amd 2017 No. 36 s 165 s ch 1 pt 2
(sec.61D-ssec.1) This section applies if a person who is a member— is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or is convicted of an indictable offence mentioned in section 24 (1) (i) or 39B (1) (b) .
(sec.61D-ssec.2) The person must, unless the person has a reasonable excuse, immediately give notice of the disqualification or conviction to— if the person is the chancellor when disqualified or convicted—the vice-chancellor; or if the person is an appointed member when disqualified or convicted—the Minister; or otherwise—the chancellor. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.61D-ssec.3) The notice must include the following information— if the notice is of the person’s disqualification— the existence of the disqualification; and when the disqualification took effect; and sufficient details to identify the grounds for the disqualification; if the notice is of the person’s conviction— the existence of the conviction; and when the offence was committed; and sufficient details to identify the offence; and the sentence imposed on the person.
(sec.61D-ssec.4) The Minister, chancellor or vice-chancellor must ensure a notice given to the Minister, chancellor or vice-chancellor under this section is destroyed as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purposes of this Act.
(a) is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
(b) is convicted of an indictable offence mentioned in section 24 (1) (i) or 39B (1) (b) .
(a) if the person is the chancellor when disqualified or convicted—the vice-chancellor; or
(b) if the person is an appointed member when disqualified or convicted—the Minister; or
(c) otherwise—the chancellor.
(a) if the notice is of the person’s disqualification— (i) the existence of the disqualification; and (ii) when the disqualification took effect; and (iii) sufficient details to identify the grounds for the disqualification;
(i) the existence of the disqualification; and
(ii) when the disqualification took effect; and
(iii) sufficient details to identify the grounds for the disqualification;
(b) if the notice is of the person’s conviction— (i) the existence of the conviction; and (ii) when the offence was committed; and (iii) sufficient details to identify the offence; and (iv) the sentence imposed on the person.
(i) the existence of the conviction; and
(ii) when the offence was committed; and
(iii) sufficient details to identify the offence; and
(iv) the sentence imposed on the person.
(i) the existence of the disqualification; and
(ii) when the disqualification took effect; and
(iii) sufficient details to identify the grounds for the disqualification;
(i) the existence of the conviction; and
(ii) when the offence was committed; and
(iii) sufficient details to identify the offence; and
(iv) the sentence imposed on the person.
sec.61E
Restrictions on disclosing protected information
sec.61E Restrictions on disclosing protected information
This section applies to a person who possesses protected information because the person is or was—
the Minister; or
a member; or
a person involved in the administration of this Act, including, for example, as a public service employee; or
a person helping the Minister, the council or a member to perform a function under this Act, including by providing administrative or other support.
The person must not, directly or indirectly, disclose the protected information to another person unless the disclosure is permitted under subsection (3) or (4) .
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The person may disclose the protected information to another person—
to the extent necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act; or
if the disclosure is authorised under an Act; or
if the disclosure is otherwise required or permitted by law; or
if the person to whom the information relates consents to the disclosure; or
if the disclosure is in a form that does not identify the person to whom the information relates; or
if the information is, or has been, lawfully accessible to the public.
Also, without limiting subsection (3) , the Minister, chancellor or vice-chancellor may disclose the protected information to any of the following to the extent necessary for the proper performance of the council’s functions—
the council;
a committee of the council;
a member;
another person.
In this section—
function includes power.
perform , a function, includes exercise a power.
protected information means—
a report, or information contained in a report, given under section 61B ; or
a notice, or information contained in a notice, given under section 61D .
s 61E ins 2017 No. 36 s 60
(sec.61E-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who possesses protected information because the person is or was— the Minister; or a member; or a person involved in the administration of this Act, including, for example, as a public service employee; or a person helping the Minister, the council or a member to perform a function under this Act, including by providing administrative or other support.
(sec.61E-ssec.2) The person must not, directly or indirectly, disclose the protected information to another person unless the disclosure is permitted under subsection (3) or (4) . Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.61E-ssec.3) The person may disclose the protected information to another person— to the extent necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act; or if the disclosure is authorised under an Act; or if the disclosure is otherwise required or permitted by law; or if the person to whom the information relates consents to the disclosure; or if the disclosure is in a form that does not identify the person to whom the information relates; or if the information is, or has been, lawfully accessible to the public.
(sec.61E-ssec.4) Also, without limiting subsection (3) , the Minister, chancellor or vice-chancellor may disclose the protected information to any of the following to the extent necessary for the proper performance of the council’s functions— the council; a committee of the council; a member; another person.
(sec.61E-ssec.5) In this section— function includes power. perform , a function, includes exercise a power. protected information means— a report, or information contained in a report, given under section 61B ; or a notice, or information contained in a notice, given under section 61D .
(a) the Minister; or
(b) a member; or
(c) a person involved in the administration of this Act, including, for example, as a public service employee; or
(d) a person helping the Minister, the council or a member to perform a function under this Act, including by providing administrative or other support.
(a) to the extent necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act; or
(b) if the disclosure is authorised under an Act; or
(c) if the disclosure is otherwise required or permitted by law; or
(d) if the person to whom the information relates consents to the disclosure; or
(e) if the disclosure is in a form that does not identify the person to whom the information relates; or
(f) if the information is, or has been, lawfully accessible to the public.
(a) the council;
(b) a committee of the council;
(c) a member;
(d) another person.
(a) a report, or information contained in a report, given under section 61B ; or
(b) a notice, or information contained in a notice, given under section 61D .
sec.62
Control of traffic and conduct on university land
sec.62 Control of traffic and conduct on university land
Schedule 1 has effect.
sec.63
Regulation-making power
sec.63 Regulation-making power
The Governor in Council may make regulations under this Act.
sec.64
Repealed Act references
sec.64 Repealed Act references
In an Act or document, a reference to the Queensland University of Technology Act 1988 may, if the context permits, be taken to be a reference to this Act.
pt.8
Transitional provisions for the University Legislation Amendment Act 2005
Transitional provisions for the University Legislation Amendment Act 2005
pt.8-div.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.65
Definitions for pt 8
sec.65 Definitions for pt 8
In this part—
commencement means the commencement of the provision in which the term is used.
new additional members see section 68.
pre-amended Act means this Act as in force before the commencement of the University Legislation Amendment Act 2005 , part 5 .
s 65 prev s 65 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 65 ins 2005 No. 18 s 90
pt.8-div.2
Provisions about council membership
Provisions about council membership
sec.66
Appointed members
sec.66 Appointed members
This section applies to a person who was an appointed member immediately before the commencement.
The person is taken to have been appointed as an appointed member for a term of 4 years, unless the person was appointed to fill a casual vacancy in the office of an appointed member.
If the person was appointed to fill a casual vacancy in the office of an appointed member, the term of office of the person’s predecessor is taken to be 4 years.
Subsections (2) and (3) apply despite section 18 of the pre-amended Act.
s 66 prev s 66 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 66 ins 2005 No. 18 s 90
(sec.66-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who was an appointed member immediately before the commencement.
(sec.66-ssec.2) The person is taken to have been appointed as an appointed member for a term of 4 years, unless the person was appointed to fill a casual vacancy in the office of an appointed member.
(sec.66-ssec.3) If the person was appointed to fill a casual vacancy in the office of an appointed member, the term of office of the person’s predecessor is taken to be 4 years.
(sec.66-ssec.4) Subsections (2) and (3) apply despite section 18 of the pre-amended Act.
sec.67
Elected members
sec.67 Elected members
A person who, immediately before the commencement, was an elected member mentioned in section 15(2)(b) of the pre-amended Act is taken to be an elected member mentioned in section 15(2)(b) of this Act as in force after the commencement.
A person who, immediately before the commencement, was an elected member appointed under section 15 of the pre-amended Act is taken to have been elected under that section.
s 67 prev s 67 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 67 ins 2005 No. 18 s 90
(sec.67-ssec.1) A person who, immediately before the commencement, was an elected member mentioned in section 15(2)(b) of the pre-amended Act is taken to be an elected member mentioned in section 15(2)(b) of this Act as in force after the commencement.
(sec.67-ssec.2) A person who, immediately before the commencement, was an elected member appointed under section 15 of the pre-amended Act is taken to have been elected under that section.
sec.68
Appointment of new additional members
sec.68 Appointment of new additional members
The council must, within 1 year after the commencement, appoint 2 persons as additional members (the new additional members ) under section 16.
s 68 prev s 68 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 68 ins 2005 No. 18 s 90
sec.69
Continuation, and term of office, of additional members
sec.69 Continuation, and term of office, of additional members
A person who was an additional member immediately before the commencement continues as an additional member until—
the person’s term of office ends under subsection (2); or
the person’s office sooner becomes vacant.
Despite section 20, the person’s term of office ends when the new additional members’ terms of office start.
s 69 prev s 69 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 69 ins 2005 No. 18 s 90
(sec.69-ssec.1) A person who was an additional member immediately before the commencement continues as an additional member until— the person’s term of office ends under subsection (2); or the person’s office sooner becomes vacant.
(sec.69-ssec.2) Despite section 20, the person’s term of office ends when the new additional members’ terms of office start.
(a) the person’s term of office ends under subsection (2); or
(b) the person’s office sooner becomes vacant.
sec.70
Council need not include additional members
sec.70 Council need not include additional members
Despite section 12, the council need not include additional members before the new additional members’ terms of office start.
s 70 prev s 70 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 70 ins 2005 No. 18 s 90
pt.9
Transitional provisions for University Legislation Amendment Act 2017
Transitional provisions for University Legislation Amendment Act 2017
sec.71
Definition for part
sec.71 Definition for part
In this part—
previous , for a provision of this Act, means the provision as in force from time to time before the commencement.
s 71 prev s 71 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 71 ins 2017 No. 36 s 127
sec.72
Particular references to council election
sec.72 Particular references to council election
A reference in the following provisions to a council election includes a reference to a ballot under previous section 15(3)—
section 20A(2) and (3)(a);
schedule 2, definition elected member .
s 72 prev s 72 exp 20 November 1998 (see s 72(5))
pres s 72 ins 2017 No. 36 s 127
(a) section 20A(2) and (3)(a);
(b) schedule 2, definition elected member .
sec.73
Repeal of university statutes
sec.73 Repeal of university statutes
This section applies to a university statute made under previous section 56 that was in force immediately before the commencement.
To remove any doubt, it is declared that, on the commencement, the university statute is repealed.
s 73 prev s 73 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 73 ins 2017 No. 36 s 127
(sec.73-ssec.1) This section applies to a university statute made under previous section 56 that was in force immediately before the commencement.
(sec.73-ssec.2) To remove any doubt, it is declared that, on the commencement, the university statute is repealed.
pt.10
Transitional provisions for Queensland University of Technology Amendment Act 2021
Transitional provisions for Queensland University of Technology Amendment Act 2021
sec.74
Definitions for part
sec.74 Definitions for part
In this part—
former , for a provision of this Act, means the provision as in force from time to time before the commencement.
nominated person , in relation to the drawing of a lot under this part, means an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff nominated in writing by the council to draw the lot.
s 74 prev s 74 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 74 ins 2021 No. 22 s 12
sec.75
Continuation of appointed members
sec.75 Continuation of appointed members
This section applies to a person who was an appointed member immediately before the commencement.
Despite section 14, the person continues as an appointed member until the earlier of the following—
the person is removed from office under section 76;
the person’s office becomes vacant.
s 75 prev s 75 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 75 ins 2021 No. 22 s 12
(sec.75-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who was an appointed member immediately before the commencement.
