Curtin Annual Report - parliament.wa.gov.au

2008 Curtin Annual Report

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8 Curtin A

nnual Rep

ort

Curtin University of Technology Kent Street BENTLEY WA 6102 GPO Box U1987, PERTH WA 6845 Tel: +61 8 9266 9266 curtin.edu.au

CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW) 53577-03-08

Curtin University of Technology 2008 Annual Report

Contents Statement of Compliance 1

Chancellor’s Foreword 2

Vice-Chancellor’s Foreword 4

About Curtin 8

Vision, Mission and Values 9

Strategic Plan 9

2008 Activity Highlights 10

Areas of Strategic Focus 10

Stragetic Themes 18

The Teaching and Learning Plan 22

The Research Management Plan 28

The Internationalisation Plan 30

The Valuing Curtin Staff Plan 32

Report on Operations 36

Governance of the University 36

Administrative Structure 40

Staffing Matters 42

Significant Issues and Trends 44

Other Disclosures and Legal Requirements 47

Curtin in Figures 52

Independent Audit Opinion 55

Financial Report 2008 57

Performance Indicators 114

The Honourable Dr Elizabeth Constable, MLA

Minister for Education; Tourism; Women’s Interests

19th Floor, Governor Stirling Tower

197 St Georges Terrace

PERTH WA 6000

Dear Minister

In accordance with section 61 of the Financial Management Act 2006, we hereby submit for your information and presentation

to Parliament the Annual Report of Curtin University of Technology for the year ending 31 December 2008.

The Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Management Act 2006.

Yours sincerely

W. Gordon Martin Jeanette Hacket

Chancellor Vice-Chancellor

On behalf of the University Council

Dated this 18th day of March 2009

1

Statement of Compliance

Curtin University of Technology

2

2008 has been a particularly challenging

year. However, it is also one in which

there have been many notable

achievements, and in which Curtin

has set a new vision for the future.

At its retreat in April 2008, Council

set the scene for a review of the

University’s vision, which led to the

approval of a new vision statement:

“An international leader shaping the

future through our graduates and

research, and positioned among the

top 20 universities in Asia by 2020.”

To help the University meet this

ambitious vision, the University Council

and Executive have developed a

strategic plan for 2009 to 2013, after

consultation with senior managers, the

heads of schools and other staff.

The plan provides a framework for the

development of enabling plans and

strategies across all teaching, research

and administrative areas. Its success will

be monitored by indicators which measure

Curtin’s performance in teaching and

learning; research and development; student

and external-stakeholder satisfaction;

staff satisfaction; and financial security.

Underpinned by the organisational values

of integrity, fairness, respect and care,

the strategic plan will direct and define

the shift to the next era for Curtin.

In achieving this vision, it is critical that

we are constantly aware of the need

to adapt to the rapidly changing higher

education and economic environments.

In 2008, the University completed its second

Australian Universities Quality Agency

(AUQA) audit, an important and highly

visible assessment of Curtin’s programs

and initiatives. The audit focused on the

themes of internationalisation, on ensuring

the quality of the student experience, and

on a review of progress on the 2002 Cycle 1

Recommendations and Commendations.

The audit was a lengthy and complex

process, involving many campuses and staff.

The final report is a positive assessment,

and I thank all the staff, partners and

students involved in the process.

In another major achievement for

the University, Council approved the

establishment of Curtin Singapore. Curtin

has had a presence in Singapore for

more than 20 years, working with long-

standing partners. The campus enables

the University to consolidate its range of

educational activities in new facilities, and

to build its brand within the region. Curtin

now has two offshore campuses – in

Singapore and in Miri, in East Malaysia.

During 2008, Council also monitored

progress on the establishment of several

important projects, including the Australian

Sustainable Development Institute, the

Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute

and the Resources and Chemistry Precinct.

More information on these initiatives is

included in the body of this report.

Chancellor’s Foreword

Underpinned by the

organisational values of

integrity, fairness, respect

and care, the strategic plan

will direct and define the shift

to the next era for Curtin.

2008 Annual Report

3

On the financial front, the continuing squeeze

in margins coupled with the dramatic decline

in the global and Australian economies

put even greater emphasis on the need

for efficiency and financial constraint. It is

satisfying, however, to note that the University

ended the year with a healthy surplus, and is

in a sound financial position going forward.

I would like to thank all staff of the University

for their dedication and commitment through

the year. Fellow members of Council also

made an important contribution to Curtin,

despite significant pressures on their time,

and I would like to acknowledge the work

of departing members of Council Mr Mark

Ashley and The Hon. Dr John Cowdell. New

external members welcomed to Council in

2008 were Ms Lynne Thomson, Principal

of St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, and

Dr Michael Stanford, Group Chief Executive

Officer of St John of God Health Care.

In particular, I wish to thank the Vice-

Chancellor, Jeanette Hacket, for her skill,

energy and leadership throughout the year.

With the strong and motivated leadership

team, a loyal and committed staff

and a sound financial base, we can

look forward with confidence to an

exciting and successful year ahead.

W. Gordon Martin

Chancellor


4

Education is Australia’s

third-largest export industry,

and it is critical that we

take action to allow the

education sector to play a

key role in dealing with the

current economic downturn,

and ensuring the long-term

productivity of the nation.

Many significant projects and initiatives were

developed in 2008 at Curtin University of

Technology. In addition to ongoing work

to improve outcomes in our core business

of teaching and scholarship and research

and development, Curtin also completed an

extensive University-wide quality audit and

established a new offshore campus. A new

strategic plan and vision for 2009 to 2013

were also developed, and are discussed in

the Chancellor’s foreword to this report.

In October, Curtin underwent its second

Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA)

audit. AUQA is the principal national quality

assurance agency in higher education, and

is responsible for providing public assurance

of the quality of Australia’s universities.

Curtin’s audit was a complex and exhaustive

process, involving eight of our offshore

partners across four countries, in addition

to campuses in Sydney, Kalgoorlie and

Bentley. During the audit, more than

650 Curtin staff, students and external

members such as employers and alumni

were interviewed. While it was a major

undertaking to coordinate, the audit was a

very positive experience and of considerable

value in contributing to Curtin’s ongoing

commitment to continuous improvement.

The panel’s final report provides a very

positive assessment of Curtin’s activities

and achievements. The University has the

equal highest number of commendations

(the achievement of a stated goal), and the

equal lowest number of recommendations

(an area in need of attention). Curtin is

the only university to date in this audit

cycle to have no ‘urgent’ affirmations

(areas of attention already identified by

the University), or recommendations.

Among the 11 commendations, Curtin was

praised for initiatives aimed at enhancing

teaching and learning, including the student

evaluation system eVALUate, the Curriculum

2010 course renewal project and the student

orientation activities. The University’s

responsiveness to student concerns and the

active role of the Student Guild within Curtin

was also recognised. The effectiveness

of Curtin’s International Office and that

of the Curtin Business School was noted

by the auditors. The University was also

commended for the conceptualisation,

establishment and successful

development of the Sarawak Campus.

The internationalisation of research at Curtin,

including the development of a research

record at Curtin Sarawak, was also praised.

Curtin Singapore, the University’s new

campus in that country, was officially

launched on 13 November 2008. The

establishment of this campus enables

Curtin to consolidate its current range

of Singaporean educational activities,

and provide improved physical facilities.

Initially Curtin Singapore will offer Curtin

Business School courses, but this

will be expanded over time to include

courses in nursing, health sciences and

humanities. The campus has the capacity

to accommodate 4,500 students. The

opening of Curtin Singapore demonstrates

Curtin’s long-standing commitment to

international education, particularly in Asia.

Vice-Chancellor’s Foreword

2008 Annual Report

5

TEACHING AND SCHOLARSHIP

Significant progress was made in teaching and

scholarship during 2008. Positive results were

achieved in the Curtin Annual Student Survey,

with 88 per cent of respondents indicating they

would “recommend Curtin to a friend, relative

or other student”. Also, eVALUate results

for Semester 2 showed a strong pattern of

improvement in student satisfaction. These

results show that students are increasingly

satisfied with the quality of their unit teaching

and learning experiences at Curtin.

The curriculum reform project, Curriculum

2010, was identified in the draft report from

AUQA as a highlight of teaching and learning,

particularly our method of embedding

graduate attributes and the concept of the

triple-i curriculum, which was announced

in 2008. Significant work has been directed

to adopting consistent and streamlined

processes and degree structures, and

to the comprehensive review of courses

and majors. By the end of the year, 26

majors and 48 courses had completed

comprehensive course review, with many

more well into the process. The systematic

review of courses and units being offered

has enabled a reduction of the number

of low-enrolment courses and units.

New services focusing on the implementation

of the Retention Plan in partnership with all

faculties and areas were also introduced.

These include the formalisation of the

Student Transition and Retention Team

(START), which is based in the Future

Students Centre, and new services for

students placed on conditional status.

This approach is proving to be very effective

in supporting new-to-Curtin students and

students at risk of non-completion.

Curtin reached a milestone in Indigenous

education, with the Centre for Aboriginal

Studies celebrating its 25th anniversary in

2008. The University has long been at the

forefront of Indigenous education in Australia,

and has the highest number of Indigenous

students at any Australian university. In 2008,

it was also the first Australian university to

develop a Reconciliation Action Plan.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Curtin continued to display strong growth in

its research funding performance throughout

2008. The University’s national ranking in

Research Training Scheme funding improved

to 12th, with $13.3 million (up from 13th

in 2007), and Curtin ranked 18th for the

Research Infrastructure Block Grant,

with $2.4 million (up from 20th in 2007).

The University maintained its national

ranking of 11th in the Institutional

Grant Scheme, with $6.4 million.

Curtin achieved its first Australian Research

Council Federation Fellowship, awarded to

Professor Peter Teunissen. The University

signed a $10.5 million partnership

agreement with Rio Tinto to develop a

world-class innovation centre for strategic

research and development in materials

and sensing in mining. Work continued

on the development of the Resources

and Chemistry Precinct, the Curtin Health

Innovation Research Institute and the

Australian Sustainable Development Institute;

key initiatives for Curtin moving forward.

Foyer of the Centre for Aboriginal Studies.


6

Vice-Chancellor’s foreword (continued)

The Curtin University Sustainability Policy

(CUSP) Institute was also established under the

leadership of renowned sustainability expert

Professor Peter Newman. More information

on these and other research achievements

is provided in the body of this report.

The year also saw major progress in the

key research area of radio astronomy

as part of Curtin’s work to help Australia

secure the world’s largest radio astronomy

project, the $2 billion Square Kilometre

Array (SKA). The Centre of Excellence for

Radio Astronomy Science and Engineering,

led by Curtin in collaboration with The

University of Western Australia, is funded

by the State Government. It will be led

by Professors Steven Tingay and Peter

Hall, acknowledged experts in the field.

The University also launched the new

multi-million-dollar Curtin Institute of

Radio Astronomy (CIRA), a new cross-

disciplinary institute which is the first of

its kind at any Australian university.

CIRA offers courses that combine both

physics and engineering in the field of

astronomy, and boasts the only Chair in

Radio Astronomy Engineering in Australia.

The institute provides a base for all radio

astronomy activity within the University,

and is a focal point for interaction with

external partners. Through CIRA, Curtin will

contribute key science and engineering to

the global SKA project, and help build the

all-important human capital for Australian

and international SKA endeavours.

Curtin’s radio astronomy expertise will also

play a significant role in the $20 million

International Centre for Radio Astronomy

Research (ICRAR) announced by Science and

Innovation Minister Troy Buswell in December.

The University will establish a specialised

section of CIRA to focus on ICRAR projects.

Co-Directors of CIRA, Professors Tingay and

Hall, will serve as Deputy Directors of ICRAR.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES

The development of Curtin’s physical

infrastructure continued in 2008, with

construction continuing on several key

projects. The $116 million Resources and

Chemistry Precinct is being built on the

southern end of the Bentley Campus. It will

bring together the Chemistry Centre of WA

and Curtin’s Department of Chemistry, with

the CSIRO Minerals Research Centre located

nearby. This juxtaposition will enable the

creation of a world-class knowledge precinct

for research and learning in the resources

and chemistry sector. BHP Billiton is also a

partner in the precinct. Work on the facility

is expected to be completed by mid-2009.

Curtin Stadium, a state-of-the-art recreation,

sporting and events facility, will officially

open in 2009. It includes three international-

grade sports courts, a new fitness centre

with two gyms and a spin room, beach

volleyball facilities and a coffee shop.

The Resources and Chemistry Precinct at Curtin’s Bentley Campus.

2008 Annual Report

7

The design allows for the sports area

to be used for large events such as

graduations, examinations, design shows

and formal dinners, with seating for 2,500. Its

development will provide enhanced sporting

facilities for students and staff, and give

Curtin a much-needed indoor space

suitable for large functions and gatherings.

For much of 2008, the University and

its team of urban planning consultants

worked in collaboration with state and local

governments to review the Physical Master

Plan for the Bentley Campus, to ensure

future developments closely support the

University’s vision for the future. The principal

aim of the master plan is to provide a vital

physical environment in which innovation,

interaction, research and learning will thrive.

The plan focuses on the creation of an

urban university town, connected by a

major public transit spine to the central

business district and other knowledge and

activity centres in the immediate region.

The plan envisages creating – over a

30 to 40-year period – a significant property

endowment asset for the University as well

as an exciting environment for people to

learn, work, research, live and develop.

FINANCIAL SECURITY

Curtin strengthened its financial resources

with a surplus for 2008 of $55.8 million.

This is the University’s third successive,

strong surplus, albeit reduced by investment

valuation write downs. The consistent

financial discipline provides security

for Curtin in the current global financial

downturn. Given the uncertainty around

financial matters, the University will continue

to exercise caution in 2009, and work to

reduce costs and increase efficiencies.

MOVING FORWARD

Late in 2008, the Federal Government

received the report of the higher education

review, chaired by Professor Denise Bradley.

Curtin supports the thrust of the review

and has urged government to address and

implement its recommendations urgently.

Education is Australia’s third-largest export

industry, and in light of the decline of the two

largest sectors – iron ore and coal – it is critical

that we take action to allow the education

sector to play a key role in dealing with the

current economic downturn, and ensuring

the long-term productivity of the nation.

I expect 2009 to be a year of change for

higher education, as the impact of the

global financial crisis becomes clearer,

and government implements at least some

of the recommendations of the Bradley

Review. Curtin moves into 2009 in a

strong position to address the challenges

and opportunities we will encounter.

Jeanette Hacket

Vice-Chancellor

The main gymnasium at Curtin Stadium.


8

About Curtin

Curtin University of Technology is Western

Australia’s largest university, with more than

40,000 students. Of these, about 17,000

are offshore and onshore international

students, and almost 2,000 are research

students. The University takes its name from

the Prime Minister of Australia from 1941 to

1945, John Curtin, and its values reflect the

leadership and strength associated with one

of Australia’s pre-eminent prime ministers.

Curtin is an internationally focused institution.

A culturally diverse university, it fosters

tolerance and encourages the development

of the individual. The University’s programs

centre on the provision of knowledge and

skills to meet industry and workplace

standards. A combination of first-rate

resources, staff and technology makes Curtin

a major contributor to tertiary education,

both within Australia and internationally.

The University’s main campus is in Bentley,

six kilometres south of the centre of Perth,

Western Australia’s capital city. Curtin has

two additional metropolitan campuses

and regional campuses in Kalgoorlie,

Northam, Margaret River and Geraldton.

Curtin also has a campus in the Sydney

Central Business District and two offshore

facilities – Curtin Sarawak, in Miri, Sarawak,

East Malaysia, and Curtin Singapore.

Curtin offers a wide range of undergraduate

and postgraduate courses in business,

humanities, health sciences, resources,

engineering and related sciences.

The University is recognised for high-

impact research across four defined

and distinct areas of focus:

• Resourcesandenergy

• ICTandemergingtechnologies

• Health

• Sustainabledevelopment.

