The University of Queensland has today taken significant steps to resolve transparency issues in the student union following numerous complaints.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mick McManus said the University had received concerns about transparency within the UQ Union and was not satisfied with the responses it had received.

“It is important to recognise that the UQ Union is a distinct constitutional entity to the University, and acts entirely independently from the University,” said Professor McManus.

“However, under the 2009 Funding and Services Agreement between the University and the UQ Union, the University has the right to audit UQ Union’s records in relation to its performance. The University considers this to include UQ Union’s operational procedures and processes in providing services.”

He said University management had not been satisfied with the Union’s response to its request to discuss numerous student complaints.

The University has now formally registered its concerns in a letter sent to the Union this afternoon, Professor McManus said.

“We are concerned with the reputational damage that these events may be having on the University.”

“We have called a meeting for Monday morning with the Union to discuss our concerns.”

“We have made it clear that we expect nothing but the greatest integrity, accountability and transparency of a union that uses funds on behalf of students and of the University,” said Professor McManus.

“We take very seriously all complaints and concerns and have initiated steps to gain further clarity on the governance and processes within the UQ Union.”

Media: Janelle Kirkland, 0424 013 095 or j.kirkland@uq.edu.au.