(sec.75-ssec.2) Despite section 14, the person continues as an appointed member until the earlier of the following— the person is removed from office under section 76; the person’s office becomes vacant.
(a) the person is removed from office under section 76;
(b) the person’s office becomes vacant.
sec.76
Minister may remove existing appointed members
sec.76 Minister may remove existing appointed members
The Minister may, as soon as practicable after the commencement, remove an existing appointed member from office as an appointed member by notice given to the member.
In deciding whether to remove an existing appointed member from office, the Minister may have regard to the desirability of appointed members having a range of knowledge, experience or skills relevant to the functions of the council.
If the Minister decides to remove an existing appointed member from office by notice given under subsection (1), the removal takes effect on the day stated in the notice, which must not be earlier than the day the notice is given to the member.
In this section—
existing appointed member means a person who was an appointed member immediately before the commencement.
s 76 prev s 76 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 76 ins 2021 No. 22 s 12
(sec.76-ssec.1) The Minister may, as soon as practicable after the commencement, remove an existing appointed member from office as an appointed member by notice given to the member.
(sec.76-ssec.2) In deciding whether to remove an existing appointed member from office, the Minister may have regard to the desirability of appointed members having a range of knowledge, experience or skills relevant to the functions of the council.
(sec.76-ssec.3) If the Minister decides to remove an existing appointed member from office by notice given under subsection (1), the removal takes effect on the day stated in the notice, which must not be earlier than the day the notice is given to the member.
(sec.76-ssec.4) In this section— existing appointed member means a person who was an appointed member immediately before the commencement.
sec.77
Term of office ends—particular academic staff member
sec.77 Term of office ends—particular academic staff member
This section applies if, immediately before the commencement, there are 3 elected members of a class mentioned in former section 15(2)(a) (each an academic staff member ).
On the commencement, the term of office of 1 academic staff member ends as follows—
if the members were elected at the same council election and 1 member received the fewest votes of the academic staff members elected at the election—the term of office of the academic staff member who received the fewest votes ends;
if the members were elected at the same council election and 2 members received an equal number of votes at the election, being fewer than the votes received by the academic staff member who received the most votes—the term of office of the academic staff member decided by lot drawn by the nominated person ends;
otherwise—the term of office of the academic staff member decided by lot drawn by the nominated person ends.
If a lot is drawn between academic staff members under subsection (2)(b) or (c), the council must give the members notice of the outcome of the lot.
s 77 prev s 77 exp 20 November 1999 (see s 77)
pres s 77 ins 2021 No. 22 s 12
(sec.77-ssec.1) This section applies if, immediately before the commencement, there are 3 elected members of a class mentioned in former section 15(2)(a) (each an academic staff member ).
(sec.77-ssec.2) On the commencement, the term of office of 1 academic staff member ends as follows— if the members were elected at the same council election and 1 member received the fewest votes of the academic staff members elected at the election—the term of office of the academic staff member who received the fewest votes ends; if the members were elected at the same council election and 2 members received an equal number of votes at the election, being fewer than the votes received by the academic staff member who received the most votes—the term of office of the academic staff member decided by lot drawn by the nominated person ends; otherwise—the term of office of the academic staff member decided by lot drawn by the nominated person ends.
(sec.77-ssec.3) If a lot is drawn between academic staff members under subsection (2)(b) or (c), the council must give the members notice of the outcome of the lot.
(a) if the members were elected at the same council election and 1 member received the fewest votes of the academic staff members elected at the election—the term of office of the academic staff member who received the fewest votes ends;
(b) if the members were elected at the same council election and 2 members received an equal number of votes at the election, being fewer than the votes received by the academic staff member who received the most votes—the term of office of the academic staff member decided by lot drawn by the nominated person ends;
(c) otherwise—the term of office of the academic staff member decided by lot drawn by the nominated person ends.
sec.78
Term of office ends—particular professional staff member
sec.78 Term of office ends—particular professional staff member
This section applies if, immediately before the commencement, there were 2 elected members of a class mentioned in former section 15(2)(b) (each a professional staff member ).
On the commencement, the term of office of 1 professional staff member ends as follows—
if the members were elected at the same council election and 1 member received the fewest votes of the professional staff members elected at the election—the term of office of the professional staff member who received the fewest votes ends;
otherwise—the term of office of the professional staff member decided by lot drawn by the nominated person ends.
If a lot is drawn between professional staff members under subsection (2)(b), the council must give the members notice of the outcome of the lot.
s 78 ins 2021 No. 22 s 12
(sec.78-ssec.1) This section applies if, immediately before the commencement, there were 2 elected members of a class mentioned in former section 15(2)(b) (each a professional staff member ).
(sec.78-ssec.2) On the commencement, the term of office of 1 professional staff member ends as follows— if the members were elected at the same council election and 1 member received the fewest votes of the professional staff members elected at the election—the term of office of the professional staff member who received the fewest votes ends; otherwise—the term of office of the professional staff member decided by lot drawn by the nominated person ends.
(sec.78-ssec.3) If a lot is drawn between professional staff members under subsection (2)(b), the council must give the members notice of the outcome of the lot.
(a) if the members were elected at the same council election and 1 member received the fewest votes of the professional staff members elected at the election—the term of office of the professional staff member who received the fewest votes ends;
(b) otherwise—the term of office of the professional staff member decided by lot drawn by the nominated person ends.
sec.79
Continuation of elected members who are students
sec.79 Continuation of elected members who are students
This section applies to a person who was an elected member of a class mentioned in former section 15(2)(c) immediately before the commencement.
Despite new section 15(2), the person continues in office as an elected member of a class mentioned in former section 15(2)(c) for the remainder of the person’s term of office.
This Act as in force immediately before the commencement continues to apply in relation to the person and the person’s term of office as if the amending Act had not commenced.
To remove any doubt, it is declared that former section 20A continues to apply in relation to the person’s office as if the amending Act had not commenced.
In this section—
amending Act means the Queensland University of Technology Amendment Act 2021 .
new , for a provision of this Act, means the provision as in force from the commencement.
s 79 ins 2021 No. 22 s 12
(sec.79-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who was an elected member of a class mentioned in former section 15(2)(c) immediately before the commencement.
(sec.79-ssec.2) Despite new section 15(2), the person continues in office as an elected member of a class mentioned in former section 15(2)(c) for the remainder of the person’s term of office.
(sec.79-ssec.3) This Act as in force immediately before the commencement continues to apply in relation to the person and the person’s term of office as if the amending Act had not commenced.
(sec.79-ssec.4) To remove any doubt, it is declared that former section 20A continues to apply in relation to the person’s office as if the amending Act had not commenced.
(sec.79-ssec.5) In this section— amending Act means the Queensland University of Technology Amendment Act 2021 . new , for a provision of this Act, means the provision as in force from the commencement.
sec.80
Term of office ends—members elected as QUT Alumni
sec.80 Term of office ends—members elected as QUT Alumni
This section applies to a person who, immediately before the commencement, was an elected member of a class mentioned in former section 15(2)(d).
On the commencement, the person’s term of office as an elected member ends.
s 80 ins 2021 No. 22 s 12
(sec.80-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who, immediately before the commencement, was an elected member of a class mentioned in former section 15(2)(d).
(sec.80-ssec.2) On the commencement, the person’s term of office as an elected member ends.
sec.81
No compensation payable
sec.81 No compensation payable
No compensation is payable to a person whose term of office ends under this part.
s 81 ins 2021 No. 22 s 12
sec.82
Application of s 20A to particular persons whose term of office ends
sec.82 Application of s 20A to particular persons whose term of office ends
For section 20A(2)(b) and (c), a person whose term of office ends under section 77(2) or 78(2) is taken not to have been elected to the office.
s 82 ins 2021 No. 22 s 12
sch.1-pt.1
Authorised persons
Authorised persons
sch.1-sec.1
Appointment
sch.1-sec.1 Appointment
The vice-chancellor may, in writing, appoint a person who the vice-chancellor is satisfied has the necessary training, or knowledge and experience, to be an authorised person under this Act.
sch.1-sec.2
Limitation of authorised person’s powers
sch.1-sec.2 Limitation of authorised person’s powers
The powers of an authorised person may be limited—
under a condition of appointment; or
by notice of the vice-chancellor given to the authorised person.
Notice under subsection (1) (b) may be given orally, but must be confirmed in writing as soon as possible.
s 2 amd 2005 No. 18 s 165 sch
(sch.1-sec.2-ssec.1) The powers of an authorised person may be limited— under a condition of appointment; or by notice of the vice-chancellor given to the authorised person.
(sch.1-sec.2-ssec.2) Notice under subsection (1) (b) may be given orally, but must be confirmed in writing as soon as possible.
(a) under a condition of appointment; or
(b) by notice of the vice-chancellor given to the authorised person.
sch.1-sec.3
Terms of appointment
sch.1-sec.3 Terms of appointment
An authorised person holds office on the conditions stated in the instrument of appointment.
An authorised person—
if the appointment provides for a term of appointment—ceases to hold office as an authorised person at the end of the term; and
may resign by signed notice given to the vice-chancellor.
(sch.1-sec.3-ssec.1) An authorised person holds office on the conditions stated in the instrument of appointment.
(sch.1-sec.3-ssec.2) An authorised person— if the appointment provides for a term of appointment—ceases to hold office as an authorised person at the end of the term; and may resign by signed notice given to the vice-chancellor.
(a) if the appointment provides for a term of appointment—ceases to hold office as an authorised person at the end of the term; and
(b) may resign by signed notice given to the vice-chancellor.
sch.1-sec.4
Identity cards
sch.1-sec.4 Identity cards
The vice-chancellor must issue an identity card to each authorised person.
The identity card must—
contain a recent photograph of the authorised person; and
be in a form approved by the vice-chancellor; and
be signed by the authorised person.
A person who ceases to be an authorised person must, as soon as practicable, return the person’s identity card to the vice-chancellor, unless the person has a reasonable excuse for not returning it.
Maximum penalty for subsection (3) —10 penalty units.
(sch.1-sec.4-ssec.1) The vice-chancellor must issue an identity card to each authorised person.
(sch.1-sec.4-ssec.2) The identity card must— contain a recent photograph of the authorised person; and be in a form approved by the vice-chancellor; and be signed by the authorised person.
(sch.1-sec.4-ssec.3) A person who ceases to be an authorised person must, as soon as practicable, return the person’s identity card to the vice-chancellor, unless the person has a reasonable excuse for not returning it. Maximum penalty for subsection (3) —10 penalty units.
(a) contain a recent photograph of the authorised person; and
(b) be in a form approved by the vice-chancellor; and
(c) be signed by the authorised person.
sch.1-sec.5
Proof of authority
sch.1-sec.5 Proof of authority
An authorised person may exercise a power under this Act in relation to someone else only if the authorised person—
first produces his or her identity card for inspection by the other person; or
has his or her identity card displayed so that it is clearly visible.
If, for any reason, it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1) , the authorised person must produce the identity card for inspection by the person at the first reasonable opportunity.
If subsection (2) is relevant and is complied with by an authorised person, the exercise of a power in relation to someone else by the authorised person is not invalid merely because of subsection (1) .
(sch.1-sec.5-ssec.1) An authorised person may exercise a power under this Act in relation to someone else only if the authorised person— first produces his or her identity card for inspection by the other person; or has his or her identity card displayed so that it is clearly visible.