Curtin has close links with business, industry,

government and the community, and its

courses have a strong practical focus, with

many involving vocational or work experience

components. As a result, Curtin graduates

are job-ready and prepared, with skills that

enable them to make a genuine and positive

influence in a continuously changing world.

Curtin University of Technology is a

body corporate established under the

Curtin University of Technology Act

1966, an Act of the Western Australian

Parliament. It is domiciled in Australia.

The University is not an incorporated

company under the Corporations Law.

Therefore it does not have an Australian

Company Number (ACN), nor does it

have a Certificate of Incorporation.

Curtin’s Bentley Campus is located at:

Kent Street

BENTLEY WA 6102

The postal address is:

GPO Box U1987

PERTH WA 6845

Curtin’s web address:

curtin.edu.au

The University’s programs

centre on the provision of

knowledge and skills to meet

industry and workplace

standards. A combination

of first-rate resources, staff

and technology makes

Curtin a major contributor to

tertiary education, both within

Australia and internationally.

2008 Annual Report

9

VISION

An international leader shaping the future through our graduates and research,

and positioned among the top 20 universities in Asia by 2020.

MISSION

Curtin is committed to innovation and excellence in teaching and research,

for the benefit of our students and the wider community.

VALUESIntegrity – being consistently honest and trustworthy in all activities

Respect – having regard for self and others

Fairness – ensuring just decisions through open decision-making

Care – acting to ensure the welfare of others

Strategic PlanThe University’s vision, mission and strategic objectives are operationalised by its Strategic Plan

2009-2013.

Curtin’s strategic plan provides a framework for the development of key plans and strategies

across all teaching and administrative areas, as reflected in primary statements relating to the

Teaching and Learning Plan, the Research Management Plan, the Internationalisation Plan and

the Valuing Curtin Staff Plan.

The section “2008 Activity Highlights” presents Curtin’s activities and achievements over the

year in relation to the primary statements of the previous strategic plan.

As 2008 represented the final year of the University’s previous strategic plan, work commenced

early in the year on the development of a new University strategic plan. The strategic planning

process has given consideration to the trends and changes in the higher education environment.

The University has sought external input, and provided the opportunity to Curtin staff, executive

management and Council to contribute to the development of its strategic direction.

Curtin’s Strategic Plan 2009-2013 presents clear strategies and targets for positioning the

University for sustainability and growth in an ever-changing environment. The plan includes

a vision for 2020, which allows the University to maintain a longer-term focus for its ongoing

development. In 2009, the University will undertake activities to ensure it achieves organisational

alignment with the new strategic plan, and to commence its implementation.

Curtin’s strategic plan

provides a framework

for the development of

key plans and strategies

across all teaching and

administrative areas.

Vision, Mission and Values


10

• Curtinisbuildinga$116millionResources

and Chemistry Precinct, in partnership

with government research body the

Chemistry Centre WA and industry leader

BHP Billiton. Mark Woffenden, former

director and chief executive officer of

the A.J. Parker Cooperative Research

Centre, was appointed the inaugural

Executive Director of the precinct. The

precinct will address the skills shortage

caused by the resources boom, and will

renew student interest in the sciences.

By 2010, the precinct will be a resources

hub of more than 300 scientists,

engineers and staff for chemistry,

resources and energy-related research.

• TheUniversityformeda$10.5million

partnership with mining giant Rio Tinto to

establish a world-class research centre.

The Centre for Materials and Sensing in

Mining was launched in March, and is

only the second research centre to be

established by Rio Tinto worldwide. It

will foster the development of advanced

technologies, which will enable Rio Tinto’s

global operations to improve productivity

for iron ore operations in the Pilbara,

and for underground developments

in the Rio Tinto Copper group.

• InMarch,CurtinjoinedwiththeChamber

of Minerals and Energy (CME) to help

develop the capacity of the minerals

and energy sector. A Memorandum of

Understanding between Curtin and the

CME was signed to bolster the resolve of

both parties to develop educational and

research programs that strengthen the

Australian resources industry. Expected

outcomes of the cooperative relationship

include increases in the quantity and

quality of students to more readily meet

the resources industry’s employment

and research needs. The agreement

also promises sustainable strategies

for all minerals and energy-related

programs with the Western Australia

School of Mines (WASM), one of the main

beneficiaries of the strategic partnership.

• Buildingonitsscholarshipandresearch

in health, Curtin announced plans to

create a bold, integrated and relevant

health research institute to target problem

2008 Activity Highlights

Strategic focus 1 Relevance to society’s needs and aspirations

VISION AND MISSION

Curtin’s vision, mission and strategic objectives are actioned through its strategic plan.

This section presents a selection of Curtin’s activities and achievements during 2008, and

highlights the areas of strategic focus and themes of the previous strategic plan, which covered

the 2006 to 2008 period, and the priorities of the supporting enabling plans.

MOVING FORWARD FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA

In 2008, Curtin announced that a focus on education and research in resources and energy,

health, sustainable development, and ICT and emerging technologies would be among

the University’s priorities for the next decade. These areas were chosen to meet mounting

demands in the sectors, and are deemed vital to the future of the State, the nation and

the region. Over the next decade, partnerships with industry, business and government

will be cultivated in these four key areas as Curtin builds on its global presence.

HIGHLIGHTS

Areas of Strategic Focus

2008 Annual Report

11

areas such as the ageing population,

lifestyle diseases and workforce health.

The Curtin Health Innovation Research

Institute will make a major contribution

to reshaping the existing health system

and keeping people out of hospital.

• CurtincreatedtheAustralianSustainable

Development Institute. The initiative

expands the University’s existing delivery

of courses in sustainability, including

cleaner production, environmental biology,

and sustainable aquaculture, tourism and

communities. Curtin will not only work as

a leader in sustainability research, but also

further develop environmentally friendly

strategies for the University’s campuses.

• Curtinisplayingaleadroleinthe

Australian bid for the $2 billion Square

Kilometre Array (SKA) – the world’s largest

radio astronomy project. To help secure

the bid, the University also established the

Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA),

following the announcement in April by the

Western Australian Government that Curtin

and The University of Western Australia will

collaborate in the State’s new $2.3 million

Centre of Excellence for Radio Astronomy

and Engineering, which is led by Curtin.

• CurtinandTheUniversityofWestern

Australia will be equal joint partners in

the $20 million State Government-funded

International Centre for Radio Astronomy

Research (ICRAR) announced by Science

and Innovation Minister Troy Buswell in

December. The University will establish

a specialised section of CIRA to focus

on ICRAR projects. Co-Directors of

CIRA, Professors Tingay and Hall, will

serve as Deputy Directors of ICRAR.

• Curtin’shighestnon-academichonour,

the John Curtin Medal, was awarded

to Aboriginal elder Joan Winch and

community worker Helen Dullard, chief

executive officer of the Hills Community

Support Group (HCSG), for their

contribution to the Western Australian

community. Ms Winch was recognised for

her tireless work to improve Indigenous

primary health care in Western Australia.

She established the Aboriginal Health

Worker Education Program in 1983,

which became the Marr Mooditj (Good

Hands) foundation in 1990. Ms Dullard

has been at the helm of the HCSG since

its inception in the 1980s. Among her

numerous initiatives, she established

a safe house for young women and a

program to help local Aboriginal youth in

Midland to gain and maintain employment.

The University presents the John Curtin

Medal each year to people who exhibit

the former Prime Minister’s qualities of

vision, leadership and community service.

• InOctober,morethan450members

of Curtin Volunteers! visited more than

30 regional WA towns and metropolitan

sites to take part in community service

projects as part of John Curtin Weekend

2008. Projects included revitalising the

Old Gillingarra School site and hall, and

working with the Lancelin community on

their Frogs Rock project for motorbike

frogs. John Curtin Weekend is one of

WA’s largest annual community projects,

and brings together volunteers who are

diverse in age, race, nationality, religion,

life experience and political persuasions.

Curtin volunteers.


12

2008 Activity Highlights (continued)

HIGHLIGHTS

• ThedevelopmentofCurtinStadium,the

$27 million recreation and events facility

under construction at the Bentley Campus,

continued during 2008. The facility will

officially open in mid-2009, although the

fitness centre opened in December 2008.

The stadium will provide enhanced gym

and recreation facilities for the Curtin

and local community. It includes three

international-grade sports courts, the

new fitness centre – including a women’s

gym – beach volleyball facilities, a coffee

shop and a patio area. The venue will

also cater for large events, including

graduations, with seating for 2,500.

• CurtinjoinedtheWesternAustralian

Department of Sport and Recreation

to establish the Centre for Sport and

Recreation Research (CSRR) in the

Faculty of Humanities. The CSRR

was launched in August by The Hon.

John Kobelke MLA – the then Minister

for Police and Emergency Services,

Community Safety, Water Resources,

Sport and Recreation. The CSRR will

undertake research into some of the

new challenges and opportunities facing

sport and recreation in WA, including

governance improvement, responding

to diverse agendas on climate change,

water, participation by Indigenous people,

urban planning and social inclusion.

• TeamsledbyProfessorPeterHowat,

from the Centre for Behavioural

Research in Cancer Control, have been

awarded more than $900,000 for two

projects under the National Health and

Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

to investigate nutrition and physical

activity intervention for mothers with

young children, and for seniors.

• AteamledbyProfessorLeonStraker,

from Curtin’s School of Physiotherapy,

was awarded more than $500,000 by

the NHMRC to investigate whether

access to electronic games decreases

the physical activity of children.

• InCurtin’sSchoolofPublicHealth,

Professor John Mamo and his team

received approximately $550,000 in

NHMRC funding for an investigation

into how dietary fats may influence

the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

• ProfessorsMikeDaubeandPeterHowat

received $900,000 in Healthway funding

to promote, support and coordinate

public health advocacy in Western

Australia, with the establishment of the

Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA.

• AssociateProfessorSiobhanAusten,

from the School of Economics and

Finance, was awarded approximately

$470,000 from the National Centre for

Vocational Education Research (NCVER)

to explore the role of vocational education

and training in promoting labour market

participation among important groups

such as older Australians, young

and prime-age women, Indigenous

Australians and disabled workers.

2008 Annual Report

13

INCREASED SUPPORT FOR ‘AT RISK’ STUDENTS

Services that focus on the implementation of the Retention Plan in partnership with all

faculties and areas have been established. These include the formalisation of START

(the Student Transition and Retention Team), which is a drop-in facility that provides

services for students placed on conditional status. The new approach focuses on

supporting new-to-Curtin students and students at risk of non-completion.

CURRICULUM 2010

The Curriculum 2010 project and its implementation of the course-related objectives

of Curtin’s Teaching and Learning Enabling Plan (2005-2008) continued in 2008.

Progress made so far includes:

• revisionoftheCurtinaward

• developmentoftoolsandmodelsformeasuringunitandcoursesustainability

• comprehensivereviewof48coursesand26majors,withafurther

45 courses and 24 majors currently undergoing review

• introductionofanannualcoursereviewprocess.

The University implemented the Curriculum 2010 project to enhance the quality of its learning

and teaching performance, improve staff workloads, and determine which existing courses

are sustainable in terms of strategic focus, quality and financial viability. The project was

developed to compete and excel in the increasingly dynamic higher education sector.

AUSTRALIAN LEARNING AND TEACHING COUNCIL AWARDS

Three of Curtin’s academics received an

Australian Learning and Teaching Council

(ALTC) Citation for Outstanding Contribution

to Student Learning in 2008. Professor

Marjan Zadnik, from the Department

of Imaging and Applied Physics, was

awarded his citation for two decades of

enhancing students’ learning of physics

through innovative and research-based

curricula, and for scholarly activities

and leadership in physics education.

From Curtin’s Office of Research and

Development, Professor Leonie Rennie

was awarded a citation for her exemplary supervision and empowerment of research students

through promoting high standards in research education for students and their supervisors.

In the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dean of Teaching and Learning Professor Shelley

Yeo was awarded a citation for the design, development, implementation and evaluation of

Curtin’s approach to academic integrity, and for new plagiarism policies and procedures.

Strategic focus 2 Student-centred learning

CO

UR

TES

Y O

F A

LTC

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education Professor Robyn Quin; Professor Shelley Yeo; Professor Marjan Zadnik; Professor Leonie Rennie; and Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket.


14

HIGHLIGHTS• Curtinwasawardedthreegrantsfromthe

Australian Learning and Teaching Council

(ALTC) Competitive Grants Program:

– Professor Beverley Oliver, Director of

Teaching and Learning, is the project

leader of a competitive grant called

Building Course Team Capacity to

Enhance Graduate Employability

(a two-year project funded at

$220,000). The project will be

conducted in collaboration with three

other universities, and will involve

developing Curtin’s eVALUate graduate

and employer survey systems.

– Ms Sue Jones, Dean of Teaching and

Learning, Health Sciences, is on the

leadership team of a competitive grant

in partnership with Murdoch University.

This two-year project, Unit Coordinators

as Academic Leaders, focuses on

clarifying, developing and valuing the

role of unit coordinators as informal

leaders of learning in higher education.

– Professor Shelley Yeo and Dr Carmela

Briguglio received a grant for a

Moderation for Fair Assessment in

Transnational Teaching and Learning

project. This two-year project, funded

at $220,000, will be in collaboration with

the University of South Australia. The aim

of the project is to develop a framework

for involving the whole teaching team,

including partner organisation staff, in

moderation practices in assessment

in transnational programs.

• In2008,theeVALUate unit and teaching

survey instruments were available online

for undergraduate and postgraduate

coursework units at Curtin’s Australian

campuses, Curtin Sarawak and

Curtin Singapore, and in Mauritius.

In Semester 2, our offshore partner,

Hong Kong SPACE, was also included

for the first time. Student response rates

are increasing. The number of students

who participated in the unit surveys

increased from 35.6 per cent in 2007

to 40.5 per cent in Semester 2, 2008.

• TheeVALUate results for Semesters

1 and 2 showed a strong pattern of

improvement in student satisfaction. The

results for Semester 2, 2008 indicate

overall satisfaction for units is at 83.5 per

cent, which increased from 82.2 per cent

in Semester 1, 2008 and 81.4 per cent in

Semesters 1 and 2, 2007. For Semester

2, 2008, results showed the greatest

improvements were in feedback on

learning, workload, teaching quality, student

engagement (thinking about learning

more effectively) and overall satisfaction.

• InOctober2008,iZoneopenedonLevel

2 of the Curtin Library. iZone provides

a technology-rich learning environment

within relaxed, vibrant surroundings, where

students can use library resources, while

interacting with each other more creatively.

• InsupportofCurtin’sReconciliation

Action Plan (RAP) 2008, the Curtin Library

established a plan describing how it will

help achieve Curtin’s vision under the

RAP as a place of learning that respects

Indigenous culture and diversity.

• Majorprogresswasmadeonthenew

recreation, sporting and events facility,

Curtin Stadium. The facility will officially open

in mid-2009, although the fitness centre

opened in December 2008. The $27 million

facility includes three international-grade

sports courts, the new fitness centre

which comprises a gymnasium, ladies’

studio and spin room, beach volleyball

facilities, a café and a patio area.

The design allows for the sports area

to be used for large events such as

graduations, examinations, design shows

and formal dinners, with seating for 2,500.

• TheInternationalCareersMonthwas

held in September and culminated in the

International Careers Fair – the first event

of its kind at an Australian university. The

event was aimed at Curtin’s international

cohort and local students who are

considering working overseas. More than

6,000 students attended the Careers

Fair, with the event attracting more than

160 employers as well as accolades from

the Australian Association of Graduate

Employers as the best expo in Australia.

• AStudentMentoringProgramwas

established, with 130 senior students

acting as mentors in 13 different courses

in Semester 1, having an impact on the

experience of more than 1,300 new

students. With the smaller, mid-year intake,

about 40 mentors assisted more than 400

new-to-Curtin students. The highly positive

evaluation provided by all participants

has led the University to plan to double

the numbers of students and teaching

areas involved in the program in 2009.

