The University is governed by a 15 member Council. As the governing authority, the primary functions of the Council are:

1. strategic oversight of the University, including:

• setting the mission, values and strategic direction of the University; and
• ongoing review of the success of those strategies.

2. ensuring effective overall governance and management of the University, including:

• appointing the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor;
• appointing the Vice-Chancellor as principal academic and chief executive officer of the University, and monitoring his or her performance;
• overseeing and reviewing the management of the University and its performance;
• ensuring that the strategic goals set by the Council are delivered by effective management systems;
• overseeing and monitoring the academic activities of the University;
• establishing policy and procedural principles, consistent with legal requirements and community expectations.

3. ensuring responsible financial and risk management of the University, including:

• approving the annual budget, business plan and annual report;
• overseeing and monitoring the assessment and management of risk across the University, including in its commercial undertakings;
• approving and monitoring systems of control and accountability for the University and any entities controlled by the University (within the meaning of section 50AA of the Corporations Act 2001);
• approving significant commercial activities of the University.

The academic standards, management and administration of the University are the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Vice-Chancellorship Statute 2013 and subject to any resolution of the Council.

The Chair, Academic Board, is an active participant at Council meetings.