(sch.1-sec.5-ssec.2) If, for any reason, it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1) , the authorised person must produce the identity card for inspection by the person at the first reasonable opportunity.
(sch.1-sec.5-ssec.3) If subsection (2) is relevant and is complied with by an authorised person, the exercise of a power in relation to someone else by the authorised person is not invalid merely because of subsection (1) .
(a) first produces his or her identity card for inspection by the other person; or
(b) has his or her identity card displayed so that it is clearly visible.
sch.1-pt.2
Traffic control
Traffic control
sch.1-sec.6
Persons authorised to control traffic on university’s land
sch.1-sec.6 Persons authorised to control traffic on university’s land
An authorised person may control traffic on the university’s land and, for this purpose, may give directions to persons on the land.
A person must not fail to comply with a direction given under subsection (1) , unless the person has a reasonable excuse for not complying with it.
Maximum penalty for subsection (2) —10 penalty units.
(sch.1-sec.6-ssec.1) An authorised person may control traffic on the university’s land and, for this purpose, may give directions to persons on the land.
(sch.1-sec.6-ssec.2) A person must not fail to comply with a direction given under subsection (1) , unless the person has a reasonable excuse for not complying with it. Maximum penalty for subsection (2) —10 penalty units.
sch.1-sec.7
Regulatory notice
sch.1-sec.7 Regulatory notice
The university may erect or display at or near any vehicular entrance to the university’s land, a notice (a regulatory notice ) regulating the driving, parking or standing of vehicles on the land, including, for example—
fixing a maximum speed limit; or
indicating a pedestrian crossing; or
indicating a place where the driving, parking or standing of a vehicle is restricted or prohibited.
A person on the university’s land must comply with a regulatory notice, unless the person has a reasonable excuse for not complying with it.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
A regulatory notice—
must state the limits of the area to which the notice applies; and
may state that a contravention of a requirement of the notice is an offence against the Act and the penalty for the offence.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the university may erect and display regulatory notices in the form of official traffic signs.
Evidence that a regulatory notice was erected or displayed at a place mentioned in subsection (1) is evidence that the notice was erected or displayed by the university.
A regulatory notice erected or displayed under this section must be easily visible to passers-by.
(sch.1-sec.7-ssec.1) The university may erect or display at or near any vehicular entrance to the university’s land, a notice (a regulatory notice ) regulating the driving, parking or standing of vehicles on the land, including, for example— fixing a maximum speed limit; or indicating a pedestrian crossing; or indicating a place where the driving, parking or standing of a vehicle is restricted or prohibited.
(sch.1-sec.7-ssec.2) A person on the university’s land must comply with a regulatory notice, unless the person has a reasonable excuse for not complying with it. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sch.1-sec.7-ssec.3) A regulatory notice— must state the limits of the area to which the notice applies; and may state that a contravention of a requirement of the notice is an offence against the Act and the penalty for the offence.
(sch.1-sec.7-ssec.4) Without limiting subsection (1) , the university may erect and display regulatory notices in the form of official traffic signs.
(sch.1-sec.7-ssec.5) Evidence that a regulatory notice was erected or displayed at a place mentioned in subsection (1) is evidence that the notice was erected or displayed by the university.
(sch.1-sec.7-ssec.6) A regulatory notice erected or displayed under this section must be easily visible to passers-by.
(a) fixing a maximum speed limit; or
(b) indicating a pedestrian crossing; or
(c) indicating a place where the driving, parking or standing of a vehicle is restricted or prohibited.
(a) must state the limits of the area to which the notice applies; and
(b) may state that a contravention of a requirement of the notice is an offence against the Act and the penalty for the offence.
sch.1-sec.8
Information notices
sch.1-sec.8 Information notices
This section applies if a regulatory notice does not state that a contravention of a requirement of the notice is an offence against this Act and the penalty for the offence.
The university must erect or display at or near each vehicular entrance to the university’s land to which the regulatory notice relates, and other places the vice-chancellor considers appropriate, information notices stating that a contravention of a requirement of a regulatory notice is an offence and the penalty for the offence.
An information notice may contain any other information the vice-chancellor considers appropriate.
An information notice erected or displayed under this section must be easily visible to passers-by.
In this section—
regulatory notice does not include an official traffic sign.
(sch.1-sec.8-ssec.1) This section applies if a regulatory notice does not state that a contravention of a requirement of the notice is an offence against this Act and the penalty for the offence.
(sch.1-sec.8-ssec.2) The university must erect or display at or near each vehicular entrance to the university’s land to which the regulatory notice relates, and other places the vice-chancellor considers appropriate, information notices stating that a contravention of a requirement of a regulatory notice is an offence and the penalty for the offence.
(sch.1-sec.8-ssec.3) An information notice may contain any other information the vice-chancellor considers appropriate.
(sch.1-sec.8-ssec.4) An information notice erected or displayed under this section must be easily visible to passers-by.
(sch.1-sec.8-ssec.5) In this section— regulatory notice does not include an official traffic sign.
sch.1-sec.9
Removal and detention of illegally parked or abandoned vehicles
sch.1-sec.9 Removal and detention of illegally parked or abandoned vehicles
An authorised person may seize, remove and hold, a vehicle that the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds—
is parked in contravention of a regulatory notice; or
is abandoned.
The vehicle must be held at a safe place.
An authorised person may exercise the powers given under subsection (1) (a) only if—
the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that it is necessary or desirable to seize and remove the vehicle having regard to the safety and convenience of traffic on the university’s land; and
the authorised person—
can not immediately locate the driver of the vehicle; or
believes on reasonable grounds that the driver of the vehicle is not willing or able to remove the vehicle immediately.
As soon as is practicable and no later than 14 days after the vehicle is seized, the university must give to the owner of the vehicle a notice stating how the owner may recover the vehicle.
If the owner can not be ascertained or located within 14 days after the vehicle is seized, the notice may be given by publishing it in a newspaper circulating generally in the State.
If the vehicle was parked in contravention of a regulatory notice, the owner of the vehicle must pay to the university the amount demanded by it for the cost of seizing, removing, holding and returning the vehicle.
In this section—
vehicle includes a part of the vehicle and anything attached to, or contained in, the vehicle.
s 9 amd 2005 No. 18 s 165 sch
(sch.1-sec.9-ssec.1) An authorised person may seize, remove and hold, a vehicle that the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds— is parked in contravention of a regulatory notice; or is abandoned.
(sch.1-sec.9-ssec.2) The vehicle must be held at a safe place.
(sch.1-sec.9-ssec.3) An authorised person may exercise the powers given under subsection (1) (a) only if— the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that it is necessary or desirable to seize and remove the vehicle having regard to the safety and convenience of traffic on the university’s land; and the authorised person— can not immediately locate the driver of the vehicle; or believes on reasonable grounds that the driver of the vehicle is not willing or able to remove the vehicle immediately.
(sch.1-sec.9-ssec.4) As soon as is practicable and no later than 14 days after the vehicle is seized, the university must give to the owner of the vehicle a notice stating how the owner may recover the vehicle.
(sch.1-sec.9-ssec.5) If the owner can not be ascertained or located within 14 days after the vehicle is seized, the notice may be given by publishing it in a newspaper circulating generally in the State.
(sch.1-sec.9-ssec.6) If the vehicle was parked in contravention of a regulatory notice, the owner of the vehicle must pay to the university the amount demanded by it for the cost of seizing, removing, holding and returning the vehicle.
(sch.1-sec.9-ssec.7) In this section— vehicle includes a part of the vehicle and anything attached to, or contained in, the vehicle.
(a) is parked in contravention of a regulatory notice; or
(b) is abandoned.
(a) the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that it is necessary or desirable to seize and remove the vehicle having regard to the safety and convenience of traffic on the university’s land; and
(b) the authorised person— (i) can not immediately locate the driver of the vehicle; or (ii) believes on reasonable grounds that the driver of the vehicle is not willing or able to remove the vehicle immediately.
(i) can not immediately locate the driver of the vehicle; or
(ii) believes on reasonable grounds that the driver of the vehicle is not willing or able to remove the vehicle immediately.
(i) can not immediately locate the driver of the vehicle; or
(ii) believes on reasonable grounds that the driver of the vehicle is not willing or able to remove the vehicle immediately.
sch.1-sec.10
Disposal of unclaimed vehicles
sch.1-sec.10 Disposal of unclaimed vehicles
This section applies if the owner of a seized vehicle does not recover the vehicle within 2 months after notice is given to the owner under section 9 (4) or (5) .
After publishing a notice in a newspaper circulating generally in the State, the university may sell the vehicle by public auction.
The notice must—
identify the vehicle; and
state that the vehicle is to be sold by auction; and
state how the owner may recover the vehicle before the auction; and
state the time and place of the auction.
Compensation is not recoverable against the university for the sale of a vehicle under this section.
In this section—
vehicle includes a part of the vehicle and anything attached to, or contained in, the vehicle.
(sch.1-sec.10-ssec.1) This section applies if the owner of a seized vehicle does not recover the vehicle within 2 months after notice is given to the owner under section 9 (4) or (5) .
(sch.1-sec.10-ssec.2) After publishing a notice in a newspaper circulating generally in the State, the university may sell the vehicle by public auction.
(sch.1-sec.10-ssec.3) The notice must— identify the vehicle; and state that the vehicle is to be sold by auction; and state how the owner may recover the vehicle before the auction; and state the time and place of the auction.
(sch.1-sec.10-ssec.4) Compensation is not recoverable against the university for the sale of a vehicle under this section.
(sch.1-sec.10-ssec.5) In this section— vehicle includes a part of the vehicle and anything attached to, or contained in, the vehicle.
(a) identify the vehicle; and
(b) state that the vehicle is to be sold by auction; and
(c) state how the owner may recover the vehicle before the auction; and
(d) state the time and place of the auction.
sch.1-sec.11
Application of proceeds of sale
sch.1-sec.11 Application of proceeds of sale
The proceeds of the sale must be applied in the following order—
in payment of the reasonable expenses incurred in the sale;
in payment of the reasonable cost of seizing, removing and holding the vehicle;
if there is an amount owing to an entity under a security interest registered for the vehicle under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cwlth) —in payment of the amount owing under the security interest;
in payment of any balance to the owner.
Compensation is not recoverable against the university for a payment under this section.
s 11 amd 2010 No. 44 s 78
(sch.1-sec.11-ssec.1) The proceeds of the sale must be applied in the following order— in payment of the reasonable expenses incurred in the sale; in payment of the reasonable cost of seizing, removing and holding the vehicle; if there is an amount owing to an entity under a security interest registered for the vehicle under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cwlth) —in payment of the amount owing under the security interest; in payment of any balance to the owner.
(sch.1-sec.11-ssec.2) Compensation is not recoverable against the university for a payment under this section.
(a) in payment of the reasonable expenses incurred in the sale;
(b) in payment of the reasonable cost of seizing, removing and holding the vehicle;
(c) if there is an amount owing to an entity under a security interest registered for the vehicle under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cwlth) —in payment of the amount owing under the security interest;
(d) in payment of any balance to the owner.
sch.1-pt.3
Conduct on university land
Conduct on university land
sch.1-sec.12
Conduct causing a public nuisance
sch.1-sec.12 Conduct causing a public nuisance
A person must not be disorderly or create a disturbance on the university’s land.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
sch.1-sec.13
Power to deal with persons causing a public nuisance
sch.1-sec.13 Power to deal with persons causing a public nuisance
This section applies if an authorised person—
finds a person contravening section 12 ; or
finds a person in circumstances that leads the authorised person to suspect on reasonable grounds that the person has just contravened section 12 ; or
has information that leads the authorised person to suspect on reasonable grounds that a person has just contravened section 12 ; or
reasonably believes, having regard to the way a person is behaving, that the person’s presence may pose a threat to the safety of someone else on, entering or leaving the land; or
has information that leads the authorised person to believe, on reasonable grounds, that a person’s presence may pose a threat to the safety of someone else on, entering or leaving the land; or
reasonably believes that a person is on the land without lawful justification or excuse.