• In2008,TheLearningCentrecreated

a new website, opening more channels

of communication with students. The

Learning Centre assisted students by

providing seminars and individual support

to more than 3,000 students, addressing

learning skills and language proficiency,

increasing demand in fee-for-service

programs and increasing customised in-

faculty seminars/workshops. The centre

also expanded the service to include

evening and weekend seminars for

postgraduate students, and successfully

piloted 10-hour English language programs.


2008 Annual Report

15

• In2008,thechaplaincyteamwas

expanded to include a multi-faith service,

providing religious consultations for

students and staff. The Curtin community

positively received the introduction of an

initiative that addresses student poverty –

a Free Weekly Bread Distribution.

• ResultsfromtheCurtinAnnual

Student Satisfaction Survey indicate

that student satisfaction with distance

education has steadily increased over

the past three years, as follows:

– 79.86 per cent indicated staff were

helpful, and 73.37 per cent thought

services were readily available

– 67.63 per cent thought Distance

Education/Open Universities

Australia (DE/OUA) staff were

flexible in meeting their needs

– 77.04 per cent thought DE/OUA

uses effective methods to

communicate with them.

• TheprojecttomigratetheUniversityto

one Learning Management System, from

WebCT and Blackboard to Blackboard 7,

continued to progress well in 2008.

Infrastructure for the work was finalised,

which included the preparation of servers

for the development of the middleware and

training. Specifications, analysis and design

of the middleware have been completed,

and software development is near

completion. Blackboard was upgraded

to version 8 in December for immediate

staff availability. Student availability

will be ready in Semester 1, 2009.

• StafftraininginBlackboardcommenced

in July and is continuing, with more

than 200 staff having accessed

training. All training resources are

available through flexible delivery.

iZone at the Curtin Library.


16

CURTIN UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY POLICY (CUSP) INSTITUTE

The Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute was established in January

2008, headed by the renowned sustainability expert, Professor Peter Newman, and based

in Fremantle. The idea of sustainability in a wide range of human endeavour is a relatively

new concept but is rapidly becoming a key issue in public policy theory and practice.

Sustainability policy is also developing as a recognised profession and a multidisciplinary

research field in its own right. CUSP is a key player in Curtin’s endeavours in this arena.

The group has developed collaborative relationships, nationally and internationally, with

other researchers, with industry and with government bodies. Projects include:

• AnAustralianResearchCouncil(ARC)grantof$100,000tosurveypropertymarket

participants to determine the drivers for, and the barriers to, the uptake of sustainability

initiatives in the commercial and residential property sectors. Professor Peter Newman

leads the project.

• Developmentandanalysisofoneoftheworld’smostambitiousexercisesincitizen

deliberation to date. Professor Janette Hartz-Karp, in collaboration with the Australian

National University, is undertaking the project, at the centre of which is a Citizens

Parliament, composed of one person randomly selected from each of the 150 federal

electoral divisions in Australia. The Citizens Parliament will deliberate questions

concerning governmental reform. The project will analyse citizen engagement with

politics; the degree to which typical citizens can deliberate complex political issues;

and how citizen preferences, capacities and judgements change in deliberation.

• Curtinsecuredsignificantfundingfrom

the ARC for six key, collaborative research

projects through its Linkage Projects

Scheme. Total funding awarded to the

University amounted to $1.9 million over

the life of the six projects, with partner

organisations contributing another

$4.3 million to Curtin. The six projects

awarded ARC Linkage Project funding

span the areas of public health, physical

sciences, chemical engineering, geology,

geochemistry, and artificial intelligence

and signal and image processing, with

collaborating partner organisations

from both public and private sectors.

• Curtin’scommitmenttoensuring

research remains relevant to the broader

community, and that research outcomes

are disseminated, is evident in the

continuing activity under the University’s

intellectual property commercialisation

strategy. Sensear is a Curtin spin-off

company, with innovative products that

enable speech communication in high-

noise environments, without the need

to remove hearing protection. In 2008,

the company was declared one of the

world’s most promising new companies

at launch: Silicon Valley 2008, held by

The Silicon Valley Association of Start-up

Entrepreneurs and hosted by Microsoft.

HIGHLIGHTS


Strategic focus 3 High-impact research

2008 Annual Report

17

• In2008,Curtinsecuredahighly

prestigious Federation Fellowship (recently

renamed Laureate Fellowship) from the

Australian Research Council. Professor

Peter Teunissen, a world-renowned expert

in global navigation satellite systems

(GNSSs), will be undertaking a program of

research to improve the integer-estimation

and strengthen models for integrated

GNSS, thus making them more reliable for

the applications in which they are used (for

example, Earth, atmospheric and space

science). Professor Teunissen will be

joining the strong research capability within

Curtin’s Department of Spatial Sciences.

• TheCurtinInstituteofRadioAstronomy

(CIRA) was launched in December

2008 by The Hon. Barry House MLC,

Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer;

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister

for Commerce; Science and Innovation;

Housing and Works. The institute will form

an integral part of the multi-million-dollar

Centre of Excellence for Radio Astronomy

Science and Engineering – a collaborative

initiative with The University of Western

Australia (UWA), which is led by Curtin.

The Centre of Excellence is part of a

significant effort by the State of Western

Australia to help Australia position itself

in the global radio astronomy arena. It

will be led by Professors Steven Tingay

and Peter Hall. Professor Tingay joined

Curtin in 2008 as a Premier’s Research

Fellow, along with Professor Hall as Chair

of Radio Astronomy Engineering at Curtin.

The Centre of Excellence is part of a

broader commitment by the federal and

state governments to secure the world’s

largest international science project – the

$2 billion Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

The decision on which of the two sites –

Australia and Southern Africa – will host the

SKA will be decided in 2011. The efforts

of the parties involved in Australia’s bid,

which include CSIRO and UWA, will ensure

that WA is well placed to reap significant

returns, regardless of whether the SKA

is located locally or in Southern Africa.

• CurtinjoinedtheWesternAustralian

Department of Sport and Recreation

to establish the Centre for Sport and

Recreation Research (CSRR) in the

Faculty of Humanities. The CSRR

was launched in August by The Hon.

John Kobelke MLA – the then Minister

for Police and Emergency Services,

Community Safety, Water Resources,

Sport and Recreation. The CSRR will

undertake research into some of the

new challenges and opportunities facing

sport and recreation in WA, including

governance improvement, responding

to diverse agendas on climate change,

water, participation by Indigenous people,

urban planning and social inclusion.

• TeamsledbyProfessorPeterHowat,


Research in Cancer Control, have been

awarded more than $900,000 for two

projects under the National Health and





• In2008,Curtin’sHydrogenStorageGroup,

headed by Professor Craig Buckley, won

an inaugural research grant from Russian

aluminium company Rusal, surpassing

more than 100 entries from around the

globe. Effectively storing hydrogen in light

metals such as aluminium will pave the way

for hydrogen fuel cells in cars, and reduce

the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.


18

• Curtinenteredintoa$10.5million

partnership with Rio Tinto to develop

a world-class innovation centre for

strategic research and development in

materials and sensing in mining. The

centre will be led by Associate Professor

Vladimir Golovanevskiy, within the

Western Australian School of Mines.

• ProfessorRolfGubneristheinaugural

Chair in Corrosion, under a sponsorship

arrangement established in 2008 with

Chevron and Woodside – a partnership

that builds on Curtin’s reputation and

strengths in corrosion research.

• CurtinandWesternPowersigned

a sponsorship agreement in 2008

aimed at increasing expertise in the

power industry. Western Power will

provide the Department of Electrical

and Computer Engineering with close

to $1 million over five years to fund a

Chair in Power Engineering, together

with undergraduate bursaries.

• Curtinhasenteredintoanagreement

with Parsons-Brinckerhoff Australia Pty

Ltd for the sponsorship of a professorial

Chair in Sustainability for Professor Peter

Newman, from the Curtin University

Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute.

The PB-CUSP alliance is structured

around a three-year Memorandum of

Understanding to integrate future-focused

research ideals with business pragmatism.

• CurtinwilljoinTheUniversityofWestern

Australia and CSIRO in the WA Geothermal

Centre of Excellence to help turn low-heat

geothermal energy around Perth into a

clean and cheap power source. Curtin

will also be joining Murdoch University in

the Centre of Excellence for Research into

Energy for Sustainable Transport (CREST).

• In2008,CurtinjoinedtheWestern

Australian Department of Sport and

Recreation to establish a specialist

research centre in sport and recreation.

The Centre for Sport and Recreation

Research, in the Faculty of Humanities,

was launched on 7 August 2008 by Sport

and Recreation Minister The Hon. John

Kobelke. The centre is believed to be the

first of its kind in Australia, and will be

adopting an evidence-based approach to

investigating current and emerging issues

within the sport and recreation industry.

• ApartnershipwiththeChamberof

Minerals and Energy (CME) was formed

to develop the capacity of the minerals

and energy sector to respond to the

skill shortage in the resources industry.

A Memorandum of Understanding

between Curtin and the CME was

signed on 6 March 2008 to bolster the

development of educational and research

programs that strengthen the Australian

resource industry. The cooperative

relationship will have far-reaching

outcomes, including expected increases

in the quantity and quality of students to

more readily meet the resource industry’s

employment and research needs.

Theme 1 Productive partnershipsStrong, strategic partnerships have

proven to be vital to the growth of

Curtin’s research activities in the past,

and the University will continue to

pursue these alliances in the future.

HIGHLIGHTS


2008 Annual Report

19

• Inearly2008,ProfessorYigangXu,

Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Institute

of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy

of Sciences, signed a Memorandum

of Understanding with Curtin for

collaborative geoscience research

and training. The visit was initiated by

The Institute of Geoscience Research

(TIGeR), led by Professor Simon Wilde,

and has formalised and strengthened

long-term ties between the University

and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

• TheCurtinWaterQualityResearch

Centre is undertaking a joint project

with the University of Alberta, funded by

the American Water Works Association

Research Foundation, on developing

methods for measuring disinfection by-

products in water. With epidemiologic

association between chlorinated drinking

water and elevated human risks of bladder

cancer, there is interest in measuring

possible carcinogens, produced as

a by-product of water disinfection.

• ProfessorGeorgeCurryreceived

$720,000 in funding from the Australian

Centre for International Agricultural

Research. The project aims to raise

smallholder productivity and incomes

in the oil palm and cocoa industries

in Papua New Guinea, through

identifying, refining and promoting

effective strategies for commercial

sector partnerships with smallholders.

• TheCouncilofCurtinUniversityof

Technology, at its meeting of 18 June

2008, resolved to confer on Professor Lu

Yongxiang, the President of the Chinese

Academy of Sciences, the degree of

Doctor of Science, honoris causa, for his

contributions to the development of fluid

power transmissions, and his control

and leadership in higher education and

research and development in the Peoples

Republic of China. The degree was

conferred in a ceremony in November

2008, when Professor Lu was in Perth

as part of his visit to Australia leading

the Chinese Academy of Sciences’

delegation to the Joint Academies’

Forum on energy and resources.

• FromJanuarytoDecember2008,Curtin

hosted 46 international visits. These

included the Australian Ambassadors

to Hong Kong, Vietnam, the Philippines,

Russia, Thailand and Egypt, and the

High Commissioner to Singapore. The

Ambassadors of Iran and India also visited.

Countries that visitors came from include

Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, Botswana,

Russia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Japan, the

US, China, Oman, Ireland and South Africa.

Theme 2 International engagement

HIGHLIGHTS


20

• InMay2008,theYourVoiceCurtinStaff

Satisfaction Survey was administered,

with a 67 per cent response rate from

staff (casual staff were not included).

Overall, Curtin performed as well or

better than 17 other Australian universities

in the sector benchmark group on 21

out of the 30 management practices.

Key areas for improvement related

to processes, senior management

development, communication, career

opportunities, training and development,

workload, change and involvement.

• Workareashaveengagedinaction-

planning sessions to generate local

responses to the survey results. Centrally

resourced initiatives include design and

implementation of Senior Executive

and the Heads of School Leadership

Development Programs; training sessions

addressing staff bullying for at-risk

areas; review and expansion of Excel

Staff Awards program; consolidation of

Curtin’s new Organisational Development

Unit (ODU); and the development of

a consistent framework for workload

allocation for academic staff.

• Aprojectframeworkisunderdevelopment

to coordinate the University-wide initiatives

and local area plans, addressing issues

raised through the survey. The ODU

and Corporate Communications are

collaborating to enhance internal/cross-

sectional communications, and will be

supporting work areas in addressing

issues they identify as priorities.

• InJuly2008,theUniversitysubmitted

its first Equal Employment Opportunity

(EEO) Management Plan to the Office of

Equal Employment Opportunity Western

Australia. The plan covers the period

2008-2010, and sets out a number of

strategies and measurable goals in the

areas of organisational culture; lack

of bias in employment practices; and

strategies to achieve workforce diversity.

As the first Western Australian university

to complete an EEO Management Plan,

Curtin was pleased to be recognised

as an exemplar, and the plan is now

being used as an example of Best

Practice for other organisations.

• In2008,Curtinwas–andis–the

first Australian university to launch a

Reconciliation Action Plan. The plan,

which was developed in association with

Reconciliation Australia, sets out steps the

University will take to continue to develop

reconciliation, and build relationships

between Indigenous and non-Indigenous

people. Launched on 27 May by the Director

of Reconciliation Australia, The Hon. Fred

Chaney AO, Curtin’s Reconciliation Action

Plan is part of the University’s commitment

to promoting an understanding of Indigenous

culture and history; implementing strategies

to increase participation of Indigenous

people in higher education; and continuing

a commitment to fostering partnerships in

Indigenous research and development.

• Curtin’sDigitalMediaUnit(DMU)won

the education category of the 2008 WA

Web Awards. The award recognises the

significant work by the DMU in upgrading

the University’s corporate website for the

Curtin and wider web community as a key

source of information about Curtin and its

offerings. The awards are organised by

the Australian Web Industry Association.

Theme 3 Organisational culture focused on excellence and responsive to its environment

HIGHLIGHTS


From left: Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Jane den Hollander; Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket; The Hon. Fred Chaney; and Centre for Aboriginal Studies Director Associate Professor Anita Lee Hong at the Reconciliation Action Plan launch.

2008 Annual Report

21

• In2008,Curtinachievedahealthysurplus

for the third year in succession. The 2008

surplus was $55.8 million, an outcome

achieved mainly through continued revenue

growth. It should be noted, however,

that this result includes $19.7 million in

capital grants and $8.1 million in unspent

research monies. The University suffered

$27 million of unrealised investment

losses, $23.8 million of which is

reflected in the 2008 operating result.

• Curtin’sstrongfinancialpositionmeans

it has the financial capability to invest

in a range of strategic initiatives and

capital works programs. On top of

the $107.6 million spent in 2008, more

than $216 million will be invested in

equipment, physical facilities and other

assets over the next three years.

Theme 4 A secure financial future

HIGHLIGHTS


22

CURRICULUM 2010 PROJECT

Curtin’s three-year initiative designed to implement the course-related objectives of Curtin’s

Teaching and Learning Enabling Plan (2005-2008), the Curriculum 2010 (C2010) project,

has nurtured networks across the University to ensure key support areas connect with

teaching and learning. Key activities throughout 2008, and continuing, include the Curtin

Award, Course Sustainability, Annual and Comprehensive Course Review and Course

Data Management. Under the Curriculum 2010 project, a new curriculum model was

developed and agreed upon in 2008. The triple-i curriculum model focuses on Industry

(graduate employability), Indigenous/Intercultural/International (global citizenship), and

Interdisciplinary (rich educational choices) to meet both students’ expectations of career-

focused courses and the increasing demand by industry for highly employable graduates.

The innovative model will enhance and expand Curtin’s established links with business and

industry, with increased work placements, internships and work-integrated learning.

The Teaching and Learning PlanThe Teaching and Learning Enabling Plan

sets the direction for teaching and learning

at Curtin for 2006 to 2008. It aims to ensure

that Curtin graduates are strategic and

creative thinkers, who value lifelong learning.


