THE UTAS ABORIGINAL POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Commencement date:

1. Establishment

1. The UTAS Aboriginal Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) is to be established as an advisory committee reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor
   
   
2. The APAC will assume the functions outlined below:
   
   

2. Responsibilities

1. The APAC is responsible for advising the Vice-Chancellor on the development, implementation and review of the University's Policy on Indigenous Governance.
   
   
2. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the APAC is responsible for
   
   
   1. Advising on appropriate strategies for the implementation of the Policy on Indigenous Governance
      
      
3. Monitoring and reporting annually on the following:
   
   
   1. Targets for the employment of Indigenous staff in line with the 'Aboriginal Employment Strategy'
      
      
   2. Indigenous representation on relevant University committees
      
      
   3. The number of Indigenous cultural awareness training sessions and the numbers attending each session
      
      
   4. The admission, progression and graduation of Indigenous students
      
      
   5. The extent of incorporation of Indigenous Australian Studies across UTAS courses
      
      
   6. The achievement of the Indigenous Research objectives within the Indigenous Governance Policy
      
      
4. Providing advice on additional initiatives to achieve the objectives of the Indigenous Governance Policy.
   
   

3. Membership
   
   
   1. The membership of the APAC shall comprise:
      
      
      1. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) & Provost, ex officio;
         
         
      2. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) or nominee, ex officio;
         
         
      3. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning) or nominee, ex officio;
         
         
      4. The Director of Riawunna, ex officio;
         
         
      5. The Executive Director Planning and Development or nominee, ex officio;
         
         
      6. Up to five Indigenous persons external to the University one of whom shall be Chair (recommended membership: North (2), South (2) and North-West (1) inclusive of TAEA Chairperson);
         
         
      7. Up to two Indigenous student representatives.
         
         
      8. An Elder from the Aboriginal community nomiated by the Elder's Council.
         
         
4. Terms of Office
   
   
   1. Members of the APAC other than ex officio members ('appointed members') serve for terms of up to two years, concluding on 31 March of the relevant anniversary year.
      
      
   2. An appointed member may be appointed to serve for additional terms provided that such member may serve no more than three consecutive terms or a maximum of six years continuously. Twelve months must elapse before such a person is again eligible to serve on the APAC.
      
      
5. Quorum
   
   
   1. The quorum for meetings of the APAC shall be 5 members (1 student representative or their nominee, 2 community representatives and 2 UTAS representatives).
      
      
6. Rights of Audience and Debate
   
   
   1. The APAC may invite any person – whether from within, or external to, the University – to attend specific meetings, or for specific items of a meeting, to assist the APAC in its deliberations.
      
      
      
7. Establishment of Working Parties or Sub-Groups
   
   
   1. The APAC may, as it deems appropriate or desirable, establish working parties to undertake particular tasks in relation to a nominated function. A working party may include persons other than members of the APAC.
      
      
   2. A working party's or sub-group's role is advisory. Such bodies have no delegation to make any decisions which are binding upon the APAC.
      
      
8. Meeting Schedule
   
   
   1. The APAC will meet at least twice each year, once in each semester and where practical, meetings will alternate between Hobart and Launceston. The Chair is responsible for determining if more meetings are required to enable the APAC to perform its responsibilities.
      
      
   2. The APAC Chairperson to meet with the Vice-Chancellor as required.
      
      
9. Reporting
   
   
   1. The APAC will report to the Vice Chancellor by way of Minutes; and by way of a Summary Highlights cover sheet which will accompany the Minutes, highlighting particular issues or recommendations.
      
      
   2. APAC will submit an Annual Report in respect of its activities in the 12 months in retrospect. The Annual Report will:
      
      
      1. Include a self-assessment of the effectiveness of the APAC in fulfilling its brief in the period under review;
         
         
      2. In light of 9.2.1, advise whether the APAC should continue to operate in its current form and with its current responsibilities;
         
         
      3. Advise on the continued appropriateness of the provisions of the APAC's Terms of Reference, and any amendments which the APAC believes desirable or necessary to improve efficiency and effectiveness;
         
         
      4. Advise on the achievement of the specific objectives in the Policy on Indigenous Governance for which the APAC has a monitoring role, as identified in section 2 of its Terms of Reference;
         
         
      5. Include a summary of the principal issues addressed by the APAC in the period under review.
         
         
10. Servicing of the APAC
    
    
    1. The Vice Chancellor's Office will provide secretarial support to the Committee.