The authorised person may direct the person to leave the university’s land or a part of the university’s land.
A person must comply with a direction given to the person under subsection (2) , unless the person has a reasonable excuse for not complying with it.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sch.1-sec.13-ssec.1) This section applies if an authorised person— finds a person contravening section 12 ; or finds a person in circumstances that leads the authorised person to suspect on reasonable grounds that the person has just contravened section 12 ; or has information that leads the authorised person to suspect on reasonable grounds that a person has just contravened section 12 ; or reasonably believes, having regard to the way a person is behaving, that the person’s presence may pose a threat to the safety of someone else on, entering or leaving the land; or has information that leads the authorised person to believe, on reasonable grounds, that a person’s presence may pose a threat to the safety of someone else on, entering or leaving the land; or reasonably believes that a person is on the land without lawful justification or excuse.
(sch.1-sec.13-ssec.2) The authorised person may direct the person to leave the university’s land or a part of the university’s land.
(sch.1-sec.13-ssec.3) A person must comply with a direction given to the person under subsection (2) , unless the person has a reasonable excuse for not complying with it. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(a) finds a person contravening section 12 ; or
(b) finds a person in circumstances that leads the authorised person to suspect on reasonable grounds that the person has just contravened section 12 ; or
(c) has information that leads the authorised person to suspect on reasonable grounds that a person has just contravened section 12 ; or
(d) reasonably believes, having regard to the way a person is behaving, that the person’s presence may pose a threat to the safety of someone else on, entering or leaving the land; or
(e) has information that leads the authorised person to believe, on reasonable grounds, that a person’s presence may pose a threat to the safety of someone else on, entering or leaving the land; or
(f) reasonably believes that a person is on the land without lawful justification or excuse.
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Queensland University of Technology Act 1998 .
sec.2 Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
sec.3 Definitions
sec.3 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 2 defines particular words used in this Act.
pt.2 The university and its council
The university and its council
pt.2-div.1 University establishment and general functions and powers
University establishment and general functions and powers
sec.4 Establishment of university
sec.4 Establishment of university
The Queensland University of Technology is established.
The university—
is a body corporate; and
has a seal; and
may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(sec.4-ssec.1) The Queensland University of Technology is established.
(sec.4-ssec.2) The university— is a body corporate; and has a seal; and may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(a) is a body corporate; and
(b) has a seal; and
(c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
sec.5 Functions of university
sec.5 Functions of university
The university’s functions are—
to provide education at university standard; and
to provide facilities for, and encourage, study and research; and
to encourage the advancement and development of knowledge, and its application to government, industry, commerce and the community; and
to provide courses of study or instruction (at the levels of achievement the council considers appropriate) to meet the needs of the community; and
to confer higher education awards; and
to disseminate knowledge and promote scholarship; and
to provide facilities and resources for the wellbeing of the university’s staff, students and other persons undertaking courses at the university; and
to exploit commercially, for the university’s benefit, a facility or resource of the university, including, for example, study, research or knowledge, or the practical application of study, research or knowledge, belonging to the university, whether alone or with someone else; and
to perform other functions given to the university under this or another Act.
(a) to provide education at university standard; and
(b) to provide facilities for, and encourage, study and research; and
The Act creates offices of chancellor, deputy chancellor, vice-chancellor, and chairperson and provides appointment, term and removal rules for those offices, including special provisions for removal of the vice-chancellor and compensation entitlements (ss 30-32, 39B-39E). It makes the university a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (ss 49-50), and declares exclusions and applications in relation to the Corporations Act for particular connected bodies such as QUT Alumni and the student guild (s 39A). The schedule provides operational powers on university land, including appointment and ID requirements for authorised persons, traffic regulation, seizure and disposal of vehicles, and conduct offences with specified penalties (sch 1, particularly sch 1-pt 1 to pt 3). There are also detailed transitional provisions for amendments enacted in 2005, 2017 and 2021 (pt 8-10).
The official rationale for many provisions is implicit in the functions and structure provisions: to provide governance accountability, enable the university to operate commercially and manage property, and to ensure orderly participation by staff, students and alumni in council governance. Mechanically, the Act creates a mixed membership governing body with statutory powers and duties, gives the university corporate and commercial capacities, imposes member duties and disclosure obligations (including criminal-history checks with consent, s 61B, and mandatory disclosure of disqualification or relevant conviction, s 61D), and authorises campus-level regulatory powers including traffic control and removal of persons and vehicles (sch 1). The text explicitly declares the university a statutory body subject to public-sector financial controls (ss 49-50) and preserves specific carve-outs from Corporations Act provisions (s 39A).
The trade-offs embedded in the Act are visible in the text. The university’s ability to exploit research and form corporations (ss 5(h), 60) creates revenue and commercialisation options for the university, while the status as a statutory body (ss 49-50) places financial governance and public accountability constraints on how those activities are funded and guaranteed. Council composition combines elected representation with ministerial-appointed members and council-appointed additional members, creating a mix of internal and external accountability with multiple mechanisms for filling vacancies and for ministerial or council intervention (ss 14, 21, 26C, 76). The Act imposes compliance burdens for elections and disclosure (ss 26AA, 61B, 61D), and vests the council with removal powers that require substantial internal consensus (at least 10 members, s 26B), shifting the decision costs and political risk to the council. Implementation tasks required by the Act include running secure elections, maintaining and destroying sensitive criminal-history reports, administering trust schemes and pooled investments, managing State land leases within Land Act limits, and operating authorised-person programmes on university land.
Main concepts
The Act organises around a small set of persistent legal concepts that structure university governance, property, finance and campus conduct. Those concepts are:
University as a statutory corporation and its functions and powers. The Act creates the Queensland University of Technology as a body corporate with a seal that can sue and be sued (s 4). Its functions are broad and include education at university standard, research, dissemination of knowledge, conferral of awards, student and staff wellbeing, and commercial exploitation of university facilities and resources (s 5). The university has the incidental and express legal powers of an individual to contract, hold property, appoint agents, fix charges and exercise powers extra-territorially (s 6).
Council governance. The council is the statutory governing body and is charged with governing the university, managing affairs and finances, and appointing staff (ss 7-9). The council must promote the university’s interests (s 10). It may delegate many powers, but not making an election policy or adopting the annual budget (s 11).
Membership categories and representative mechanisms. Membership categories are official members, appointed members (Governor in Council), elected members (staff and students), and additional council-appointed members (ss 12-16). The Act defines numbers, eligibility, terms, casual vacancy processes (s 20A), and special provisions for failure to elect (s 21). It also prescribes minimum composition for a properly constituted council (8 or more members, s 17) and quorum rules (half the members, s 28).
Duties and conduct obligations of members. Members must ensure the council acts appropriately, effectively and efficiently and must act honestly and in the university’s best interests, exercise reasonable skill, disclose conflicts, and avoid improper use of position or information (s 26A). The council may remove a member for non-compliance where at least 10 members are satisfied of the non-compliance (s 26B). Similar provisions govern removal of chancellor, vice-chancellor and chairperson (ss 39C, 39D).
Election policy and electoral integrity. The council must make and publish an election policy that ensures ballot secrecy, single voting and eligibility checks, sets nomination and voting procedures, and provides for complaints resolution (ss 26AA-26AB, 26AC). The election policy is a statutory instrument affecting eligibility to stand and to vote where adopted.
Transparency and criminal-history checks. The Minister or council may request written criminal-history reports from the commissioner of the police service for persons being considered for appointment or office, but only with the person’s written consent; the commissioner must comply (s 61B). Members and officers must disclose disqualification under the Corporations Act or convictions for particular indictable offences and may face a penalty for failure to notify (s 61D). The Act requires secure handling and destruction of such reports and notices (ss 61B(6), 61D(4), 61E).
Financial governance, trusts and investments. The university may establish trust funds (s 51) and an investment common fund for pooled investment (s 52), with rules for income distribution and authorised uses. Revenues are to be applied solely to university purposes, with illustrative purposes specified (s 53). The council must adopt an annual budget and undertake an annual review of bequests and special grants (s 54). The university is a statutory body under public financial accountability regimes (ss 49-50).
Property and donor-scheme flexibility. Where property is held on terms for a donor’s purpose that has become impossible, inadequate or uncertain, the council may make a written scheme to use the property for a designated purpose that is as close as practicable to the donor’s intent (ss 41-45). The university must give copy of the scheme on request and notify title registrars where land is involved (ss 41, 44).
Commercial activity and Corporations Act interactions. The Act expressly permits the university to be a member of, form, or manage corporations whose objects include commercialisation of research and provision of services, and allows agreements with private corporations for those objects. In some respects the Act operates despite the Corporations Act (s 60). The Act also declares specific exclusions and applications of the Corporations Act to QUT Alumni and the student guild (s 39A).
Campus regulation powers. The schedule creates authorised-person powers for traffic control and to deal with disorderly conduct, removal of persons from university land, seizure and disposal of vehicles, and regulatory and information notices with specified penalties (sch 1). Authorised persons must be issued with identity cards and training; their powers may be limited; and failure to comply with directions and notices attracts monetary penalties (sch 1-pt 1 to pt 3).
These concepts interact. For example, the council’s commercial powers (ss 5(h), 60) sit alongside public-sector financial controls (ss 49-50) and the trust/investment rules (ss 51-53), creating a legal regime that permits revenue generation and pooled investments but within statutory financial accountability and trust obligations. Electoral provisions (ss 26AA-26AC) interface with member eligibility rules (ss 15, 23, 61B) and removal procedures (s 26B). The schedule’s campus powers create operational duties for the vice-chancellor and authorised persons (sch 1-sec 1-11), which must be exercised consistent with the Act’s duties and evidentiary safeguards.
Who it affects
The Act affects multiple groups with discrete legal positions and obligations.
The university organisation and its corporate actors. The university as a statutory corporation is directly governed by the Act (s 4). Its legal capacity to hold property, contract, form corporations and run commercial ventures is secured by express powers (ss 6, 60). The university is also subject to statutory public financial accountability regimes (ss 49-50), and to particular property rules when holding State land (s 48).
The council and its members. The Act creates the council as the university’s governing body and prescribes who may serve, how they are selected, their terms and how they may be removed (ss 7-26B, 30-31). Official members (chancellor, vice-chancellor, possibly chairperson), appointed members (3 appointed by Governor in Council, s 14), elected members (5 from staff and students, s 15), and additional members (4 appointed by council, at least 2 alumni, s 16) are all subject to eligibility, term and conduct rules (ss 12-20, 23-26A). Members must disclose conflicts and must notify specified disqualifications or convictions (s 61D). Members acting honestly and without negligence are protected from civil liability personally, with residual liability attaching to the university (s 61A).
Chancellor, deputy chancellor, vice-chancellor and chairperson. Office-holders have particular appointment and term rules (ss 30-32). Disqualification rules under the Corporations Act and for indictable convictions apply to those offices (s 39B). The council may remove these officers on grounds specified and with specified procedural requirements (ss 39C-39E). The vice-chancellor has chief executive powers including delegation authority (s 32) and is central to administrative compliance, such as issuing identity cards to authorised persons (sch 1-sec 4).