2008 Annual Report

23

• AUnitCostIndicatorwasdevelopedto

enable managers of teaching areas to

determine indicative costs associated

with unit and course delivery. The tool will

provide information to inform decision-

making and ensure sustainability. It

will be piloted more widely in 2009.

• TheUniversitycontinuestoundertake

comprehensive Course Reviews, using

specific needs analysis and curriculum

mapping templates that have been refined

and adapted to provide data pertaining

to courses in a usable format for staff.

Processes have been streamlined as the

tools used for comprehensive course

review have improved. An assessment

matrix has been developed and provides

teaching staff with intelligence about

the assessments in a course, enabled

by visual representation of analysis of

assessments. A process for reviewing

service-taught units was introduced, which

includes a consultative approach with

all stakeholders, and gathers feedback

to inform the review of these units.

• Curtin’sannualCourseReviewshave

been embedded, with refinements scoped

after the second year of operation.

• TheUnitOutlineBuilderisthefirstof

three web-based tools for managing

courses to be sufficiently developed

to pilot. The tool enables unit outlines

to be built online, sourcing data from

the student records system and other

official University databases. A Course

Information Tool has been scoped

for further development in 2009.

• Curtincompletedimplementationof

the eVALUate unit and teaching survey

instruments for undergraduate and

postgraduate coursework units at Curtin’s

Australian campuses, and expanded it

to four international locations. There was

an increase in student participation of

the survey, from 35 per cent in 2007 to

40 per cent in 2008. The results showed an

improvement in overall student satisfaction

with the quality of their unit teaching and

learning experiences at Curtin, up from

83.2 per cent in 2007 to 83.5 per cent in

2008. Graduate and employer surveys

were implemented, with 71 graduate and

71 employer surveys conducted in 2008

as part of the Curriculum 2010 project.

• AnAcademicLeadershipProgramfor

Course Coordinators, an Australian

Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC)

project, was successfully launched in

2008. An ALTC Competitive Grant of

$220,000 was received for a Building

Course Team Capacity to Enhance

Graduate Employability project. A further

ALTC Competitive Grant, of $149,000, in

partnership with Murdoch University as

the lead institution, was awarded for Unit

Coordinators as Academic Leaders.

• Curtin’sFoundationsofLearning

and Teaching at Curtin Eight-Module

Program, developed specifically to

support academic staff, continued to

receive increased participation in 2008,

and resulted in an overall satisfaction

with the program of 99.4 per cent.

• CurtinimplementedtheTurnitinplagiarism

detection software across the University,

after a successful pilot achieving almost

20,000 submissions in the first year.

• CurtinwasawardedthreeAustralian

Learning and Teaching Council Competitive

Grants and three Citations for Outstanding

Contributions to Student Learning.

• In2008,CurtinimplementedaModeration

Pilot Project to investigate the University’s

moderation processes, involving a total

of 7,853 students represented across

all units involved in the project.

• DistanceEducationprint-basedmaterial

was successfully transferred to an

electronic format using the learning

management system Blackboard.

• AUniversity-wideFlexibleLearningProject

commenced to embed contemporary

learning methodologies as components

of curriculum renewal and consolidation,

in conjunction with the C2010 project.

This will assist schools through a flexible

learning, small grants program, and the

flexible delivery of academic staff training.

• InreviewingthemanagementofFieldwork

Education, the University implemented

a policy; commenced development of a

central repository for recording Fieldwork

Partnership agreements; developed and

trialled Fieldwork Preparation Online,

an online program of the essential

information for students undertaking

fieldwork education; and developed

a Fieldwork Guidelines Manual and a

dedicated Fieldwork Education website.

• TheTeachingPerformanceIndex(TPI)

scheme to reward excellence in teaching

and learning was implemented on a

trial basis. Claims could be submitted

by individuals and teams for activities,

achievements, publications or events

occurring in 2007. The online TPI system

HIGHLIGHTS


24

was designed to draw on data from the

eVALUate system. In total, 401 claims

were submitted, including 280 individual

claims and 121 team claims. A total of

$820,825 was distributed to the faculties.

• TheUniversityestablishedtheStudent

Transition and Retention Team (START),

located at a ‘drop-in’ facility in Hayman

Hall, to focus on orientation, the first-

year experience and student retention.

A Student Retention Plan was developed,

and implementation commenced in

2008. Curtin initiated a student mentor

program for more than 400 new-to-Curtin

students, with the highly positive evaluation

provided by all participants leading the

University to plan to double the numbers

of students and teaching areas involved in

the program in 2009. A Conditional Status

Pilot Program was trialled, using OASIS,

to take a more interventionist approach

to this group of at-risk students. It is

intended to use the outcomes of the pilot

program to implement this intervention

on a University-wide basis in 2009.

• TheconceptofTeaching-Research

Integration at Curtin was developed

to ensure that curriculum draws

on latest research in the discipline,

and opportunities are provided for

students to participate in research

activities. This integration commenced

under the C2010 project.

• CurtinconductedapilotMid-Course

Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), targeting

four major courses in Semester 2, 2008.

The Mid-CEQ aimed at improving

courses rather than constituent units, and

was based on the Course Experience

Questionnaire that forms part of the

Australian Graduate Survey administered

annually to graduates by DEEWR.

By gathering this data mid-course, some

of the concerns about the lagging nature

of data in the CEQ can be avoided.

• AdvertisingstudentWassimKanaan,and

lecturer Mr Blair McLeish, from the School

of Art and Design, won a Bronze World

Medal Award at the New York Festivals

International Advertising Awards 2008.

Their work for Greenpeace was recognised

in the service category of the Advertising

in All Media component of the awards.

Entitled Barnacles, the project aimed to

raise awareness of global warming and the

impact of rising sea levels. The New York

International Advertising Awards receives

entries from 71 countries. Winners are

selected by an international panel of 300

senior creative directors from 48 countries.

• BiomedicalSciencessecond-yearPhD

candidate Melissa Corbett won the WA

competition of the 2008 AusBiotech-GSK

Student Excellence Awards. Ms Corbett

received a trip to Melbourne to attend the

Australian Biotechnology Conference,

where she presented her research, which

focuses on the metabolic functions of

a particular strain of bacteria and how

this information can be used to advance

biomining technologies. The research will

have implications for the way in which

minerals will be extracted in the future.

The AusBiotech-GSK Student Excellence

Awards are open to first- and second-year

PhD students at Australian universities,

who are working on projects that

potentially have a commercial application.

• YoshioTakagi,asecond-yearstudent

undertaking a Bachelor of Arts (Design)

Product and Furniture Design major at

Curtin’s School of Design and Art (SODA),

won two awards at the Melbourne Fringe

Festival in 2008. Mr Takagi won the

Fringe Furniture 2008 People’s Choice

Award and Best Design Award for his

origami-inspired table, titled Molentje.

• Eighteen-year-oldEconomicsand

Finance student Tara Franzinelli won the

fourth Western Australian Business Icon

competition. Ms Franzinelli was one of 40

Western Australians, aged between 18

and 25, who were selected from hundreds

of entrants for the 10-day test to uncover

the State’s sharpest young business

minds. The Business Icon competition

is designed for young people to test

their business skills. Contestants were

challenged through a series of complex

tasks. After a process of elimination,

each of the four finalists had to create a

management plan to assess and deal

with the possibility of a disaster striking

Kwinana and effectively wiping out WA’s

diesel supply. Ms Franzinelli won the

award for her presentation skills and

for delivering a simplified message.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS


2008 Annual Report

25

• MaggieEdmonds,astudentinthe

Growth Program offered by Curtin’s

Centre for Entrepreneurship, was named

the Western Australian Rural Woman

of the Year for 2008, and was also

runner-up for the national title. She was

selected from seven state and territory

winners. The Rural Industries Research

and Development Corporation Rural

Women’s Award is designed to recognise

and encourage the vital contribution

women make to rural Australia.

• InMarch2008,Communicationand

Cultural Studies student Sam Carmody

won the Mary Grant Bruce Short Story

Award for Children’s Literature in the 2007

Fellowship of Australian Writers National

Literary Awards. Mr Carmody won the

award for his short story Vincent. The Mary

Grant Bruce Short Story is awarded to

the best manuscript for readers 10 to 15

years of age. The award carries a prize of

$600 and the honour of being recognised

by the Fellowship of Australian Writers.

• Inearly2008,BenCole,whoisstudying

a Master in Environmental Health at

Curtin, won the first prize of C20,000

(approximately AUD$40,000) in the

international Business in Development

(BiD) Challenge 2007. Mr Cole competed

against 2,275 participants from

144 countries, and was awarded first prize

in the start-up category. His winning idea

was based on a high-quality protective

facemask that contains a layer of activated

carbon cloth and dust filter to capture

chemical pollutants. Mr Cole designed the

mask to protect commuters in Vietnam

from air pollutants. The competition aims

to contribute to economic growth and

employment in developing countries.


26

• ActuarialSciencegraduateBhaveshHaria

is Curtin’s first graduate to have completed

the necessary examinations to qualify

as a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries

Australia. He joins only 17 qualified

actuaries working in Western Australia.

• InFebruary2008,25Indigenousgraduates

formed the largest class to date to

graduate from the Bachelor of Education

Conversion Course offered by Curtin’s

Centre for Aboriginal Studies. All graduates

had been working as Aboriginal and

Islander Education Officers statewide,

and converted this qualification to a

Bachelor of Education after studying for

four years full-time at Curtin. Graduates

posted to regional or remote areas

helped ease the teacher shortage.

• FirstClassHonoursChemicalEngineering

graduate Sebastian Bunney secured a

position with energy company Chevron,

through one of the resource industry’s

best graduate engineering programs.

Mr Bunney was appointed to work on

the lucrative North West Shelf Joint

Venture project in his first of the five-

year graduate program. The position

followed his three-months internship

at Chevron, in Houston, Texas.

• ElissaDown,whograduatedfromCurtin’s

Film and Television course in 1998,

won three prestigious Australian Film

Industry Awards in 2008 for her debut

film The Black Balloon. Ms Down, director

and co-writer of the film, won awards

for Best Direction and Best Original

Screenplay, with the film taking out the

Best Film award. The Black Balloon

was also awarded a Crystal Bear at the

2008 Berlin International Film Festival.

• UrbanandRegionalPlanninggraduate

Martin Keen won the esteemed Urban

Development Institute of Australia (UDIA)

(WA) Young Development Professional


GRADUATE ACHIEVEMENTS

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket with graduates from the Centre for Aboriginal Studies Bachelor of Education Conversion Course.

2008 Annual Report

27

Scholarship 2008. The scholarship is

awarded annually to the most outstanding

young person aged 30 years and under,

who is currently working in the industry.

Mr Keen is the youngest Senior Planner

at the East Perth Redevelopment

Authority. He completed a Bachelor

of Arts (Urban and Regional Planning)

with Honours at Curtin in 2006.

• In2008,DrMelindaRedmondreceiveda

commendation from Curtin’s Chancellor for

her PhD thesis about the effect culture has

on the varying prevalence of depression

in different countries. Dr Redmond, who

completed her postgraduate studies at

Curtin’s School of Psychology in 2007, took

up the position of Clinical Psychologist

Registrar at Perth Clinic in 2008.

• MatthewNgui,agraduatefromthe

Department of Art, was co-curator of

the Singapore Biennale 2008, the city’s

largest international contemporary

visual arts exhibition. Mr Ngui is a visual

artist who works in installation, video,

performance and site-specific works.

He has widely exhibited locally and

abroad. He graduated from Curtin in the

late 1980s, when he was the Department

of Art’s third international student.

© N

atio

nal A

rts

Cou

ncil,

Sin

gap

ore

Dr Melinda Redmond

Matthew Ngui


28

The Research Management PlanThe Research Management Plan provides

the framework to guide Curtin towards

expanding and improving its research

program. It addresses three broad issues:

increasing research capacity, research

differentiation and knowledge transfer.

• Curtincontinuestoprovideleadership

through participation at a high level in

discussions on Australian and State

Government policy, including the Review

of the National Innovation System, the

Senate Inquiry into Research Training

and Research Workforce Issues in

Australian Universities, Excellence in

Research for Australia (ERA) and the

Review of Australian Higher Education.

• Curtinsecuredahighlyprestigious

Federation Fellowship from the Australian

Research Council. Professor Peter

Teunissen is a world-renowned expert

in global navigation satellite systems

(GNSSs). He is undertaking a program

of research to improve the integer-

estimation and strengthen models for

integrated GNSS, and make them more

reliable for the applications in which

they are used (for example, Earth,

atmospheric and space science).

• TheCurtinInstituteofRadioAstronomy

(CIRA) was launched in December 2008 by

The Hon. Barry House MLC, Parliamentary

Secretary to the Treasurer; Parliamentary

Secretary to the Minister for Commerce;

Science and Innovation; Housing and

Works. The institute will form an integral

part of the multi-million-dollar Centre of

Excellence for Radio Astronomy Science

and Engineering – a collaborative initiative

with The University of Western Australia

(UWA), led by Curtin – which is part of a

significant effort by the State of Western

Australia to help Australia position itself

in the global radio astronomy arena. The

centre will be led by Professors Steven

Tingay, a Premier’s Research Fellow,

and Professor Peter Hall, Curtin’s Chair

of Radio Astronomy Engineering, who

both joined the University in 2008.

• ProfessorChun-ZhuLiwasappointed

Director of the new Curtin Centre

for Advanced Energy Science and

Engineering, in October 2008. Professor Li

is an authoritative expert in coal science

and technology. The centre will focus

on developing novel technologies for

both fossil fuels and renewable energy

sources, in light of the global priority

to secure cheap energy supply and

reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Growthinresearchactivitycontinued

in 2008, building on strong growth in

2006 and 2007. Income from Australian

Competitive Research Grants increased

9 per cent in 2007 compared to 2006

figures. Research income showed strong

growth of 21 per cent in 2007, while

publications growth was at 15 per cent.


HIGHLIGHTS

From left: Professor Jeanette Hacket; Professor Steven Tingay; The Hon. Barry House MLC; Professor Richard Schilizzi; and Professor Peter Hall at the CIRA launch.

2008 Annual Report

29

• In2008,successfulprojectsunder

the Australian Research Council

(ARC) and National Health and


were awarded as follows:

– Professor Julian Gale, of the

Nanochemistry Research Institute,

was awarded a prestigious Australian

Professorial Fellowship by the

ARC and $900,000 to advance

computer simulation methods in

order to understand the complex

structures of nanoparticles. The

research will allow the mimicry

of natural selectivity and thereby

design of technological materials.

– The Director of the Nanochemistry

Research Institute, Professor Eric

Bakker, was awarded a prestigious

Australian Professorial Fellowship

and $800,000 by the ARC to develop

miniaturised and thin-layer ion sensing

materials, to introduce the concept of

calibration-free sensors. The research

will help in future sensing applications,

such as remote sensing and inexpensive

hand-held monitoring devices.

– In the Centre for Behavioural Research

in Cancer Control, teams led by

Professor Peter Howat were awarded

more than $900,000 for two projects

under the National Health and





– Associate Professor Anna Heitz,

Director of the Curtin Water Quality

Research Centre, in collaboration

with the Water Corporation and GHD,

received approximately $600,000 for

an ARC Linkage project to investigate

the removal of chemicals of concern

from drinking water, which will translate

into treatment plant design. Recycling

treated wastewater for drinking

water is becoming one of the most

important strategies for drought-

proofing Australian water supplies.

– Professor Svetha Venkatesh, in

collaboration with the Lions Eye

Institute and the Association for the

Blind WA, was awarded an ARC

Linkage grant of $480,000 to develop

computational solutions to address

fundamental issues for people with

vision impairment and blindness.

– Professor James Semmens, of the

WA Centre for Population Health

Research, received $390,000 in

NHMRC funding to investigate the

patterns of burn injury, health service

utilisation, economic costs, treatment

pathways and outcomes for all patients

hospitalised with burn injury in Western

Australia for the period 1999 to 2008.

