University of Newcastle Council prepares to appoint two new members after resignations

Outgoing: Professor Jennifer Martin (pictured) and Dr Eileen Doyle resigned from the 16-member council.

THE University of Newcastle Council is expected to appoint two new members to its ranks next month, amid questions from the staff union about the timing.

As previously reported, Professor Jennifer Martin resigned from the university's governing body in protest in early June after the appointment of Whitehaven Coal chairman Mark Vaile as chancellor, sparking a community campaign that ended with Mr Vaile walking away from the role.

The NewcastleHerald reported on June 18 that Dr Eileen Doyle had also resigned from the council, with Chancellor Paul Jeans saying she had previously advised of her intention to leave due to increased responsibilities in her ASX and government board roles and additional activities with her business associates.

"Our Nominations and Governance Committee is meeting on the 29th of July to discuss and confirm the approach for appointing two new council members," the council said in a statement to the Herald.

"This will then be put forward for approval to University Council in August, in line with our usual processes."

National Tertiary Education Union Newcastle branch president Dan Conway said "this seems to be just the usual stalling tactics we have come to expect from university management".

"I was advised by the University Secretary that the matter would be discussed at the council meeting on 11 June, now we are told there is more discussion taking place at the next meeting in August," he said.

"I'm not really sure what there is to discuss. The requirements are clear, as set out in the by-laws: the secretary must hold an election for the vacancy immediately.

"It is simply unacceptable for staff representation to be deliberately delayed during so much change which is directly affecting staff."

A UON spokesperson said the council resolved on June 11 to discuss Professor Martin's position at the July 29 committee meeting and Dr Doyle's resignation was announced after June 11.

The Nominations and Governance committee's responsibilities include setting expectations on governance matters; recommending appointment of members to UON and other bodies; and standards and expectations of honorary appointments.