University staff and students. Staff and students are named as the constituencies for elected members (s 15). Students also form membership of the student guild (s 35). Staff are potential authorised persons (sch 1-sec 1). Staff involvement in governance is shaped by election policy requirements and eligibility rules (ss 26AA-26AC, 23).
Alumni and bodies connected to the university. QUT Alumni is established and its membership and functions are to be decided by the council (s 33). The student guild is a corporate body with a constitution that requires council approval and may be assigned roles by the council (ss 34-38). The Act declares specified Corporations Act exclusions in relation to QUT Alumni and the student guild (s 39A).
Minister and public sector agencies. The Minister has appointment and oversight roles: appointed members are appointed by the Governor in Council (s 14) on recommendation processes that include criminal-history checks by the commissioner of police on consent (s 61B), and the Minister may appoint members if insufficient persons are elected (s 21). The Minister may extend terms (s 26C). The university is captured by the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 frameworks, bringing departmental oversight through those Acts (ss 49-50).
Third parties and the public visiting university land. The schedule gives authorised persons powers to control traffic and direct persons to leave university land in specified circumstances; it authorises regulatory notices and seizure, detention and disposal of vehicles; and it makes disorderly conduct an offence on university land (sch 1-sec 6-13). Affected persons are therefore drivers, visitors, demonstrators and others on university land and must comply with regulatory notices (sch 1-sec 7-8) and directions from authorised persons (sch 1-sec 6, 13).
Donors and trustees. Donors whose gifts are held on trust may be affected by the council’s power to set a written scheme for a designated purpose where the donor’s purpose has been satisfied or becomes impractical (ss 41-45). The council must prefer a purpose similar to the donor’s and make the scheme available on request (ss 41-42).
Corporations and commercial partners. The university may form, own or manage corporations and enter into commercial agreements for exploitation of research or provision of services (s 60). Such entities should note the Act expressly permits those activities and that parts of the Corporations Act are declared excluded for specified connected bodies (s 39A).
Who pays and who decides. The university, via its council and executive, pays the operational and compliance costs of election administration, trust administration, pooled investment management, staff and authorised-person training, and publishing and destroying sensitive criminal-history material (ss 26AA, 41-45, 52, 61B, 61E). The council decides core governance choices: election policy content, appointment of additional members, approval of the student guild constitution, donor-scheme designation, and voting on removal of members where 10 members are required (ss 11, 16, 33, 38, 41, 26B). The Minister (and Governor in Council) decides on the appointment of the three appointed members and may act when elections fail to produce sufficient candidates (ss 14, 21); the Minister also has the limited power to extend terms (s 26C) and transitional removal power over existing appointed members (s 76). Administrative decisions are routinely delegated to the vice-chancellor and other authorised staff subject to the Act and council’s delegation rules (ss 11, 32; sch 1-sec 1-5).
Key duties and rights
The Act sets out duties for the council and individual members, procedural rights in elections and appointment, rights in relation to gifts and trust property, and rights and obligations attached to campus regulation. Key duties and rights follow directly from the text.
Council duties and powers
Governing function. The council is the university’s governing body and must act in a way that appears most likely to promote the university’s interests (ss 8, 10). It has broad powers to do anything necessary or convenient for its functions, including appointing staff and managing affairs, property and finances (s 9). The council must adopt an annual budget and control spending as nearly as possible within the approved budget (s 54).
Member duties and obligations
Statutory duties. Members must ensure the council performs its functions appropriately, effectively and efficiently, and in performing this function must act honestly and in the best interests of the university, exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence, disclose conflicts of interest to the council, and not misuse position or information to gain advantage (s 26A). These are mandatory obligations; non-compliance can lead to removal by the council where at least 10 members are satisfied of a breach (s 26B).
Civil liability protection. Members acting honestly and without negligence under the Act are not personally civilly liable; if personal liability is prevented, the liability instead attaches to the university (s 61A). This shifts civil risk to the corporation for authorised acts done in good faith.
Election and representation rights
Voting and candidacy. The council must make and publish an election policy; the policy must secure voting integrity, prevent multiple voting, ensure secret ballots, guard against improper influence, set nomination procedures and publish results, and provide complaints mechanisms (s 26AA). Elections for classes of elected members must be conducted under the policy (s 26AB). A person is eligible to vote only if they are an eligible person for that class and meet policy requirements (s 26AC).
Appointment, tenure and removal rights
Appointment and tenure. Appointed members are appointed by Governor in Council for terms not exceeding four years (s 14, s 18). Elected members have fixed terms depending on their class: academic and professional staff four years, undergraduate and postgraduate students two years (s 19). Additional members are appointed by the council for terms not exceeding four years and must not be students or staff; at least two must be alumni (s 16, s 20).
Removal. The council can remove elected, appointed or additional members for a breach of member duties or a conduct obligation where 10 members are satisfied; notice and reasons must be provided and the Minister must receive a copy for appointed members (s 26B). The council may also remove the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson under similar rules (s 39C). The Act includes specific protections and compensation treatment for the vice-chancellor where removed (s 39D).
Rights and obligations regarding criminal-history information and disclosure
Criminal-history checks. The Minister may request a police criminal-history report for potential appointed members and the council may request such a report for potential chancellor, vice-chancellor, chairperson or elected/additional members, but only with the person’s written consent; the commissioner must comply (s 61B). The requesting body must ensure destruction of the report once it is no longer needed (s 61B(6)).
Mandatory disclosure. A sitting member who is disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act or is convicted of an indictable offence specified in the Act must immediately notify the appropriate officer (s 61D). Failure to give notice attracts a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units (s 61D(2)). Notices must include detailed information about the disqualification or conviction and must be destroyed once no longer needed (s 61D(3)-(4)).
Privacy and protected information
Non-disclosure requirement. Protected information, defined as police reports under s 61B and notices under s 61D, may not be disclosed except to the extent necessary for functions under the Act, where authorised by law, with consent, in anonymised form or where already public. The Minister, chancellor or vice-chancellor may disclose protected information to council or committee members as necessary for proper performance of council functions (s 61E). Breach of s 61E carries a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units (s 61E(2)).
Trust and property management rights
Donor-scheme power. Where property is held for a donor’s purpose that has been achieved, no longer exists, is impractical, inadequate or uncertain, the council may establish a written scheme for a designated purpose that is as near as practicable to the donor’s purpose and practically achievable; the scheme must be provided on request and land schemes must be lodged with the registrar of titles (ss 41-44). The university retains other trustee powers under law (s 46).
Financial rights and obligations
Application of revenue. Subject to trust terms, university-received amounts must be applied solely to university purposes and the Act specifies illustrative purposes that are “university purposes” (s 53). The council must adopt a budget annually and may ignore certain amounts when framing the budget (s 54(2)). The university may pool trust funds into an investment common fund and distribute income periodically among component funds (s 52).
Campus regulation duties
Authorised persons and ID requirement. The vice-chancellor must appoint authorised persons and issue identity cards with photograph and signature; misuse of cards and failure to return them on ceasing office can attract penalties (sch 1-sec 1-5). Authorised persons may control traffic and give directions; failure to comply with directions is an offence with a 10 penalty unit maximum (sch 1-sec 6).
Vehicle seizure and disposal. Authorised persons may seize vehicles parked contrary to regulatory notices or abandoned (sch 1-sec 9). There are procedural requirements to notify owners, hold vehicles safely, recover costs and sell unclaimed vehicles after public notice, with priority application of sale proceeds specified (sch 1-sec 9-11).
Penalties and enforcement
Specific offences and penalties are set in the schedule. Examples include failure to return identity cards (10 penalty units, sch 1-sec 4), failure to comply with traffic directions or regulatory notices (10 penalty units, sch 1-sec 6-7), disorderly conduct on university land (20 penalty units, sch 1-sec 12), and disclosure or non-disclosure offences carrying up to 100 penalty units (ss 61D, 61E). The council must follow procedural steps (notice and reason) when removing members (s 26B).
Delegation and subdelegation rights
The council may delegate powers to appropriately qualified council members, committees or staff, except it cannot delegate making an election policy or adopting the annual budget (s 11). A delegation to the vice-chancellor may permit subdelegation to appropriately qualified staff (s 11(3)). The vice-chancellor may also delegate vice-chancellor powers to staff (s 32).
Collectively, the Act creates a governance architecture with statutory duties, member protections and substantial operational obligations related to elections, disclosures and campus regulation. Those duties are enforceable by council action and by criminal penalty where specified.
Penalties and enforcement
The Act provides a mixture of internal enforcement mechanisms (removal from office, notice requirements), statutory regulatory offences with monetary penalties, and administrative procedural obligations. Enforcement roles are shared among the council, the vice-chancellor, the Minister and authorised persons. The key enforcement and penalty provisions in the text are as follows.
Monetary penalties and criminalising conduct
High‑value disclosure offences. Failure by a member to immediately notify disqualification under the Corporations Act or a relevant indictable conviction is an offence carrying a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units (s 61D(2)). Similarly, improper disclosure of protected information (reports under s 61B or notices under s 61D) is a separate offence with a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units (s 61E(2)). The high monetary ceilings indicate that disclosure and confidentiality duties are enforceable and significant.
Campus conduct and informational penalties. The schedule provides for several lower‑level offences with specified maximum penalties. Failure to comply with a direction from an authorised person or a regulatory notice is punishable by up to 10 penalty units (sch 1-sec 6(2), sch 1-sec 7(2)). Returning an identity card after ceasing to be an authorised person is enforced by a maximum penalty of 10 penalty units (sch 1-sec 4(3)). Disorderly or disturbing behaviour on university land is an offence with a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units (sch 1-sec 12).
Seizure, detention and sale of vehicles. Authorised persons may seize vehicles believed on reasonable grounds to be parked contrary to regulatory notices or abandoned (sch 1-sec 9). There are procedural safeguards: vehicles must be held safely, owners must be notified within 14 days of seizure with published notice allowed if owner cannot be found (sch 1-sec 9(4)-(5)). If unclaimed after two months following the notice, the university may sell the vehicle by auction after newspaper notice (sch 1-sec 10). Proceeds are applied in priority to sale expenses, seizure/holding costs, amounts owing under registered security interests, and any balance to the owner (sch 1-sec 11). The Act expressly precludes compensation claims against the university for sale and for certain payments (sch 1-sec 10(4), sch 1-sec 11(2)).
Internal governance enforcement
Removal from office. The council has power to remove an elected, appointed or additional member from office if at least 10 members are satisfied the member has not complied with the statutory duties in s 26A(2) or a conduct obligation (s 26B(1)). The council must give the member notice of the decision and reasons as soon as practicable and send a copy to the Minister if the member is an appointed member (s 26B(2)). The member’s term ends on receipt of notice or an alternative date stated (s 26B(3)).
Removal of senior officers. The council may remove the chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson if at least 10 members are satisfied of a relevant breach (s 39C). The vice-chancellor may be removed notwithstanding contractual terms (s 39D), but removal does not affect the vice-chancellor’s right to claim compensation or entitlements under the terms of appointment; claims will be treated as though the appointment had ended as permitted under the terms or the term had ended (s 39D(2)).