An important focus will also be on

developing preventative injury education

strategies. The proposal outlines a

new collaborative initiative between

the Burn Service of WA and Curtin.

– Associate Professor Tony Butler,

from the National Drug Research

Institute, was awarded $270,000

from the NHMRC to investigate

the link between traumatic brain

injury and offending behaviour.

– Dr Ricardo Mancera, Senior Research

Fellow in the Department of Pharmacy,

was awarded an ARC Linkage

grant, in collaboration with industry

partners Alcoa Alumina and Worsley

Alumina, and the Botanic Gardens

and Parks Authority, to develop cryo-

preservation for high-value provenance

collections of recalcitrant plant species

used in post-mining restoration.

– Professor Robert Donovan,


Research in Cancer Control, was

awarded an ARC Discovery Project

grant of $270,000 to investigate

whether perceptions of morality of

alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use

influence uptake in high school.

– Associate Professor Peter Taylor, from

the Science and Mathematics Education

Centre, was awarded an ARC Discovery

Project grant of $115,000 to look at

preparing Australia’s future citizens

for informed decision-making through

socially responsible science education.

RESEARCH GRANTS


30

The Internationalisation PlanThe International Enabling Plan aligns

closely with the University’s Strategic

Plan 2006-2008 and includes outcomes

related to staff, students, culture and core

activities with an international perspective.

Strategies to increase international student

numbers, internationalise the curriculum

and develop an international culture among

Curtin staff are the aims of this plan.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In2008,Curtin’sinternationalstudent

population (both onshore and offshore)

grew by 2 per cent to 17,521. This was

achieved in a competitive market, where

international student recruitment has

become increasingly difficult. The increase

highlights Curtin’s strong international

branding and considerable skill in

promoting the benefits of a Curtin research

and/or teaching and learning experience.

• Thenumberofinternationalstudents

enrolled at Curtin’s Bentley Campus

in 2008 increased to 9,734, with a

marked increase in enrolments from

China and India. Curtin continues to

attract a strong flow of students from

Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

• In2008,7,787studentsenrolledin

Curtin’s offshore programs in a range of

countries, including Singapore, Malaysia,

Hong Kong, China and Sri Lanka.

• TheAustralianUniversitiesQualityAgency

(AUQA) audit of Curtin University of

Technology was completed in 2008. The

compulsory audit theme focused on a review

of Curtin’s international activities. AUQA

commended the effectiveness and efficiency

of Curtin’s international offices. In addition,

the conceptualisation, establishment and

successful development of an international

campus at Curtin Sarawak was commended.

• InDecember2008,thelatestCurtin

international teaching facility was opened in

Singapore. Curtin Singapore consolidated

Curtin’s Singaporean offshore operations

onto a purpose-built campus. The

University will diversify course availability

to include new program offerings (for

example, increasing the range of courses

offered by Health Sciences). This modern

campus was developed to provide

students with access to the facilities

expected of a complete Curtin campus.


Curtin Singapore.

2008 Annual Report

31

• CurtinSydneygrewsuccessfullyin

2008, with student numbers increasing

to 1,692 – an increase of 25 per cent on

2007. New postgraduate courses were

also added to the Sydney Campus.

• Morethan650internationalstudents

sponsored by the Australian Government

[AusAID], foreign governments and

universities, and international companies

were enrolled at Curtin in 2008. The

International Sponsored Students

Section provided assistance and support

to sponsored students, including

individual case management, pastoral

care for students and their families, and

opportunities to participate in social events.

• Duringtheyear,goodprogresswasmade

in the development of higher educational

relationships with international institutions,

and Curtin hosted numerous delegations

from overseas universities. This activity

resulted in the development of several

new memoranda of understanding,

student transfer agreements and

student exchange agreements.

• Curtincontinuedtoprovidestudent

mobility opportunities in 2008. Grants

were available to assist students during

periods of study overseas. The number

of Australian students who participated

in international exchanges increased to

144 (up 20 per cent on 2007). Also, more

than 200 Health Sciences students joined

overseas study tours or clinical placements.

The experiences gained during these

types of activities are an important

element in broadening the international

perspective of Curtin graduates.

• Curtin’sInternationalOfficesupported

the International Students’ committee to

stage the Pasar Malam (night market) –

a highlight of Curtin’s Multicultural

Week. The continued popularity of this

event was demonstrated by record

numbers of stalls and patrons.

• Curtin’sInternationalOfficewasawarded

the Best International Office of the

Year as voted by various International

Student Associations (at the Australian

National Liaison Committee Conference).

Also, Curtin’s International Students

Committee was awarded the Best

International Student Association, with

the University’s Student President

recognised and awarded Best International

Student Ambassador of the Year.

Curtin Sydney.


32

The Valuing Curtin Staff PlanThe Valuing Curtin Staff Plan is the

University’s plan for the support,

development and growth of its people,

work environment and organisational

culture. The plan outlines the key people,

management strategies and targets that

relate directly to the University’s Vision,

Mission, Values and Strategic Objectives.

• Curtin’sOrganisationalDevelopmentUnit

(ODU) finalised the Curtin Framework

for Leadership and Management

Development as a part of its review to

strengthen the University’s leadership

and management programs.

• FourSeniorManagers’Forumswereheld

during 2008. In addition, a two-day Senior

Managers’ Conference, titled “Curtin

2020”, was held in June, which helped

shape the University’s new strategic plan

and prepare Curtin for the 2008 AUQA

audit. An executive development initiative,

centred on a 360-degree feedback

process, commenced, and an executive

coaching program was established.

• Anew18-monthdevelopmentprogramfor

Heads of School commenced in October

2008. Staff completed the Academic

Leadership for Course Coordinators

Program and the Frontline Management

Program (Certificate IV in Business).

• Arangeofworkshopswas

delivered for professional staff to

develop management skills.

• Curtin’sODUcompleteditsfirstfull-year

of operations. During 2008, the ODU

conducted 119 events for staff, addressing

the needs of 2,181 participants.

• TheODUreviewedtheUniversity’s

Induction Guidelines, Corporate

Induction, Sessional Induction, and

Approaches to Online Staff Development,

IT Training and Compliance Training.

• Curtincontinuedtodevelopinitiativesto

encourage cross-cultural professional

development and internationalisation of

staff. The Fly In Fly Out Induction Program

for staff working offshore was developed

and conducted four times during 2008.

• TheODUsupportedtheimplementation

of the Work Planning and Performance

Review Policy and Guidelines by facilitating

23 workshops for staff and managers.

More than 450 participants attended

the workshops, as at November 2008.

• During2008,theODUundertook40

consultancy/advisory assignments

with faculties, schools and areas in

a continued effort to improve staff

performance and satisfaction.

QUALITY ENHANCEMENT


2008 Annual Report

33

• AleadershiproletohelpdriveCurtin’s

commercial success, physical

development planning and overall

information technology initiatives was

created within the University’s executive.

Mr Geoffrey Searle was appointed to the

role as Vice President Corporate Services,

and commenced in September. In his role

at Curtin, Mr Searle heads the finance, IT,

property, facilities, legal services, corporate

risk and executive support areas, and

will spearhead the strategic direction and

policy development for these areas.

• InAugust,CurtinappointedProfessorJohn

Neilson as Pro Vice-Chancellor for the

newly established Curtin Singapore, which

opened in December. Professor Neilson is

responsible for establishing all academic

aspects of Curtin Singapore, which

include providing academic and strategic

leadership, and managing the quality of

its programs. He has been with Curtin for

more than 17 years, serving as Head of

the School of Accounting from 1998, and

as Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin

Business School over a number of periods.

• Curtincontinuedtoattracthigh-calibre

academic leaders to its senior positions.

– In January 2008, Professor Jill Downie

was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor

Health Sciences. Professor Downie

was Head of the School of Nursing and

Midwifery and Professor of Nursing at

Curtin for six years, and acted in the

Pro Vice-Chancellor Health Sciences role

from August 2007. She is an established

national and international researcher

and author, and is a non-executive

director on the Boards of Churches

of Christ Homes and Community

Services Inc. and Bethesda Hospital.

– Professor Duncan Bentley was

appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor

of Curtin Business School. He

succeeded Professor Geoff Crockett,

who retired from Curtin in February

2008. Professor Bentley joined Curtin

from Bond University in Queensland,

where he was Pro Vice-Chancellor

Teaching and Learning. He has a

strong understanding of issues in the

higher education sector, and is an

expert in business, taxation and law.

• ProfessorKevinMcKenna,DeputyVice-

Chancellor International, retired from

Curtin in October, after a 33-year career

with the University. Among other roles,

Professor McKenna held the positions

of acting Executive Dean of Curtin

Business School for 18 months, prior to

being appointed the inaugural Pro Vice-

Chancellor of Curtin Sarawak. He led the

Sarawak campus for five years before

moving to the International Office, where

he made a significant contribution to

the University’s international activities.

LEADERSHIP


34

• ResearchersfromCurtin’sFacultyof

Health Sciences have won the 2008 WA

Inventor of the Year Award (Early Stage

category) with their simple diagnostic kit

that identifies people at risk of chronic pain.

The Cold Pain Test Kit will contribute to the

quality of patient care provided by GPs.

• TheCurtinNewInventorCompetition

is organised annually by Curtin’s Office

of IP Commercialisation to encourage

the development and eventual

commercialisation of innovative new

research out of the University. In 2008,

Dr Trilochan K. Mukkur, from the School of

Biomedical Sciences, won the $10,000 first

prize in the competition for his invention

of a non-invasive, long-lasting whooping

cough vaccine. Whooping cough is a

highly contagious disease that results in

about 300,000 deaths a year worldwide,

and is the least well controlled of all

vaccine-preventable diseases.

Dr Mukkur’s new vaccine is in its

early stages of development, but it

can be delivered intra-nasally, and is

expected to offer longer immunity and

potentially fewer side effects, if any,

than the existing injection vaccine.

• ThreeCurtinacademicsreceivedan

Australian Learning and Teaching

Council (ALTC) Citation for Outstanding

Contribution to Student Learning in

2008. Professor Marjan Zadnik, from

the Department of Imaging and Applied

Physics, was awarded his citation for two

decades of enhancing students’ learning of

physics through innovative and research-

based curricula, and for scholarly activities

and leadership in physics education.

From Curtin’s Office of Research and

Development, Professor Leonie Rennie

was awarded a citation for her exemplary

supervision and empowerment of

research students through promoting

high standards in research education

for students and their supervisors. In

the Faculty of Science and Engineering,

Dean of Teaching and Learning Professor

Shelley Yeo was awarded a citation for

the design, development, implementation

and evaluation of Curtin’s approach

to academic integrity, and for new

plagiarism policies and procedures.

• Curtin’sVCExcelAwardsrecognisethe

excellent work of Curtin staff across the

University. In 2008, four awards were

presented. In the Individual Category,

Professor Rob Donovan, from the Centre

for Behavioural Research in Cancer

Control, and Ms Haslina Abdul Malek,

Manager University Life at Curtin’s

Sarawak Campus, received awards. In

the Team Category, Housing Services at

the Bentley Campus and the Graduation

Team at Curtin Sarawak received awards.

All recipients demonstrated innovation

and dedication to the University.

• TherewereninewinnersintheCurtin2008

Excellence and Innovation in Teaching

Awards. Six awards were presented for

Teaching Excellence, and three awards

were presented for Programs that Enhance

Learning. Winners received a certificate

in recognition of their contribution to the

quality of student learning, and $5,000

to enhance teaching and learning.


AWARDS

2008 Annual Report

35

STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS

• EmeritusProfessorJohndeLaeterwas

inducted into the Western Australian

Science Hall of Fame. He was recognised

as part of the Premier’s Science Awards

2008 for his lifelong dedication to science

in WA. Professor de Laeter facilitated

collaboration in science between

government, industry and universities.

He has helped advance science education,

and influenced the direction of physical

sciences research. Professor de Laeter was

instrumental in founding Scitech in 1988,

and worked with government to establish

Technology Park in Bentley. He was also

inducted into the Australian Prospectors

and Miners Hall of Fame in October, for his

seminal research into mineral exploration

technology, which led to improvements

in mining exploration practices.

• ProfessorZheng-XiangLi,ofthe

Department of Applied Geology and The

Institute for Geoscience Research, was

a winner in the 2008 Australian Thomson

Scientific Citation Awards. The prestigious

awards are made annually to the most

pre-eminent researchers selected on the

average number of citations per paper that

their published research has generated

over a period of time. Professor Li achieved

591 citations on seven papers, with an

average of 84 citations per paper.

• ProfessorJamesSemmenswasawarded

the Royal Australasian College for

Surgeons Medal for services to the College,

in early 2008. The medal is in recognition

of the work of Professor Semmens and his

team in developing the Safety and Quality

of Surgical Care Project, the Western

Australian Audit of Surgical Mortality and

the NSW version, called the Collaborating

Hospitals Audit of Surgical Mortality.

• ProfessorMichaelAlpersOAwas

elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society,

the world’s oldest scientific academy

in continuous existence since 1660.

His appointment is a rare honour that

recognises researchers who have

made an outstanding contribution to

science. Professor Alpers joins only a

handful of Australians to have received

the award, and is among other noted

fellows, including Isaac Newton,

Christopher Wren and Charles Darwin.

• ProfessorRolandDeMarco,Dean

of Research, Faculty of Science and

Engineering, was awarded the 2008

Royal Australian Chemical Institute

Analytical Chemistry Division, Lloyd

Smythe Medal for excellence in research.

• DeanofEngineeringProfessorMoses

Tadé was the only Western Australian

academic to be given a place in the

prestigious Engineers Australia magazine’s

Top 100 Most Influential Engineers in 2008.

Professor Tadé was recognised for his

outstanding leadership and advocacy for

Curtin‘s outreach scheme, as well as for

his role in securing a number of industry-

sponsored scholarships for engineering

students. The Top 100 engineers list

focuses on present influence rather than

historic achievement, and is compiled each

year by an eminent panel of advisers.

• InformationStudieslecturerDrMargaret

Pember won the 2008 J Eddis Linton

Award for records management in the

category of Outstanding Individual.

Dr Pember was commended for her

tireless promotion of records management

as a profession, and her dedication in

educating recordkeeping professionals

over the last 20 years, as well as for

her research activities. The Records

Management Association of Australasia

presents the award annually.

• DrLizzieFinn,fromtheCentrefor

International Health, won the WA

Department of Health’s 2008 Mental

Health Good Outcomes Award in the

category of Mental Health Research

and Education. Dr Finn won the award

for her doctoral research into GROW, a

community mental health organisation

which operates mutual help groups

for mental health around Australia. Her

research was an important part of raising

community awareness about mental

health, and emphasised the importance

in mutual help groups of empowerment

and enhancement of quality of life.

• AssociateProfessorIanPhau,

from Curtin Business School, was

awarded Outstanding Reviewer at

the Emerald Literati Network Awards

for Excellence. Associate Professor

Phau, who coordinates the Marketing

Honours program and founded the

Curtin Marketing Association, received

the award for his dedication and

significant service as a reviewer for

the Journal of Young Consumers.

• NinestaffwerepromotedfromAssociate

Professor to Professor. Thirteen staff

were promoted from Senior Lecturer to

Associate Professor, and 13 staff were

promoted from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer.


36

The CouncilThe Council is the governing body of the

University, and its powers are set out

in the Curtin University of Technology

Act 1966. It has “the management and

control of the property and affairs of the

University and may do all such acts and

things as it may think best calculated to

promote the interests of the University”.

The Act provides for a Council comprising

of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor,

members appointed by the Governor, a

nominee of the State Minister for Education,

co-opted members, members elected by the

academic and general staff, members elected

by students, members who are members

of bodies that represent the interests of the

University in places other than at the Bentley

Campus, a member of the Academic Board,

and a member of the Alumni Association.

The Council met on eight occasions during

2008, under the University’s Chancellor,

Mr Gordon Martin, and considered two

matters by circular resolution. In addition,

a retreat involving members of Council and

the senior executive was held in April 2008.

