Higher Education Support Amendment (End Dirty University Partnerships) Bill 2025

High-Level Summary
The bill proposes to prohibit monetary partnerships between universities receiving Commonwealth funding and industries deemed harmful to the public good, such as fossil fuels, gambling, tobacco, and weapons. Universities must disclose existing partnerships and divest from these industries, with further industries potentially added by legislative instrument.

Summary
The bill amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 by introducing new provisions under sections 19-68 and 36-75. Section 19-68 requires higher education providers to disclose partnerships and investments with prohibited entities, which include industries like fossil fuels, gambling, tobacco, and weapons. Disclosure reports must be published on the provider's website within specified timeframes. Section 36-75 prohibits entering new partnerships or investments with these entities and bars individuals with investments in such industries from serving on university governing bodies. The bill empowers the Minister to designate additional prohibited entities through legislative instruments, subject to parliamentary approval. Moreover, universities must divest from existing partnerships with prohibited entities within six months of the bill's commencement, with potential compensation for financial losses incurred.

Argument For
Normative Bases
  1. Environmentalism
  2. Pro-Democracy
  3. Non-Discrimination

This bill supports efforts to align university practices with societal values that prioritize environmental sustainability and ethical governance. By cutting financial ties with industries that degrade the environment and public health, universities can reinforce their role as leaders in promoting societal well-being and environmental stewardship. This move is likely to enhance civic engagement by aligning university policies with the democratic demand for ethical investment [Judgment]. Additionally, prohibiting individuals with conflicting interests from university boards ensures unbiased governance and equitable decision-making processes, fostering non-discrimination in university governance.


Argument Against
Normative Bases
  1. Propertarianism
  2. Hobbesianism

Opponents of the bill may argue that it infringes on the autonomy of universities to manage their financial interests as they see fit, potentially undermining their financial stability and ability to fund research and educational programs [Judgment]. Moreover, by restricting partnerships, the bill may inadvertently reduce opportunities for beneficial collaborations that could advance educational and technological innovation. The bill's provisions may also be seen as overly restrictive, potentially leading to a chilling effect on academic and research freedom by disincentivizing industry collaboration.


Date:

2025-02-13

Chamber:

Senate

Status:

Before Senate

Sponsor:

Unspecified

Portfolio:

Unspecified

Categories:

Education, Climate Change / Environment, Discrimination / Human Rights

Timeline:
13/02/2025

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