Ministerial and Governor in Council powers. The Minister and Governor in Council remain involved in appointment and removal mechanics: appointed members are appointed by the Governor in Council (s 14), the Minister may appoint members when elections fail (s 21), the Minister may extend terms of office for up to one year when satisfied it is necessary and in the university’s best interests (s 26C), and, under transitional provisions, the Minister may remove existing appointed members (s 76). The council’s removal power over appointed members does not limit the Governor in Council’s powers under the Acts Interpretation Act (s 26B(4)).
Procedural safeguards and evidentiary duties
Notice and destruction obligations. The Act imposes obligations to destroy sensitive reports and notices once they are no longer needed: the commissioner must supply criminal-history reports to the Minister or council on request with consent (s 61B(3)), and those requesting bodies must ensure destruction when no longer needed (s 61B(6)). Similarly, notices under s 61D must be destroyed as soon as practicable after they are no longer needed (s 61D(4)). These provisions create compliance obligations for recordkeeping and secure destruction, which the Minister, chancellor and vice-chancellor must ensure.
Standard-based powers. Authorised persons exercise seizure and removal powers only on reasonable grounds and subject to specified procedural steps (sch 1-sec 9(1)-(3)). Regulatory notices must identify the area to which they apply and be easily visible; evidence that a regulatory notice was displayed is evidence it was erected by the university (sch 1-sec 7). Election policy must contain provisions to ensure integrity and security of voting and to protect against improper influence (s 26AA).
Liability allocation
Shift of civil liability. Members acting honestly and without negligence are protected from civil liability personally; if liability is prevented attaching to the member, it instead attaches to the university (s 61A(2)). This channel allocates certain civil risks to the corporate entity rather than to individual members, supporting member willingness to serve while preserving avenues for remedies against the university.
Enforcement actors and practical mechanisms
The primary enforcement actors are the council (internal removals, election oversight), the vice-chancellor (administration, authorised-person appointments, issuing identity cards, campus operational enforcement), authorised persons (on-the-ground enforcement of traffic and conduct rules), the Minister and Governor in Council (appointments, extensions, transitional removals), and the police commissioner (provision of criminal-history reports on written consent) (ss 11, 26B, 32, sch 1, 61B, 76).
The Act thus combines internal governance enforcement, statutory sanctions for specified misconduct and procedural safeguards for sensitive personal information, folding in administrative, civil and monetary enforcement measures. Entities and individuals affected must put in place policies, recordkeeping and secure disposal processes to manage the high-value disclosure and confidentiality obligations, prepare to operate under the election policy requirements, and ensure authorised-person training and procedural compliance for campus enforcement actions.
How it interacts with other laws
The Act explicitly establishes interfaces with a number of external statutory schemes; these interactions determine disqualification rules, financial accountability, land management, corporations law, personal property security, evidence and police-record handling. The text names the relevant statutes and, in most cases, sets out the specific effect.
Corporations Act and managing corporations disqualification
Disqualification from managing corporations under the Corporations Act (part 2D.6) affects eligibility to be a member (s 23) and to hold the offices of chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson (s 39B). Section 61D requires members to disclose such disqualification. The Act also declares QUT Alumni and the student guild to be excluded matters for certain provisions of the Corporations Act (s 39A). Section 60 permits the university to form and manage corporations and to enter commercial agreements despite the Corporations Act, signalling legislative primacy for specified university commercial activities.
Statutory body and public financial legislation
The university is expressly declared a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (s 49) and under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (s 50). Those declarations impose the financial-management framework and borrowing/financial arrangements regime applicable to statutory bodies. Section 50(2) flags that part 2B of the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act sets out how the university’s powers under this Act are affected by that Act, indicating the university must comply with public financial controls, borrowing limits, guarantees and reporting obligations set out in those Acts.
Land Act 1994 and State land
Dealing with State land is governed by the Land Act 1994 but subject to constraints in this Act. State land is held and may be disposed of under the Land Act (s 48(1)), but the university may grant an interest in State land only by way of lease (s 48(2)). Trustee leases or subleases subject to an operational reserve or operational deed of grant in trust may be for up to 100 years despite the Land Act (s 48(3)). The Act treats references to ‘educational institution’ or ‘technical college’ in reserve purposes as including anything consistent with the university’s functions under s 5 (s 48(4)-(5)). These provisions create a tailored interface with Queensland land tenure law for university purposes.
Personal Property Securities Act
When the university sells a seized vehicle under the schedule, section sch 1-sec 11 requires that proceeds be applied to satisfy any amount owing to an entity under a security interest registered for the vehicle under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth). Thus the Act recognises and gives effect to the PPSA registration and priority scheme.
Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986
The definition of “criminal history” in s 61B references the definition in the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986, excluding spent convictions. This constrains what the commissioner of the police service supplies on request.
Acts Interpretation Act and Governor in Council powers
The Act preserves the Governor in Council’s powers under the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 regarding removal and appointment powers (s 26B(4)). Appointed members continue to be appointed by the Governor in Council (s 14), so general administrative law and executive-government powers intersect with university governance.
Regulatory signage and traffic law
The schedule permits the university to erect regulatory notices, including in the form of official traffic signs (sch 1-sec 7(4)). While the Act allows official traffic signs on university land, it does not itself displace State traffic laws; the power is limited to the university’s land and is enforced via the schedule’s penalty provisions, carrying up to 10 penalty units for non-compliance (sch 1-sec 7(2)). The university must ensure consistency with road‑safety law where applicable.
Statutory trusts and general trust law
The Act’s donor scheme provisions (ss 41-45) do not limit the university’s rights under other trust law; s 46 preserves application of other laws about property held on trust. The council’s scheme power resembles statutory cy-près type relief but operates within the council’s own determination subject to written requirements, disclosure, and preference rules requiring closeness to donor intent (ss 41-42). Any exercise may nonetheless be tested in other legal fora under general trust principles because s 46 expressly does not limit other law.
Privacy and record-destruction obligations
The Act compels secure handling and destruction of criminal-history reports and notices under ss 61B and 61D. Those obligations will interact with broader information‑management obligations under privacy and public records legislation, as well as possible employment law obligations. The Act requires destruction “as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purpose” (ss 61B(6), 61D(4)), creating an internal document‑retention obligation that must be reconciled with other statutory retention periods where applicable.
Regulations and subordinate instruments
The Governor in Council may make regulations under the Act (s 63). The council must adopt an election policy and publish it on the university’s website; the election policy has statutory force for elections under ss 15 and 20A (s 26AA). Council-made constitutions for the student guild must be submitted to the council for approval; they have no effect until approved (s 38).
Transitional amendments and amendment Acts
The Act contains transitional provisions for the University Legislation Amendment Act 2005, University Legislation Amendment Act 2017 and the Queensland University of Technology Amendment Act 2021 (pts 8-10), which alter council composition, terms and member continuity in specified ways. Those transitional regimes interact with the base Act where existing office-holders are continued, removed, or have terms altered (see ss 66-70, 71-73, 75-82).
In sum, the university sits at the intersection of corporations law (via disqualification and carve-outs), public financial management (via statutory body declarations), land law (via Land Act adaptations), trust law (via donor-scheme powers), privacy/criminal-history rules, and traffic/regulatory signage rules on campus land. Compliance requires coordinated attention to multiple statutory regimes.
Amendment history
The text of the Act as provided includes inline amendment annotations that indicate how the Act has been revised over time. The Act therefore carries amendment layers reflecting statutory changes in the years named in the annotations. The following is a consolidated inventory, based solely on the annotations in the provided text.
Major amendment years and references shown in the text
2001: Insertions related to corporate participation and excluded matters for the Corporations Act appear to have early amendment dates (s 60 and s 39A note “amd 2001 No. 45 s 29 sch 3”). The schedule also shows amendments at 2001.
2002: Amendments affecting elected members and casual vacancy provisions are noted (e.g., s 15 amended 2002 No. 75 s 60; s 20A inserted 2002 No. 75 s 61).
2005: A significant set of amendments were enacted by the University Legislation Amendment Act 2005. These amendments inserted member duties (s 26A ins 2005 No. 18 s 83), council delegation changes (s 11 amended 2005 No. 18 s 73), changes to appointed member terms (s 18 amd 2005 No. 18 s 78), additional member changes (s 16 sub 2005 No. 18 s 77), and the creation of a comprehensive schedule of authorised-person, traffic and conduct powers (sch 1 with multiple 2005 annotations). The 2005 amendments also added provisions on removal and protection from liability (s 61A ins 2005 No. 18 s 89). Numerous sections show “ins 2005 No. 18” or “amd 2005 No. 18” annotations.
2009 and 2010: The university was declared a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (s 49 amd 2009 No. 9 s 136 sch 1) and sch 1-sec 11 was amended in 2010 (s 11 amd 2010 No. 44 s 78) to reference the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth).
2011: s 48 was amended in 2011 (s 48 amd 2011 No. 39 s 36).
2017: A suite of amendments under the University Legislation Amendment Act 2017 updated election provisions, inserted election policy requirements (ss 26AA-26AC ins 2017 No. 36 s 122), updated the vice-chancellor delegation and chancellorship rules, and altered requirements for protected information and disclosure (ss 61D, 61E ins 2017 No. 36 s 60). The 2017 amending instrument also repealed earlier university statutes and made other transitional adjustments (s 73 ins 2017 No. 36 s 127).
2021: The Queensland University of Technology Amendment Act 2021 made further changes to council composition, especially governing appointment and continuation of appointed and additional members and transitional arrangements for elected members (ss 14 amd 2021 No. 22 s 3; ss 15, 16 amds 2021 No. 22 ss 4-5; transitional pt 10 with ss 74-82 ins 2021 No. 22 s 12). The Act was amended to reflect new arrangements for appointed members and council constitution (e.g., s 17 amended 2021 No. 22 s 6).
2024: A 2024 amendment entry appears for s 48 (s 48 amd 2024 No. 12 s 131 sch 1 pt 1), which suggests recent modifications to the Land Act interaction.
Transitional regimes
Part 8 (transitional provisions for the 2005 amending Act) includes provisions that reassign terms, require appointment of additional members within one year (s 68), and confirm how existing appointees are to be treated (ss 66-70). Part 9 contains transitional provisions for the 2017 amendments including repeal of prior university statutes (s 73). Part 10 contains transitional provisions for the 2021 amendments that provide for continuation or removal of existing appointed members, drawing of lots to end particular terms, and non-compensation for terms ending under those transitional rules (ss 74-82).
Pattern and legislative intent signalled by amendments
The annotations show a pattern of tightening governance structures and election integrity (2017 additions requiring election policies and published policies), stronger member duties and disclosure/confidentiality protections (2005 and 2017 insertions of s 26A, s 61B-61E), and clarification of the university’s public financial status (2009, 2010). Amendments in 2021 reorganised membership composition and transitional arrangements. Land and property interactions have been refined over time with amendments referencing the Land Act (2011, 2024).
How to read these annotations in practice
The inline annotations (for example, “s 11 amd 2005 No. 18 s 73 ; 2017 No. 36 ss 53 , 117”) indicate the amending act, its year and the section within that amending act. Practitioners must consult the consolidated and current version of the Act for operative text; the annotations here identify when and where material changes were made and flag transitional provisions that may still apply to particular office-holders because of historical timing.
The Act’s own transitional parts preserve continuity for members and offices when the statutory regime changes. For legal work involving membership tenure, the transitional provisions (pts 8-10) must be checked carefully against the dates of appointment and the commencement dates of amendments to establish whether legacy rules or new rules apply to particular individuals.