Report on Operations

Governance of the University

2008 Annual Report

37

MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF COUNCIL IN 2008 INCLUDED:

Strategic Direction of the University

Council’s role in shaping the strategic

direction of the University culminated at

its meeting of 22 October 2008, when it

approved a new vision for the University, and

then, at its meeting of 10 December 2008,

a new strategic plan for 2009 to 2013.

Council also approved the establishment

of Curtin Singapore to consolidate Curtin’s

presence in Asia and enable the University

to build its brand within the region.

A series of presentations on key issues

and themes was included in the Council’s

meeting/dinner program in 2008 to inform

and enhance Council’s role in shaping

the strategic direction of the University.

Presentations on the following issues

and themes formed part of Council’s

meeting program during 2008:

• ActivitiesoftheFacultyofHumanities

• ActivitiesoftheFacultyofScience and Engineering

• TeachingandLearning

• ActivitiesoftheFacultyofHealthSciences

• Marketing.

Presentations on the following issues and

themes formed part of Council’s dinner

program during 2008:

• BentleyTechnologyParkPrecinctRedevelopment

• Follow-updiscussiononthevision and mission of Curtin

• Navitas:itsmissionandlinkswith Curtin University of Technology

• Sustainability.

Governance of the University

Key governance-related activities in 2008

follow:

• Councilapprovedalistofmattersit

has reserved to itself and approved

a range of residual delegations to the

Vice-Chancellor as part of maintaining

a sound delegations framework

• Councilreviewedarrangementsrelatingto

the governance of the Kalgoorlie Campus

and other non-Bentley campuses

• Councilcontinuedtomonitorprogress

on the establishment of the Australian

Sustainable Development Institute and the

Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute

• Councilapprovedthe2009Budget.

All members of Council also received a

developmental session on duties and

responsibilities to provide them with a shared,

collective understanding of the fundamental

principles of corporate governance.


38

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL FOR 2008

Commenced Terminated Due to expire

Chancellor

Mr Gordon Martin 1/06/2006 current 31/05/2009

Members appointed by Governor in Council

Mr Mark Ashley 30/05/2006 12/08/2008

Mr Chris Bennett 25/05/2006 current 31/03/2009

Ms Michele Dolin (Pro-Chancellor) 1/04/2007 current 31/03/20101/04/2004 31/03/20071/04/2001 31/03/2004

Mr Ian Fletcher 1/04/2007 current 31/03/2010

Mr Keith Spence 20/06/2006 current 31/03/2009

Dr Michael Stanford 2/12/2008 current 1/12/2011

Ms Lynne Thomson 26/02/2008 current 25/02/2011

Member nominated by the Minister for Education and Training

The Honourable Dr John Cowdell 25/08/2005 22/08/2008

Member who is the Chief Executive Officer

Professor Jeanette Hacket (Vice-Chancellor) 14/08/2006 current ex-officio

Members elected by Full-Time Academic Staff

Associate Professor David Charnock 1/04/2007 current 31/03/20101/04/2004 31/03/20071/04/2001 31/03/2004

Dr Jan Sinclair-Jones 1/04/2008 current 31/03/20111/04/2005 31/03/2008

Members elected by Students

Ms Meera Navaratnam 1/01/2008 9/07/2008

Ms Collette Swindells 1/01/2008 31/12/20087/03/2007 31/12/2007

Member elected by Full-time Salaried (General) Staff

Mr Liam McGinniss 18/06/2007 current 17/06/2010

Co-opted Members

Ms Zelinda Bafile 1/04/2007 current 31/03/201024/06/2004 31/03/2007

Mr Don Humphreys 1/04/2008 current 31/03/20091/04/2005 31/03/200806/2002 31/03/2005

Mr Daniel Tucker 1/08/2007 current 31/07/2010

Members who are members of bodies that represent the interests of the University in places other than the University’s principal campus

The Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam 1/04/2006 current 31/03/2009

Member who is a member of the Academic Board elected by and from the Academic Board

Professor Jo Ward 11/06/2007 current 31/03/2009

Report on Operations (continued)

2008 Annual Report

39

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE (AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008)

COUNCIL

KALGOORLIE CAMPUS COUNCIL

ACADEMIC BOARD

MURESK INSTITUTE BOARD

ACADEMIC BOARD EXECUTIVE

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR

CURTIN SARAWAK CAMPUS MALAYSIA

ACADEMIC SERVICES COMMITTEE

COURSES COMMITTEE

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

INFORMATION GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

CURTIN INDIGENOUS POLICY COMMITTEE

FINANCE COMMITTEE

STRATEGIC ASSET PLANNING COMMITTEE

FEES AND CHARGES COMMITTEE

PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

UNIVERSITY GRADUATE STUDIES COMMITTEE

UNIVERSITY TEACHING AND LEARNING

COMMITTEE

AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY COMMITTEE

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

HONORARY AWARDS NOMINATION COMMITTEE

GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE

VICE-CHANCELLOR

Back row, from left: Council members Michele Dolin; Gordon Martin; Chris Bennett; Liam McGinniss; Keith Spence; David Charnock; Don Humphreys. Front row, from left: Council members Collette Swindells; Jeanette Hacket; Lynne Thomson; Jan Sinclair-Jones; and Jo Ward.


40


SENIOR OFFICERSAdministrative Structure Chancellor Mr Gordon Martin

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette HacketDeputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Professor Jane den HollanderDeputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategy and Planning

Ms Valerie Raubenheimer (until 4/04/08 acting)Professor The Hon. Stephen Martin (from 7/04/08 until 31/07/08)Ms Valerie Raubenheimer (from 1/08/08 acting)

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Development

Professor Linda Kristjanson

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education Professor Robyn QuinDeputy Vice-Chancellor, International Professor Kevin McKenna (until 31/10/08)

Dr Paddy Forde (from 1/11/08 acting)Vice President, Corporate Services Mr Geoffrey Searle (from 22/09/08)Chief Financial Officer Mr David MenarryPro Vice-Chancellor, Curtin Business School Professor Geoff Crockett (until 31/01/08 acting)

Professor John Neilson (from 1/02/08 until 4/04/08 acting)Professor Duncan Bentley (from 7/04/08)

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences Professor Jill DowniePro Vice-Chancellor, Humanities Professor David WoodPro Vice-Chancellor, Science and Engineering Professor Andris StelbovicsPro Vice-Chancellor, Sarawak Professor John EvansPro Vice-Chancellor, Singapore Professor John Neilson (from 21/07/08)Executive Director, Corporate Communications Ms Ann Paterson (until 4/04/08 acting)

Ms Valerie Raubenheimer (7/04/08) until 31/07/08)Mr Rick Barrett (1/08/08 until 31/08/08 acting)Ms Ann Paterson (from 1/09/08 acting)

Executive Director, Properties Mr Stephen HarveyExecutive Director, Strategy and Planning Mr Marco SchultheisGeneral Counsel and Council Secretary Vacant (Position ceased in May 2008 with

duties re-aligned to other roles)

2008 Annual Report

41

ORGANISATIONAL CHART AS AT OCTOBER 2008

Vice‑chancellor

ManagerInternational Office

DirectorInternational Strategy

and Development

DirectorResearch and Development

Pro Vice‑ChancellorFaculty of Health Sciences

Head, Regional Remote E‑Learning

Executive DirectorCorporate Communications

Executive DirectorProperties

Pro Vice‑ChancellorCurtin Sarawak

DirectorIP Commercialisation

Pro Vice‑ChancellorFaculty of Humanities

DirectorVTEC

Dean, ArtJohn Curtin Gallery Chief Information Officer

DeanInternational Student

Recruitment

Executive DirectorJCIPP

Pro Vice‑ChancellorFaculty of Science and Engineering

DirectorSupport Services

DirectorCorporate Risk

Curtin International CollegeDirector

Centre for Aboriginal Studies

University LibrarianUniversity Library

DirectorInternal Audit

Sydney Campus DirectorStaff Services

DirectorGeraldton University

Campus

DirectorLegal and Compliance

Services

Pro Vice‑ChancellorCurtin Singapore

DirectorStudent Services

ManagerSecretariat

DirectorOrganisational Development

DirectorEthics, Equity and

Social Justice

DirectorBusiness Support Unit

DeanGraduate Studies

Pro Vice‑ChancellorCurtin Business School

DirectorTeaching and Learning

Executive DirectorStrategy and Planning Chief Financial Officer

Deputy Vice‑chancellor

international


research anD DeVelopment


acaDemic


eDucation


strateGy anD planninG

Vice presiDentcorporate serVices


42


Staffing Matters STAFF SUMMARY

Curtin employed 2,866 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff in 2008 (see table

below), with 1,220 classified as academic staff and 1,646 classified as

general staff. The 2008 census showed an increase across all categories in

the number of academic and general staff over the previous year.

Curtin Higher Education Full-Time Equivalent Staff 2007 – 2008 By Classification and Appointment (as at 31 March each year)

Full or Fractional Time Staff(excluding Hourly Paid / Sessional Staff) TOTAL

Continuing/Permanent Fixed-Term/Temporary

2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008

Academic Staff 665 682 427 538 1,092 1,220

General Staff 1,112 1,140 357 506 1,469 1,646

TOTAL 1,777 1,822 784 1,044 2,561 2,866

In May 2008, new policies relating to

academic promotion and performance

management were enacted. The academic

promotion framework was simplified, with

all promotions to senior academic levels,

including professor, administered centrally

and considered by one central committee –

the University Academic Promotions

Committee. Initial promotion of academic

staff to lecturer is dealt with through

supervisor-employee discussions.

The Work Planning and Performance Review

(WPPR) policy was developed to replace

the Managing for Continuous Improvement

and Growth (MCIG) process, and was

designed to support the Curtin Expectations

for Academic Performance. Training was

provided to staff during the latter half of 2008

in the use and application of the WPPR.

Training will continue on an ongoing basis.

Policy development work commenced in

2008 to ensure compliance with the Working

with Children (Criminal Record Checking)

Act 2004 (WWC). While University staff

who interact with Curtin students in the

course of their normal teaching, research

or administrative duties are exempt from

the provisions of the Act, some staff

will be required to have WWC checks.

Work also commenced on a broader

criminal screening approach to apply to

specific roles within the University.

A Code of Conduct has been drafted

and is due for implementation in early

2009. The Code of Conduct brings

together the linkage of Curtin’s Values

and Guiding Ethical Principles to set

out the standard of behaviour expected

of all Curtin’s staff and associates.

STAFFING POLICIES

2008 Annual Report

43

In February 2008, the Minister for Education

advised of the Federal Government’s

commitment to remove the Higher Education

Workplace Relations Requirements

(HEWRRs) as a condition of university

funding. Consequently, the University was

not required to report on its compliance

to these requirements during 2008. In

addition, as part of the Federal Government’s

broader workplace relations reform agenda,

the ability to offer Australian Workplace

Agreements (AWAs) to employees ceased.

The University continued to offer flexibility of

employment conditions, either by way of a

Collective (certified) Agreement or an Individual

Transitional Employment Agreement (ITEA).

ITEAs are available during the transition

to the new Federal workplace relations

system, and the University can only offer

such agreements until 31 December 2009.

The existing collective agreements for

academic Vocational Training Education

Centre (VTEC), academic and general staff

reached their nominal expiry date in December

2003, April 2008 and November 2008

respectively. However, these agreements

will continue to operate until new or varied

agreements are reached. Negotiations

commenced with the unions representing

members of academic and general staff on

a staged basis. An enterprise bargaining

website was launched in August 2008 to

enable staff to be informed of developments

and to make comment on proposed clauses.

In July 2008, negotiations commenced and

continued during the year with academic staff

at VTEC, whose terms and conditions are

covered by a separate collective agreement.

In November 2008, the University made an

offer in settlement of the joint union claims for

a varied agreement on a ‘without prejudice’

basis. By late 2008, negotiations were still

continuing. However, it is anticipated that a

new agreement will be in place for 2009.

The University responded to the

competitiveness of the Western Australian

labour market and authorised administrative

payments of 1 per cent in both April and

October 2008. These payments applied to all

staff on collective and individual agreements.

However, the October payment was not paid

to VTEC academic staff, as a separate pay

offer from Curtin was under consideration as

part of their enterprise bargaining process.

In June 2008, the University and the

National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU)

reached agreement on terms to settle

Federal Court proceedings, which the

Union commenced against the University

in August 2007. The court proceedings

involved an allegation that the University

had breached its collective agreement by

failing to provide reasonable access to

its email system and refusing to circulate

emails written by union representatives to all

University staff. It was agreed that directly

elected academic staff representatives,

rather than union representatives, would

have reasonable access to their constituents,

namely academic staff of the University.

The focus for prevention and resolution of

disputes in 2008 has been at the local level,

and this has been successful, as no dispute

notifications were lodged in the Australian

Industrial Relations Commission in 2008.

The reportable key performance

indicators for 2008 were:

Incident Rate (lost time injuries/100 employees)

0.097

Frequency Rate (lost time injuries/1,000,000 hours worked)

1.0

Cost / $100 Wage roll $0.33

Rehabilitation Success Rate 83%

Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management

Curtin maintained an in-house accredited

injury management service within EduSafe

to assist injured workers, minimise workers’

compensation costs, ensure efficient

return to work rates, and provide support

to managers in managing injured and/or ill

staff. The effectiveness of these services

is reflected in the Rehabilitation Success

Rate and low Cost/$100 Wage Roll result.

Prevention of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

Curtin has continued to ensure legislative

compliance in this area and improve systems

for the prevention of workplace injuries and

illnesses. The effectiveness of the systems

approach to health and safety management

is evidenced by the low incident and

frequency rates for 2008, which were

93.5 per cent and 89.8 per cent, respectively,

below the reported rates for the Education

Industry, published by WorkSafe WA.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND INJURY MANAGEMENT


44


In line with State trends, Curtin experienced

only moderate demand for undergraduate

places in 2008. This was caused by very

low growth in school leaver numbers and

a continued fall in the number of mature-

age applicants, as a result of the strength

of the WA employment market in the first

half of 2008. Curtin’s usual intake profile

is 30 per cent mature-age students, so a

decline in applications from this market

is significant. Overall, undergraduate

enrolment targets were achieved in 2008 by

increasing intakes in courses that had strong

demand, with the bulk of the additional

students being school leaver students.

Although many potential mature-age

students avoided or deferred committing

to an undergraduate course in 2009, they

continued to enrol in Curtin’s postgraduate

courses (paying full fees) in similar numbers

as in 2006 and 2007. A contributing factor to

the continued strength in this category would

be that postgraduate courses are shorter

and usually available part-time, having less

impact on a student’s current employment.

Despite a downturn in the second half of

2008, which may last several years, the

underlying long-term strength of the WA

economy should continue to encourage

and facilitate collaboration between Curtin,

industry and government on many levels,

including applied research and improved

student learning experiences. The decision

several years ago, in collaboration with the

WA Government’s Chemistry Centre, to

invest more than $100 million in a state-of-

the-art Chemistry and Resources Research

Centre at Curtin’s Bentley Campus will bring

significant social and economic benefits to

the people of WA for many years to come.

Other examples of ongoing links are the

nomination of Curtin’s WA School of Mines as

the State’s only provider of Mining Education

Australia industry-driven mining and

resources courses, and further development

of the new Curtin Health Innovation Research

Institute, in partnership with community

health organisations and professionals and

government organisations. This institute,

once completed, will bring significant

benefits to the WA public as well as to

Curtin researchers and students. Despite

challenging economic conditions, these and

other significant projects are continuing to

receive strong financial and in-kind support.

International economic conditions were

good in the first half of the year, and

provided the base for strong growth in

Curtin’s international onshore student

numbers. Curtin’s offshore student numbers

were reduced by 10 per cent as part of a

rationalisation of operations at overseas

locations. The outcome will be fewer but

larger Curtin campuses and education

centres at offshore locations, creating more

effective and efficient controls and processes.

In light of drastic, and pessimistic, changes

to economic forecasts, Curtin has been

reviewing conditions in its main markets.

