Public Accountability

The University is a public institution, established for the benefit of the South Australian community.

The University of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø is established in continuance by the (SA) with the object being "the advancement of learning and knowledge, including the provision of university education." The Council is the governing body of the University and has a statutory obligation to oversee, monitor and advance the object of the University.

While the University is not a public sector agency, there are public accountability obligations set out in the University of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Act (the Act) and other State and Commonwealth legislation.

Under the Act, the Council must ensure that a report on the activities of the University is provided to the Minister (SA) each year. The Annual Report is tabled in the South Australian Parliament.

The University is an agency under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (SA), the Ombudsman Act 1972 (SA) and the State Records Act 1997 (SA). The University is a public authority under the ICAC Act 2012 (SA). Our financial accounts are audited by the Auditor-General because the University is a public authority under the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 (SA).

Many of the University's activities are funded by Government and the community. We are accountable to regulators, auditors and funding bodies for the expenditure of public monies.

An overview of some accountability agencies and obligations are set out below. See also: Educational Compliance and Research Ethics, Compliance and Integrity.

  • Ombudsman

    (SA)Ìýprovides for the appointment of an Ombudsman whose role is to resolve complaints arising from actions & decisions of government agencies.

    The Ombudsman can also investigate complaints made against Universities including the University of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. Complaints that can be investigated by the Ombudsman include any action or inaction by the University relating to University administration.

    This means that as a staff member of the University, actions undertaken in your University capacity could be investigated by the Ombudsman. It could also mean that you may be contacted by the Ombudsman to provide evidence or participate in an investigation - you must comply with the Ombudsman's requests.

    For more information about the Ombudsman please refer to the Ombudsman Act 101 or to the legislation.

  • Auditor General

    The (SA) provides for the appointment of an Auditor-General as the independent auditor of the South Australian public sector.

    The Auditor-General contributes to public sector financial accountability and performance and is responsible for the audit and examination of state and local government agencies.

    The University is an agency under the Act and is subject to audits performed by the Auditor General.

    For more information about the Auditor General SA please visit the .

    Annual Reporting

    In accordance with the , the University of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø must comply with its reporting requirements as outlined in the and submit an Annual Report.

    The Annual report must include the University's Annual Financial Statements, Budgetary Control & Reporting and Maintenance of Financial Records.

    For more information about the University's financial reporting obligations please see the requirements set out in the .

    Ìý

  • ICAC

    As a member of the University of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø community you are a Public Officer under the . All University Officers, employees (including those seconded to other organisations), titleholders, consultants and contractors providing services to the University are considered "Public Officers".

    As a Public Officer you have a responsibility to repo