Litigation history
The supplied text of the Act contains no references to cases, judicial decisions, or litigation history. The Act’s annotations and transitional provisions cite only amending legislation and schedules, and do not name any court decisions or administrative rulings.
As a consequence, this deep dive cannot report any judicial interpretation, contested litigation, or appellate authority applying or construing provisions of the Act because none is included in the provided source. Practitioners seeking case law on particular provisions such as member duty enforcement (s 26A), council removal processes (s 26B), or the donor-scheme powers (ss 41-45) will need to search judicial databases and decisions to locate any reported litigation that engages these statutory provisions, since the Act text alone does not contain that material.
What the Act’s silence implies for practice
Absent judicial guidance in the statutory text, operational ambiguities,such as what constitutes compliance with the member duty standard in s 26A(2), the interpretation of “reasonable grounds” for seizure or removal in the schedule, or the standard required for the Minister’s satisfaction under s 26C,will fall to administrative practice, internal policy and, potentially, future litigation. For risk management, university counsel should prepare to document processes that interpret statutory standards conservatively and align with public-sector administrative law norms, pending any authoritative judicial interpretation.
Gotchas
The Act contains several operational and legal pitfalls that can catch administrators, council members, donors and third parties if not anticipated and managed. These are concrete features of the statutory text that impose compliance obligations, create potential conflicts, or require administrative attention.
Election policy is a statutory instrument that the council cannot delegate away
The council must make and publish an election policy and elections under ss 15 and 20A must be held under that policy (s 26AA(1), s 26AB). The council cannot delegate its power to make an election policy (s 11(2)). This means the council must itself adopt a policy that satisfies the statutory minimum content (integrity, secret ballot, single vote, anti-influence, procedures and complaints process). Failure to publish or properly operate under the policy could render elections procedurally defective.
Criminal-history reports and destruction obligations
The Minister or council may request police criminal-history reports only with the written consent of the individual (s 61B(4)). The requester must ensure the report is destroyed as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed (s 61B(6)). These are tightly worded obligations that carry confidentiality implications. Mishandling or unlawful retention or disclosure of such reports could trigger contraventions of s 61E (100 penalty units) and privacy legislation outside this Act.
High penalty exposure for disclosure/non-disclosure
Failure to report disqualification or a relevant conviction under s 61D attracts a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units. Incorrect or delayed notices, or failure to ensure proper destruction, thus expose members to substantial fines. Similarly, unauthorised disclosure of protected information under s 61E is punishable by up to 100 penalty units.
Member removal threshold and potential deadlocks
Removal of a member requires at least 10 members to be satisfied of breach (s 26B(1)). Given the council may be as small as 8 properly constituted members per s 17, the requirement for 10 members creates a practical constraint requiring the council to have at least that number to exercise the removal power. Councils with fewer members cannot satisfy that removal threshold, potentially leading to governance inertia. Practitioners must be alert to s 17’s definition of a properly constituted council (8 or more members) and the higher number required for removals.
Eligibility restrictions tied to Corporations Act disqualification
Ineligibility to be a member includes being disqualified under Corporations Act part 2D.6 (s 23). This can disqualify otherwise eligible community members and must be checked. Section 25 and s 26 give the Minister or council discretion to restore or approve appointment despite convictions in limited circumstances, but this requires explicit action and does not automatically rehabilitate a person.
Delegation traps: budget and election policy squarely reserved
The council may delegate many powers but not the adoption of the annual budget or making an election policy (s 11(2)). Delegations to the vice-chancellor may permit subdelegation (s 11(3)), but councils must keep these two powers within the governing body, which affects committee structures and executive authority.
Vice-chancellor removal and contractual entitlements
The council may remove the vice‑chancellor despite contractual terms (s 39D(1)). However, removal does not affect the vice‑chancellor’s right to claim compensation or entitlements under the terms of appointment and the Act constrains recoverable compensation to that which would have been due had the appointment ended in a permitted way (s 39D(2)). This creates potential for negotiated settlements or claims and means legal counsel should assess contractual termination entitlements carefully before exercise of removal powers.
Donor-scheme discretion and potential trust disputes
The council may repurpose donor property under a written scheme where donor purposes are met, impossible, impractical or insufficient (s 41). While the council must prefer a closely similar designated purpose (s 42), the power could still provoke disputes if donors or beneficiaries disagree about whether the donor’s purpose has been achieved or is impracticable. The Act preserves other law (s 46), so judicially enforceable trust duties remain a possible source of challenge.
Interplay with public financial regimes creates administrative obligations
Being declared a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (ss 49-50) brings the university within public financial management and borrowing regimes. Universities must comply with public-sector accounting, reporting and borrowing approvals that may constrain commercial activities otherwise permitted under s 60.
Campus enforcement requires evidential rigour and training
Authorised persons may seize vehicles and direct people to leave university land but must have reasonable grounds and must follow notice and publication steps (sch 1-sec 9-10). The vice-chancellor appoints authorised persons and must issue identity cards (sch 1-sec 1-5). Failure to follow the statutory steps, or to document grounds, could create legal risk and reputational cost. Additionally, seizure costs are payable by the owner if parked contrary to a regulatory notice, and the university may sell unclaimed vehicles with priority for registered security interests (sch 1-sec 9-11). Universities must therefore maintain robust operational procedures for vehicle seizure and sale.
Ministerial fallback where elections fail can replace elected representation
Where insufficient persons are elected by the relevant day, the Minister may appoint persons as elected members to fill the vacancy, and the council may nominate persons for the Minister’s appointment (s 21). This is a statutory fallback that may change representative composition and should be understood by those running elections.
Insurance and liability allocation
s 61A protects individual members from civil liability if acts were honest and without negligence and shifts liability to the university. Councils must therefore ensure the university has appropriate insurance and financial arrangements to meet potential liabilities that could otherwise have fallen on individual members.
These “gotchas” are operational, procedural and legal. They require practicable compliance measures, training, secure records policies for criminal-history and disclosure material, careful drafting of election policies, prudential financial controls under public-sector regimes, and meticulous procedural steps where the schedule empowers authorised persons to act.
How to comply
Compliance under this Act is a multi-stream programme: governance documentation and processes; election administration and eligibility management; disclosure, privacy and records handling; financial and trust accounting; campus operational procedures; and statutory reporting. The recommendations below track statutory requirements and identify discrete actions the university, council and officers should implement to meet the Act’s obligations.
Governance framework and council processes
Adopt and publish a current council charter and standing orders that implement statutory duties. Ensure records of council decisions include reasons when acting under statutory discretions (s 26B removal, s 25/26 restoration after convictions). Maintain minutes reflecting compliance with the council’s duty to promote the university’s interests (s 10) and decisions on delegation consistent with s 11.
Maintain a register of delegations. Record all delegations under s 11 and any permitted subdelegations by the vice-chancellor under s 11(3) and s 32(5). Explicitly exclude the adoption of the annual budget and making the election policy from delegable powers and include the delegation limits in the public register.
Election policy and election administration
Draft the election policy (s 26AA) to include required provisions: identity and eligibility verification, single-vote protections, secret ballot mechanics, anti‑coercion and anti‑influence measures, ballot issuance procedures, nomination timelines, complaints processes and publication of results. Publish the policy on the university website as required.
Secure the voting system. Implement secure technical and procedural controls to ensure only eligible persons vote, that ballots are secret, and that double‑voting is prevented. Keep audit logs and access records. Train election administrators and create a documented complaints resolution workflow.
Member eligibility, appointment and dismissal processes
Implement pre‑appointment checks. For appointed members or candidates for chancellor, vice-chancellor or chairperson, obtain written consent before requesting criminal-history reports from the commissioner of police and ensure proper secure transfer protocols (s 61B). Maintain a standard consent form and a secure receipt and access log.
Manage disclosure obligations. Educate members about the duty to notify disqualification or qualifying convictions under s 61D and the need for immediate notice to the appropriate person (vice-chancellor, chancellor or Minister). Provide templates and secure submission channels. Record destruction dates and processes to ensure compliance with destruction obligations (s 61D(4)).
Prepare removal processes. Draft internal procedures to implement s 26B and s 39C that document notice requirements, reasons, and timelines. Ensure the council has sufficient membership and quorum to exercise removal powers and plan for vacancies, casual vacancy appointment mechanics under s 20A, and the Ministerial fallback under s 21.
Records, privacy and protected information handling
Establish secure information-handling policies. For reports and notices obtained under ss 61B and 61D, create strict access control, retention schedules, and secure destruction procedures consistent with the Act’s requirement that these documents be destroyed as soon as practicable once no longer needed (ss 61B(6), 61D(4)).
Train staff and members on s 61E. Clarify permitted disclosures (to the extent necessary to perform functions, authorised by an Act, anonymised or with consent). Build audit trails for any disclosure and approval workflows for disclosing protected information to council committees or external advisers.
Financial controls, trust management and investments
Integrate statutory financial obligations into corporate policy. As a declared statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (ss 49-50), ensure university finance policies align with those Acts: budgeting processes, reporting, borrowing approvals, and investment governance.
Manage trust funds and investment common funds. For trust funds (s 51) and pooled investments (s 52), adopt written investment policies, periodic income-distribution procedures among component funds, and rules for paying income into general funds where component funds’ purposes cannot be met immediately (s 52(4)). Maintain transparent accounting and audit trails for income allocation decisions under s 52(3)-(5).
Donor schemes and property on trust
When donor purposes cannot be executed, document the council’s process for establishing a written scheme under s 41. Keep a formal record of the council’s satisfaction on grounds that trigger the scheme (presence of impracticability, inadequacy or uncertainty). Publish or provide copies of schemes on request, and, where land is involved, lodge the scheme with the registrar of titles (s 44).
Ensure legal review for cy-près style changes. Because s 46 preserves other trust law rights, validate donor-scheme steps against general trust law to reduce the risk of successful legal challenge.
Campus operations and authorised-person procedures
Authorised person program. The vice‑chancellor must appoint authorised persons in writing and issue identity cards with photograph and signature (sch 1-sec 1-4). Maintain appointment instruments, training records, and a system for limiting powers (appointment conditions and notices per sch 1-sec 2). Require authorised persons to carry and display identity cards when exercising powers and record incidents where no immediate production was possible.
Traffic and vehicle management. For regulatory notices and information notices, prepare signage templates that meet sch 1-sec 7 requirements (state area limits, be easily visible, and include penalty information or be accompanied by an information notice under sch 1-sec 8). Document procedures for seizure, detention and notification of vehicle owners (sch 1-sec 9), secure storage and auction protocols (sch 1-sec 10), and the accounting of sale proceeds consistent with sch 1-sec 11 including checking PPSR registrations.
Enforcement documentation. Require authorised persons to record the grounds for seizure or directions, witness statements, photographs and chain-of-custody for any seized vehicle. These records will be crucial to justify reasonable-ground decisions and to respond to complaints or litigation.
Contracts, corporations and commercial activity
Commercial governance. For participation in corporations or commercialisation of research (s 60 and s 5(h)), adopt a commercialisation policy and conflict-of-interest policy aligned with s 26A(2)(c)-(d). Ensure that board appointments to university-affiliated corporations are consistent with ineligibility rules under the Corporations Act, bearing in mind s 39A carve-outs for certain connected bodies.
Lending and security checks. When pooling, selling or interacting with personal property, ensure PPSA checks and that proceeds of sale are applied as required under sch 1-sec 11 and that any registered security interests are respected.