Although the value of all Asian currencies

fell against the US dollar in the second

half of 2008, the Australian dollar fell

more than the currencies of our main

international markets. As such, Australia

is probably more competitive now, in

relative cost terms, than it has been for

several years. The financial crisis in Asia

will lead to some uncertainty about future

levels of international student enrolment.

Significant Issues and Trends

EFFECT OF ECONOMIC AND OTHER FACTORS

2008 Annual Report

45

CHANGES TO THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT AFFECTING THE UNIVERSITY IN 2008

The Australian legal environment has

changed significantly in 2008, following the

election of the Australian Labor Party in

2007. The legislative amendments referred

to are significant amendments affecting the

University that have commenced during 2008.

•NationalGreenhouseandEnergyReporting

Regulations2008andtheNational

GreenhouseandEnergyReporting

(Measurement)Determination2008

The National Greenhouse and Energy

Reporting Act 2007 (NGER Act) has

established a national reporting system

in order to quantify the greenhouse gas

emissions and energy that is produced and

consumed by Australian corporations.

The NGER Act requires corporations to

report on energy and emissions if they

are at or above the thresholds for the

relevant reporting period. Reporting occurs

annually and is based on the financial

year. The first reporting period is 1 July

2008 to 31 June 2009. Reports must be

submitted to the Greenhouse and Energy

Data Officer (GEDO) by 31 October,

following the end of that reporting period.

As a result of the NGER Act, Curtin

University of Technology is now required

to measure its energy use and emissions

in accordance with the legislation.

The thresholds for greenhouse gas

emissions, energy consumption and

energy production are set at an individual

facility level and at a “company” level.

In order to report under the NGER Act,

constitutional corporations (including

Curtin) need to register with the

GEDO by 31 August 2009, if it is likely

that the thresholds will be met.


46


The controlling corporation is required to

register and report on behalf of its corporate

group, which includes partnerships,

joint ventures, or subsidiaries, where

Curtin has operational control. The data

reported to the GEDO will be published.

The technical criteria for measuring

and calculating energy use and

emissions as prescribed in the

NGER Act are set out in the National

Greenhouse and Energy Reporting

Measurement Determination 2008.

•HigherEducationSupportAct2003

The Higher Education Support

Amendment (Removal of the Higher

Education Workplace Relations

Requirements and National Governance

Protocols Requirements and Other

Matters) Act 2008 amended the Higher

Education Support Act 2003 (HESA).

As a result of the amendments to HESA,

Universities no longer have to comply

with the Higher Education Workplace

Relations Reforms (HEWRRs) and the

National Governance Protocols (NGPs)

in order to receive funding from the

Commonwealth Grants Scheme.

Section 33-17 of HESA has been

repealed, which removes the Higher

Education Workplace Relations

Reforms from the Act entirely.

There have also been various amendments

in regards to higher education quality;

quality assurance; the appointment of

additional quality auditing bodies for

higher education providers; and the terms

under which the Minister may revoke a

body as a higher education provider.

HESA was also amended in 2008

by the Higher Education Support

Amendment (2008 Budget Measures)

Act 2008 to provide for the following:

– full-fee paying places for new

domestic undergraduates will be

phased out from 1 January 2009

– Eleven thousand new Commonwealth-

supported places will be introduced by

2011 and funded on a continuing basis

– decreases to the maximum annual

contributions for students enrolling in

mathematics, statistical or science units

in 2009 from $7,412 a year to $4,162,

while providing the higher education

provider transitional loading under the

Commonwealth Grants Scheme for

the resulting reduction in revenue

– Commonwealth-supported places

for early childhood education

and nursing will increase

– the number of Commonwealth

undergraduate scholarships will be

doubled by 2012 to 88,000, and the

number of Australian postgraduate

holders will be doubled by 2012 to 10,000.

HESA was amended by the Higher

Education Support Amendment (VET FEE-

HELP ASSISTANCE) Act 2008 in 2008.

The amendments to HESA are

aimed at increasing the capacity and

productivity of the workforce by making

it easier for Australians to complete

Vocation Education and Training (VET)

studies through VET FEE-HELP.

Specifically, the amendments require that

in order for VET FEE-HELP (additional

to the Higher Education Loan Program

[HELP]) to be offered to VET students, VET

providers must comply with the VET FEE-

HELP Guidelines. The guidelines stipulate

that providers of VET-accredited diplomas

or advanced diploma qualifications must

ensure credit transfer arrangements

are in place with the higher education

provider in accordance with the Act.

• WorkplaceRelationsAct1996

The Workplace Relations Amendment

(Transition to Forward with Fairness) Act

2008 amended the Workplace Relations

Act 1996 in order to replace Australian

Workplace Agreements (AWAs) with

individual transitional employment

agreements and collective agreements.

As a result of the amendments:

– Australian Workplace Agreements can

no longer be made; instead, Individual

Transitional Employment Agreements

can be made until 31 December 2009

– provisions relating to proposed

collective agreements and taking

part in ballots for protected industrial

action have been clarified

– a new No-Disadvantage test

replaces the Fairness Test

– there is a new approval process

for some agreements

– unilateral termination of collective

agreements is prohibited.

•WorkplaceRelationsRegulations2006

A number of minor amendments

have been made to the Workplace

Relations Regulations 2006 through

the Workplace Relations Amendment

Regulations 2008 (No. 1.).

The Regulations were amended following

the enactment of the Workplace Relations

(Transition to Forward with Fairness) Act

2008, in order to amend or omit terms

that are no longer applicable, such as:

– omitting provisions related to the

Workplace Relations fact sheets

– replacing references to Australian

Workplace Agreements with Individual

Transitional Employment Agreements.

2008 Annual Report

47

ACT OF GRACE PAYMENTS

Under section 6.4 of the policy on Act of Grace Payments, Curtin undertakes to report through the

Annual Report all Act of Grace Payments made in each financial year. In 2008, a sum of $82,929

was paid, representing payments of $1,000, $2,000, $2,355, $26,546 and $51,028 respectively.

ADVERTISING – ELECTORAL ACT 1907

Under section 175ZE of the Electoral Act 1907, the University is required to disclose

expenditure for advertising agencies, market research organisations, polling

organisations, direct mail organisations and media advertising organisation costs.

For 2008, the following costs were recorded against these items:

Advertising AgenciesGatecrasher AdvertisingThe Brand AgencyMarketforce exPressMarket United

$1,297,901$569,783$33,639$16,450

Media Advertising OrganisationMedia DecisionsStudent Edge

$2,416,911$45,375

Market ResearchResearch SolutionsSynovatePainted Dog

$296,251$39,294$72,120

Polling Organisations N/A

Direct-Mail Organisations N/A

Total $4,787,724

Other Disclosures and Legal Requirements


48

Curtin Stadium

Curtin has committed $27.5 million to

the development of a recreation and

events centre to improve the recreational

opportunities and facilities for its students

and staff. Curtin Stadium will be capable

of hosting a wide range of academic

events such as graduation ceremonies

and examinations as well as sports

events in a weatherproof environment.

The project is currently in the construction

phase, with the first stage handover of the

new Gymnasium and Administration Offices

having occurred in November 2008.

Completion of the main events

area and sports stadium building

is scheduled for mid-2009.

Resources and Chemistry

Research and Education Precinct

The State Government’s decision to co-

locate the Chemistry Centre of WA (CCWA)

on the Bentley Campus adjacent to the

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial

Research Organisation’s (CSIRO) Waterford

site will enable the creation of a world-

class Resources and Chemistry Precinct

in the southern gateway to the campus.

The final cost of the project is

anticipated to be some $116.1 million.

The CCWA component will be funded

via a Treasury loan, and repaid by a

lease arrangement with CCWA.

Works commenced on site in January

2007. Completion was originally scheduled

for late 2008, but it is now anticipated to

be mid-2009, as a result of the high levels

of activity in Western Australia in both

the resources and construction sectors.

The impact on both human and material

resources has delayed this project.

Master Plan – Bentley Campus

The University and its team of urban

planning consultants have been working

in collaboration with state and local

governments to review the Physical Master

Plan for the Bentley Campus to ensure

that future developments closely support

the University’s vision for the future.

The principal aim of the master plan is

to provide a vital physical environment

in which innovation, interaction,

research and learning will thrive.

The plan focuses on the creation of an

urban university town setting, connected

by a major public transport spine to

the Perth Central Business District and

other significant knowledge and activity

centres in the immediate region.

The plan envisages creating, over a 30

to 40 year period, a significant property

endowment asset for the University as well

as an exciting environment for people to

learn, work, research, live and develop.

The University will consider and endorse

the new Master Plan in early 2009.

DIRECTORS’ AND OFFICERS’ LIABILITY INSURANCE

Curtin University of Technology provides

adequate insurance cover for Directors’

and Officers’ Liability and Directors’ and

Officers’ Supplementary Legal Expenses

for its Council members and Officers.

CAPITAL WORKS


2008 Annual Report

49

DISABILITY ACCESS AND INCLUSION PLAN OUTCOMES

In 2008, mainstream University practices

were reviewed to ensure access and

inclusion strategies become routine.

Outcomes included:

Outcome 1: People with disabilities

have the same opportunities as

other people to access the services

of, and events organised by, Curtin.

The Events Access checklist ensures Curtin

events – for example: graduations, careers

expos and orientation – are accessible.

Curtin Stadium – the University’s new,

accessible on-campus events, graduation

and sporting complex – is near completion.



other people to access Curtin’s

buildings and facilities.

OASIS informs students and staff

about interruptions to physical access

on the Bentley Campus. The public is

informed via the Properties website.

Investigation by student researchers

of the relationship between access

and the recruitment and retention of

students with disabilities is underway.

The purchase of motorised Gophers

and installation of courtesy parking bays

for people with temporary disabilities,

and the completion of a second

wheelchair re-charging facility at the

Bentley Campus, was achieved.


receive information from Curtin in

a format that will enable them to

access the information as readily as

other people are able to access it.

Curtin’s general, administrative and

academic information was reviewed

to provide staff guidelines regarding

accessible information and alternative

format material on the website.


receive the same level and quality

of service from Curtin staff as other

people receive from Curtin staff.

The Disability@Curtin website is routinely

upgraded with guidelines and practices to

help staff support people with disabilities.

New Disability Awareness training programs

are in development. The individual electronic

student Curtin Access Plan is operational.


have the same opportunities as other

people to make complaints to Curtin.

The complaints process is described on

an accessible website, with alternative

formats available on request, as well as

access provided to a confidential telephone

or personal interview. The needs of people

with disabilities were included in a 2008

review of the complaints process.



other people to participate in any

public consultation by Curtin.

Accessible online surveys with alternative

formats are available on request.


have the same opportunities

as other people to participate

in employment at Curtin

(additional Curtin Outcome).

Curtin has a Recruitment Officer to recruit

and retain people with disabilities. Curtin

established a partnership with external

employment providers to increase

recruitment at Curtin. The Careers

Service incorporated principles of the

Universal Design Principles to support

Curtin graduates with disabilities in career

planning, including Curtin as a prospective

employer – a new service to support

staff with disabilities in development.

Other outcomes include:

• Curtinparticipatedinthereviewof

the Disability Services Act 1993.

• TheUniversityinitiatedandhostedajoint

WA universities meeting to clarify external

reporting responsibilities regarding agents

and contractors, which culminated in

significant exploration of this matter at

various Curtin campuses throughout 2008.

• TheUniversalDesignReferenceGroup

is developing its role of guiding the

principle of ‘universalism’ in Curtin’s

facilities, practices and programs.

• Policiespertainingtostudents

with disabilities were reviewed

and updated in 2008.


50

PRICING POLICIES ON OUTPUTS PROVIDED

Fees are charged in accordance with

Commonwealth Government guidelines and

University policy.

Students in Commonwealth-supported

places are required to contribute towards

the cost of their education. The student

contribution amount is calculated for each

study period for his or her student load and

the annual course contributions that apply for

that year. In common with most universities,

Curtin charges the maximum student

contribution amount permitted by legislation.

Tuition fees for other students are determined

by taking into account a number of factors,

such as cost of delivery, ‘market’ factors and

legislative requirements.

Approved fees are published online at:

fees.curtin.edu.au

RECORDKEEPING – COMPLIANCE WITH THE STATE RECORDS ACT 2000Curtin is committed to the reliable and

systematic management of its documents

and records in accordance with best

practice standards. As Curtin University

of Technology was established under an

Act of the Parliament of Western Australia,

it is also subject to the provisions of the

State Records Act 2000. In accordance

with this Act, Curtin works under an

approved Recordkeeping Plan (RKP) and

develops policies, processes, systems

and tools to assist its staff in meeting the

requirements of the plan. In 2008, a revised

RKP was submitted and subsequently

approved for five years. This plan contains

timelines and responsibilities for improving

recordkeeping practices at Curtin.

Significant improvements

and developments

• AnewUniversityInformationManagement

directorate was established to provide

leadership in information management

activities. This new directorate brings

together the Records and Archives

Office, the flow Project and the

Information Governance Project.

• AnInformationGovernance

Committee was established to

provide strategic direction for

information management at Curtin.

• AUniversityRecordkeeping

Policy was developed and all

procedures were revised.

• flow, a system for enterprise-wide

content management for paper and

electronic documents, including email

and web content, has been designed and

developed for implementation in 2009.

• Avitalrecordsprogramhasbeen

established, which provides input

into area disaster recovery plans.

• ThetoptwolevelsoftheCurtin

Common Vocabulary for organising

and describing Curtin’s information

assets have been developed.

• Curtin’slegacyrecordsarebeing

processed through the Inactive Records

Disposal Project, which includes the

identification of archival material.

• Ariskassessmentofpaperrecord

storage areas on the Bentley

Campus has been carried out.

Induction for new staff

• Informationonrecordkeepingand

recordkeeping responsibilities is

included in the University’s induction

package for new staff, and is discussed

again in staff induction sessions.

• UniversityInformationManagementstaff

attend the University’s induction sessions

to provide additional recordkeeping

information and handouts to new staff.

Ongoing training

• Trainingwasmadeavailableforallstaff

on Creating and Keeping Records,

Sentencing Records, Transfer and

Destruction, Managing Email and

Preparing for flow. These modules have

been run on a monthly basis. Information

sessions and presentations to staff

on information management initiatives

were conducted throughout the year.

• Meetingswereheldeverytwomonths

with the Records Liaison Group to discuss

policies, training, ongoing developments

and projects, and other recordkeeping

matters. This group will be replaced

in 2009 by the flow hub, comprising

members from all areas of the University.

• 665currentCurtinstaffmembershave

completed online records awareness

training. All staff are required to

complete this training within two

months of commencing at Curtin.

The content for this training is being

reviewed, with a new, more relevant

package to be available by mid-2009.

Comprehensive Review

of Recordkeeping

• AcomprehensiveconsultationwithCurtin

staff was undertaken in 2007 and 2008

to identify the information management

needs of staff. A number of difficulties

with existing practices, particularly with

the flow of information within areas

and across organisational boundaries,

were identified, and the flow strategy

was developed to address these.


2008 Annual Report

51

• Keyrecommendationsfromthisreport

were to:

– establish principles, practices and

security models that support more

open access to information

– establish a secure central

repository for the management

of all electronic documents

– establish a central register and

appropriate decentralised storage

areas for paper folders

– establish an enterprise web

content management system

that facilitates the publishing of

information to the Curtin website.

RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT

Curtin University of Technology continued

the development of its risk management

program in 2008. A comprehensive

strategic and business risk management

framework, structured in accordance with

AS/NZS 4360: 2004, was introduced in

all faculties and areas. The University’s

Strategic and Operational Risk Profile has

been completed, and risk controls applied

are commensurate with the assessed level

of risk. Further work on the University’s

preparedness for potential crises and

business continuity was also undertaken.