Annual budget, reporting and audit
Budget adoption. The council must adopt a budget for the university each year (s 54(1)). Set a timetable for budget preparation that ensures compliance, and fix internal controls so spending remains within approved limits (s 54(3)). Undertake the mandated annual review of amounts available by way of bequest, donation or special grant and the spending of those amounts (s 54(4)).
Audit compliance. Coordinate with the statutory auditor and ensure financial reports and trust accounting are prepared consistent with the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982.
Training, induction and ongoing compliance assurance
Member and officer induction. Provide induction materials for council members and officers covering duties under s 26A, disclosure obligations under s 61D, criminal-history consent process under s 61B, and confidentiality duties under s 61E. Provide training on conflicts of interest, financial obligations and public-sector governance duties.
Compliance monitoring. Establish a compliance officer or internal audit work program to periodically test adherence to election policy, records destruction obligations, authorised-person procedures, trust income allocation, and budgetary controls. Keep evidence of reviews and any remedial actions.
By implementing these concrete steps, the university and its officers will operationalise the Act’s statutory requirements, reduce exposure to the substantial penalties for disclosure and misconduct, and create a defensible administrative record in the event of external review or legal scrutiny.
Division pt.2-div.1University establishment and general functions and powers
(c) to encourage the advancement and development of knowledge, and its application to government, industry, commerce and the community; and
(d) to provide courses of study or instruction (at the levels of achievement the council considers appropriate) to meet the needs of the community; and
(e) to confer higher education awards; and
(f) to disseminate knowledge and promote scholarship; and
(g) to provide facilities and resources for the wellbeing of the university’s staff, students and other persons undertaking courses at the university; and
(h) to exploit commercially, for the university’s benefit, a facility or resource of the university, including, for example, study, research or knowledge, or the practical application of study, research or knowledge, belonging to the university, whether alone or with someone else; and
(i) to perform other functions given to the university under this or another Act.
sec.6 General powers of university
sec.6 General powers of university
The university has all the powers of an individual, and may, for example—
enter into contracts; and
acquire, hold, dispose of, and deal with property; and
appoint agents and attorneys; and
engage consultants; and
fix charges, and other terms, for services and other facilities it supplies; and
do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the university has the powers given to it under this or another Act.
The university may exercise its powers inside or outside Queensland.
Without limiting subsection (3) , the university may exercise its powers outside Australia.
(sec.6-ssec.1) The university has all the powers of an individual, and may, for example— enter into contracts; and acquire, hold, dispose of, and deal with property; and appoint agents and attorneys; and engage consultants; and fix charges, and other terms, for services and other facilities it supplies; and do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
(sec.6-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the university has the powers given to it under this or another Act.
(sec.6-ssec.3) The university may exercise its powers inside or outside Queensland.
(sec.6-ssec.4) Without limiting subsection (3) , the university may exercise its powers outside Australia.
(a) enter into contracts; and
(b) acquire, hold, dispose of, and deal with property; and
(c) appoint agents and attorneys; and
(d) engage consultants; and
(e) fix charges, and other terms, for services and other facilities it supplies; and
(f) do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
pt.2-div.2 Council establishment and general functions and powers
Council establishment and general functions and powers
sec.7 Establishment of council
sec.7 Establishment of council
There is a council of the university.
sec.8 Functions of council
sec.8 Functions of council
The council is the university’s governing body.
The council has the functions conferred on it under this or another Act.
(sec.8-ssec.1) The council is the university’s governing body.
(sec.8-ssec.2) The council has the functions conferred on it under this or another Act.
sec.9 Powers of council
sec.9 Powers of council
The council may do anything necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the council has the powers given to it under this or another Act and, in particular—
to appoint the university’s staff; and
to manage and control the university’s affairs and property; and
to manage and control the university’s finances.
(sec.9-ssec.1) The council may do anything necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
(sec.9-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the council has the powers given to it under this or another Act and, in particular— to appoint the university’s staff; and to manage and control the university’s affairs and property; and to manage and control the university’s finances.
(a) to appoint the university’s staff; and
(b) to manage and control the university’s affairs and property; and
(c) to manage and control the university’s finances.
sec.10 Council to promote university’s interests
sec.10 Council to promote university’s interests
The council must act in the way that appears to it most likely to promote the university’s interests.
sec.11 Delegation
sec.11 Delegation
The council may delegate its powers under this Act to—
an appropriately qualified member of the council; or
an appropriately qualified committee that includes 1 or more members of the council; or
an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff.
However, the council may not delegate its power—
to make an election policy; or
to adopt the university’s annual budget.
A delegation of a power under subsection (1) to the vice-chancellor may permit the subdelegation of the power to an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff.
s 11 amd 2005 No. 18 s 73 ; 2017 No. 36 ss 53 , 117
(sec.11-ssec.1) The council may delegate its powers under this Act to— an appropriately qualified member of the council; or an appropriately qualified committee that includes 1 or more members of the council; or an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff.
(sec.11-ssec.2) However, the council may not delegate its power— to make an election policy; or to adopt the university’s annual budget.
(sec.11-ssec.3) A delegation of a power under subsection (1) to the vice-chancellor may permit the subdelegation of the power to an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff.
(a) an appropriately qualified member of the council; or
(b) an appropriately qualified committee that includes 1 or more members of the council; or
(c) an appropriately qualified member of the university’s staff.
(a) to make an election policy; or
(b) to adopt the university’s annual budget.
pt.2-div.3 Council membership
Council membership
sec.12 Membership of council
sec.12 Membership of council
The council consists of official members, appointed members, elected members and additional members.
s 12 sub 2005 No. 18 s 74
sec.13 Official members
sec.13 Official members
The official members are—
the chancellor; and
the vice-chancellor; and
if the chairperson of the academic committee is not the chancellor or vice-chancellor, or an elected, appointed or additional member—the chairperson.
s 13 sub 2005 No. 18 s 75
(a) the chancellor; and
(b) the vice-chancellor; and
(c) if the chairperson of the academic committee is not the chancellor or vice-chancellor, or an elected, appointed or additional member—the chairperson.
sec.14 Appointed members
sec.14 Appointed members
There are 3 appointed members.
The Governor in Council is to appoint the appointed members.
s 14 amd 2021 No. 22 s 3
(sec.14-ssec.1) There are 3 appointed members.
(sec.14-ssec.2) The Governor in Council is to appoint the appointed members.
sec.15 Elected members
sec.15 Elected members
There are 5 elected members.
The elected members are—
2 members of the full-time and part-time academic staff; and
1 member of the full-time and part-time professional staff; and
1 undergraduate student; and
1 postgraduate student.
Each elected member is to be elected at a council election.
s 15 amd 2002 No. 75 s 60 ; 2005 No. 18 s 76 ; 2017 No. 36 s 118 ; 2021 No. 22 s 4
(sec.15-ssec.1) There are 5 elected members.
(sec.15-ssec.2) The elected members are— 2 members of the full-time and part-time academic staff; and 1 member of the full-time and part-time professional staff; and 1 undergraduate student; and 1 postgraduate student.
(sec.15-ssec.3) Each elected member is to be elected at a council election.
(a) 2 members of the full-time and part-time academic staff; and
(b) 1 member of the full-time and part-time professional staff; and
(c) 1 undergraduate student; and
(d) 1 postgraduate student.
sec.16 Additional members
sec.16 Additional members
There are 4 additional members.
The council must appoint the additional members, at least 2 of whom must be alumni of the university.
An additional member must not be a student or a member of the university’s academic staff or professional staff.
s 16 sub 2005 No. 18 s 77
amd 2021 No. 22 s 5
(sec.16-ssec.1) There are 4 additional members.
(sec.16-ssec.2) The council must appoint the additional members, at least 2 of whom must be alumni of the university.
(sec.16-ssec.3) An additional member must not be a student or a member of the university’s academic staff or professional staff.
sec.17 When council is taken to be properly constituted
sec.17 When council is taken to be properly constituted
The council is taken to be properly constituted when it has 8 or more members, whether they be additional, appointed, elected or official members.
s 17 amd 2021 No. 22 s 6
sec.18 Appointed member’s term of office
sec.18 Appointed member’s term of office
An appointed member is to be appointed for a term of not more than 4 years.
s 18 amd 2005 No. 18 s 78
sec.19 Elected member’s term of office
sec.19 Elected member’s term of office
An elected member mentioned in section 15 (2) (a) or (b) holds office for 4 years.
An elected member mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) or (d) holds office for 2 years.
An elected member’s term of office starts—
if the member is re-elected—the day after the day when the member’s previous term of office ends; or
if paragraph (a) does not apply—the day after the day when the term of office of the member’s predecessor ends.
s 19 amd 2005 No. 18 s 79 ; 2021 No. 22 s 7
(sec.19-ssec.1) An elected member mentioned in section 15 (2) (a) or (b) holds office for 4 years.
(sec.19-ssec.2) An elected member mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) or (d) holds office for 2 years.
(sec.19-ssec.3) An elected member’s term of office starts— if the member is re-elected—the day after the day when the member’s previous term of office ends; or if paragraph (a) does not apply—the day after the day when the term of office of the member’s predecessor ends.
(a) if the member is re-elected—the day after the day when the member’s previous term of office ends; or
(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply—the day after the day when the term of office of the member’s predecessor ends.
sec.20 Additional member’s term of office
sec.20 Additional member’s term of office
An additional member is to be appointed for a term of not more than 4 years decided by the council.
s 20 sub 2005 No. 18 s 80
sec.20A Dealing with casual vacancy in office of an elected member
sec.20A Dealing with casual vacancy in office of an elected member
This section applies if a casual vacancy arises in the office of an elected member.
If the member was elected at a council election, the council must appoint to the office the one person, if any, who—
was a candidate for the office in the council election; and
was not elected; and
received the highest number of votes of all the candidates who were not elected; and
is eligible, under this Act, to be a member; and
is willing to be, and available to perform the functions of, a member.
Subsection (4) applies if—
the elected member was not elected at a council election; or
no-one is eligible for appointment under subsection (2) .
A person is to be elected to the office at a council election.
Despite subsection (4) , if the elected member was a person of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) or (d) , the council may appoint a person of the same class to the office.
A person appointed under subsection (2) or (5) is taken, other than for subsection (2) or (3) (a) , to have been elected at a council election.
s 20A ins 2002 No. 75 s 61
amd 2005 No. 18 s 80A ; 2017 No. 36 s 119 ; 2021 No. 22 s 8
(sec.20A-ssec.1) This section applies if a casual vacancy arises in the office of an elected member.
(sec.20A-ssec.2) If the member was elected at a council election, the council must appoint to the office the one person, if any, who— was a candidate for the office in the council election; and was not elected; and received the highest number of votes of all the candidates who were not elected; and is eligible, under this Act, to be a member; and is willing to be, and available to perform the functions of, a member.
(sec.20A-ssec.3) Subsection (4) applies if— the elected member was not elected at a council election; or no-one is eligible for appointment under subsection (2) .
(sec.20A-ssec.4) A person is to be elected to the office at a council election.
(sec.20A-ssec.5) Despite subsection (4) , if the elected member was a person of a class mentioned in section 15 (2) (c) or (d) , the council may appoint a person of the same class to the office.
(sec.20A-ssec.6) A person appointed under subsection (2) or (5) is taken, other than for subsection (2) or (3) (a) , to have been elected at a council election.
(a) was a candidate for the office in the council election; and
(b) was not elected; and
(c) received the highest number of votes of all the candidates who
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