SENIOR OFFICER DISCLOSURES

The senior officers of the University have

declared:

• theydonothold(asanomineeor

beneficially) any shares in any subsidiary

body of the University; and

• they(orafirmofwhichtheyarea

member, or an entity in which they have

a substantial interest) do not hold any

interests in any existing or proposed

contracts with the University or subsidiary

body, related body or affiliated body

of the University, except Professor Jill

Downie, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Health

Sciences, who has declared that she is

on the boards of Bethesda Hospital and

Bethanie Inc as a non-executive director,

both of which the University has entered

into clinical placement agreements.

STRATEGIC PROCUREMENT

Curtin continues to deliver improved

commercial processes, practices and

systems through a strategic procurement

approach. Contracts have been executed in

many separate expenditure categories, with

substantial savings to date. Strategic supplier-

relationship management is now used to

maximise opportunities from commercial

relationships, for added value and innovation.

SUBSIDIARY BODIES

The University had no subsidiary

bodies as at 31 December 2008.

UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS AND MARKETING ACTIVITIES

The major publications and marketing

activities of the University in 2008 were:

• theAnnualReport2007(printandelectronic)

• UndergraduateProspectus(domesticandinternational)

• CurtinCoursesHandbook(printandelectronic)

• Citemagazine(twiceayear)

• R&DNowandR&DNews(bothtwicea year), and other research-focused

publications.

Curtin’s four teaching faculties also

issue publications each year.

Major promotional, public relations or

marketing activities undertaken included:

• educationalexpos

• CurtinOpenDay

• theannualJohnCurtinMedalspresentation

• participationintheInnovationFestivalandNational Science Week

• publiclectures(suchastheHaydnWilliamsFellowship Lecture and the Ethics Lecture)

• proactiveandreactivemedialiaisonasappropriate

• Curtinfacilitiesandprogramlaunches

• Curtinnovationcorporatebrandingcampaign

• marketingcampaignsfocusedonundergraduate and postgraduate student recruitment

• coordinationofvisitsbyoverseasdelegations and VIPs

• courseandpublic-interestlecturesadvertising on an ad hoc basis for many schools and teaching areas.


52

Full-Year Student Population 2004-2008(Higher Education only)

20000

24000

28000

32000

36000

40000

44000

Nos

Nos

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Student Numbers Student Load (EFTSL)

Student Enrolments by Study Mode 2004-2008

0

8000

16000

24000

32000

40000

48000

2004 2005 2006 20082007

2004 2005 2006 20082007

Internal and Multi-Modal External

Student Enrolments (Nos) by Enrolling Faculty 2008

Student Enrolments by Course Level 2004-2008

Not for Degree

Undergraduate PG Coursework

PG Research

Student Load (EFTSL) by Teaching Faculty 2008

Student Enrolments by Gender 2004-2008

0

8000

16000

24000

32000

40000

48000Female Male

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

Nos

Nos

Nos

Nos

Nos

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Student Enrolments by Funding Category 2004-2008

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Commonwealth Supported

FP International

Aust Fee Paying

RTS

ATSI Student Enrolments 2004-2008

400

420

440

460

480

500

520

540

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

FP International Student Enrolments by Home Country

0

2000

4000

6000

10000

8000

Hong Kong IndonesiaMalaysia Singapore Other

Awards Completions by Course Level 2004-2008

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Other Undergraduate Undergraduate HonoursPG Coursework PG Research

Humanities5,222

CBS11,155

Science & Engineering

5,203

Health Sciences5,516

Other*2,220

Humanities7,861

CBS15,592


7,190


Other*4,329

*Other includes Centre for Aboriginal Studies, CRE, Curtin Sarawak and Externsion Studies/Credit Transfer


Curtin in Figures

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008Full-Year Student PopulationStudent NumbersHigher Education 37,116 39,562 40,360 41,348 42,252Vocation and Education Training (VET) 3,998 4,083 4,859 5,006 5,170Student Load (EFTSL)Higher Education 25,677 26,741 27,796 28,806 29,316

Student Enrolments by Study ModeInternal and Multi-Modal 34,653 36,808 37,510 38,335 39,136External 2,518 2,683 2,658 2,681 2,675

Student Enrolments by GenderFemale 19,601 20,576 21,274 22,119 22,519Male 17,515 18,986 19,086 19,229 19,733

Student Enrolments by Enrolling FacultyCentre for Aboriginal Studies 382 328 388 316 319Humanities 7,079 7,522 7,307 7,536 7,861Curtin Business School 14,872 15,188 15,347 15,624 15,592Science and Engineering 6,641 7,248 6,808 6,915 7,190Health Sciences 6,275 6,854 7,273 7,763 8,142Vice-Chancellory 1,386 1,573 2,135 2,284 2,247Curtin Sarawak 1,207 1,543 1,805 1,744 1,763

Student Load (EFTSL) by Teaching FacultyCentre for Aboriginal Studies 322 301 386 309 347Humanities 4,857 4,761 4,896 5,095 5,222Curtin Business School 9,997 10,103 10,971 11,299 11,155Science and Engineering 4,731 4,876 4,941 5,073 5,203Health Sciences 4,306 4,574 4,954 5,274 5,516Vice-Chancellory 207 259 280 305 335Curtin Sarawak 1,259 1,354 1,370 1,398 1,538

2008 Annual Report

53

Full-Year Student Population 2004-2008(Higher Education only)

20000

24000

28000

32000

36000

40000

44000

Nos

Nos

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Student Numbers Student Load (EFTSL)

Student Enrolments by Study Mode 2004-2008

0

8000

16000

24000

32000

40000

48000

2004 2005 2006 20082007

2004 2005 2006 20082007

Internal and Multi-Modal External

Student Enrolments (Nos) by Enrolling Faculty 2008

Student Enrolments by Course Level 2004-2008

Not for Degree

Undergraduate PG Coursework

PG Research

Student Load (EFTSL) by Teaching Faculty 2008

Student Enrolments by Gender 2004-2008

0

8000

16000

24000

32000

40000

48000Female Male

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

Nos

Nos

Nos

Nos

Nos

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Student Enrolments by Funding Category 2004-2008

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Commonwealth Supported

FP International

Aust Fee Paying

RTS

ATSI Student Enrolments 2004-2008

400

420

440

460

480

500

520

540

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

FP International Student Enrolments by Home Country

0

2000

4000

6000

10000

8000

Hong Kong IndonesiaMalaysia Singapore Other

Awards Completions by Course Level 2004-2008

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Other Undergraduate Undergraduate HonoursPG Coursework PG Research

Humanities5,222

CBS11,155


5,203


Other*2,220

Humanities7,861

CBS15,592


7,190


Other*4,329


*Other includes Centre for Aboriginal Studies, CRE, Curtin Sarawak and Externsion Studies/Credit Transfer2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Student Enrolments by Course LevelDoctorates (PhD) 1,400 1,577 1,475 1,462 1,502Master by Research 199 309 329 325 337Master by Coursework 4,145 4,649 4,709 4,743 5,111Other Postgraduate 1,726 1,686 1,617 1,668 1,675Graduate Certificate 938 1,064 1,052 1,213 1,338Bachelor Honours 301 246 197 230 210Bachelor Pass 26,891 28,076 28,781 29,432 29,730Other Undergraduate 334 355 487 529 471Not for Degree* 2,993 3,370 2,538 2,845 3,034*Most “Not for Degree” students are extension and summer school students who are also enrolled in degree courses. These students are counted in both categories.

Student Enrolments by Funding CategoryCommonwealth Supported Places 16,119 16,606 17,216 17,886 18,456FP International onshore 6,856 7,563 8,272 8,820 9,735FP International offshore 8,385 9,215 8,765 8,351 7,792RTS/HDR Fee Scholarship 1,093 1,322 1,277 1,278 1,316Australian Fee Paying – Postgraduate 4,193 4,353 4,335 4,472 4,311Australian Fee Paying – Undergraduate 1,047 891 129 192 316

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) Student EnrolmentsHigher Education 515 448 495 466 495Vocation and Education Training (VET) 442 437 484 488 513

FP International Student Enrolments by Home CountryHong Kong 2,683 2,457 2,506 2,276 1,921Indonesia 1,185 1,238 1,228 1,169 1,054Malaysia 4,124 4,263 4,232 4,198 4,279Singapore 2,443 2,190 2,149 2,140 2,097Other 4,805 6,503 6,994 7,432 8,233

Awards Completions by Course LevelDoctorates (PhD) 146 133 152 162 135Master by Research 55 40 45 48 29Master by Coursework 1,157 1,382 1,411 1,513 1,575Postgraduate/Graduate Diploma 606 644 612 628 683Graduate Certificate 391 497 524 598 683Bachelor Graduates 74 42 33 21 13Bachelor Honours 583 538 656 640 857Bachelor Pass 5,791 5,915 5,874 5,632 5,865Associate Degree/Diploma 67 90 99 303 149Total 8,870 9,281 9,406 9,545 9,989

54

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

Staff Total FTE 2004-2008*

0500

10001500200025003000

4000

FTE

FTE

FTE

FTE

FTE

3500

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Academic and General Staff FTE 2004-2008(Full Time and Fractional Full Time only)

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

2004 2005 2006 2007

Academic General

Staff FTE by Gender 2004-2008(Full Time and Fractional Full Time only)

2004 2005 2006 2007

Female Male

0

700

2100

1400

2800

3500

4200

2004 2005 2006 2007

Full Time Fractional Full Time Casual/Sessional

Staff FTE by Function 2004-2008(Full Time and Fractional Full Time only)

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

2004 2005 2006 2007

2008

2008

2008

2008

Teaching and Research Teaching onlyResearch only Other Functions

Staff FTE by Employment Contract 2004-2008

*Includes an estimated casual/sessional staff FTE of 488 in 2008.

Curtin in Figures (continued)

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008Staff Total FTEHigher Education 2,906 3,063 3,024 2,927 3,353*Vocation and Education Training (VET) 126 113 112 109 105

*Includes an estimated casual/sessional staff FTE of 488

Academic and General Staff FTE (Full Time and Fractional Full Time only)Academic 1,065 1,124 1,110 1,093 1,220General 1,512 1,581 1,550 1,470 1,646

Staff FTE by Gender (Full Time and Fractional Full Time only)Female 1,285 1,327 1,365 1,339 1,539Male 1,292 1,378 1,295 1,224 1,327

Staff FTE by Employment ContractFull-Time 2,262 2,349 2,289 2,198 2,455Fractional Full-Time 315 356 371 365 411Casual/Sessional 329 358 364 488 488**Includes an estimated casual/sessional staff FTE of 488

Staff FTE by Function (Full Time and Fractional Full Time only)Teaching only 105 148 151 133 149Research only 157 170 174 191 217Teaching and Research 769 778 768 739 809Other Functions 1,546 1,609 1,567 1,499 1,691


55

Auditor General

Page 1 of 2

4th Floor Dumas House 2 Havelock Street West Perth 6005 Western Australia Tel: 08 9222 7500 Fax: 08 9322 5664

INDEPENDENT AUDIT OPINION

To the Parliament of Western Australia

CURTIN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

I have audited the accounts, financial statements, controls and key performance indicators of the Curtin University of Technology.

The financial statements comprise the Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2008, and the Income Statement, Statement of Changes in Equity and Cash Flow Statement of the University for the year then ended, a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory Notes.

The key performance indicators consist of key indicators of effectiveness and efficiency.

University Councilí s Responsibility for the Financial Statements and Key Performance Indicators The University Council is responsible for keeping proper accounts, and the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Treasurerí s Instructions, and the key performance indicators. This responsibility includes establishing and maintaining internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements and key performance indicators that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances; and complying with the Financial Management Act 2006 and other relevant written law.

Summary of my Role As required by the Auditor General Act 2006, my responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements, controls and key performance indicators based on my audit. This was done by testing selected samples of the audit evidence. I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my audit opinion. Further information on my audit approach is provided in my audit practice statement. Refer "http://www.audit.wa.gov.au/pubs/Audit-Practice-Statement.pdf".

An audit does not guarantee that every amount and disclosure in the financial statements and key performance indicators is error free. The term ìreasonable assuranceî recognises that an audit does not examine all evidence and every transaction. However, my audit procedures should identify errors or omissions significant enough to adversely affect the decisions of users of the financial statements and key performance indicators.

Auditor General

Page 1 of 2

4th Floor Dumas House 2 Havelock Street West Perth 6005 Western Australia Tel: 08 9222 7500 Fax: 08 9322 5664

INDEPENDENT AUDIT OPINION

To the Parliament of Western Australia

CURTIN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

I have audited the accounts, financial statements, controls and key performance indicators of the Curtin University of Technology.

The financial statements comprise the Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2008, and the Income Statement, Statement of Changes in Equity and Cash Flow Statement of the University for the year then ended, a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory Notes.

The key performance indicators consist of key indicators of effectiveness and efficiency.

University Councilí s Responsibility for the Financial Statements and Key Performance Indicators The University Council is responsible for keeping proper accounts, and the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Treasurerí s Instructions, and the key performance indicators. This responsibility includes establishing and maintaining internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements and key performance indicators that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances; and complying with the Financial Management Act 2006 and other relevant written law.

Summary of my Role As required by the Auditor General Act 2006, my responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements, controls and key performance indicators based on my audit. This was done by testing selected samples of the audit evidence. I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my audit opinion. Further information on my audit approach is provided in my audit practice statement. Refer "http://www.audit.wa.gov.au/pubs/Audit-Practice-Statement.pdf".

An audit does not guarantee that every amount and disclosure in the financial statements and key performance indicators is error free. The term ìreasonable assuranceî recognises that an audit does not examine all evidence and every transaction. However, my audit procedures should identify errors or omissions significant enough to adversely affect the decisions of users of the financial statements and key performance indicators.

56

Curtin University of Technology Financial Statements and Key Performance Indicators for the year ended 31 December 2008

Audit Opinion In my opinion,

(i) the financial statements are based on proper accounts and present fairly the financial position of the Curtin University of Technology at 31 December 2008 and its financial performance and cash flows for the year ended on that date. They are in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Treasurerí s Instructions;

(ii) the controls exercised by the University provide reasonable assurance that the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, the acquisition and disposal of property, and the incurring of liabilities have been in accordance with legislative provisions; and

(iii) the key performance indicators of the University are relevant and appropriate to help users assess the Universityí s performance and fairly represent the indicated performance for the year ended 31 December 2008.

GLEN CLARKE ACTING AUDITOR GENERAL 20 March 2009

Page 2 of 2

Curtin University of Technology Financial Statements and Key Performance Indicators for the year ended 31 December 2008

Audit Opinion In my opinion,

(i) the financial statements are based on proper accounts and present fairly the financial position of the Curtin University of Technology at 31 December 2008 and its financial performance and cash flows for the year ended on that date. They are in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Treasurerí s Instructions;

(ii) the controls exercised by the University provide reasonable assurance that the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, the acquisition and disposal of property, and the incurring of liabilities have been in accordance with legislative provisions; and

(iii) the key performance indicators of the University are relevant and appropriate to help users assess the Universityí s performance and fairly represent the indicated performance for the year ended 31 December 2008.

GLEN CLARKE ACTING AUDITOR GENERAL 20 March 2009

Page 2 of 2

2008 Annual Report

57

Curtin University of Technology Financial Report 2008

CONTENTS

Certification of the Financial Statements 58

Income Statement 59

Balance Sheet 60

Statement of Changes in Equity 61

Cash Flow Statement 62

Notes to the Financial Statements 63

Report by the Members of the University Council 110

58


Certification of the Financial Statements

CERTIFICATION OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying financial statements of Curtin University of Technology and the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been

prepared in compliance with the provisions of the Financial Management Act 2006 from proper accounts and records to present fairly the financial

transactions for the financial year ended 31 December 2008 and the financial position as at 31 December 2008.

At the date of signing, we are not aware of any circumstances which would render any particulars included in the financial statements misleading or

inaccurate.

W. Gordon Martin Jeanette Hacket David Menarry

Chancellor Vice-Chancellor Chief Financial Officer


CERTIFICATION OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS

We declare that:

• atthetimeofthiscertification,therearereasonablegroundstobelievethatCurtinUniversityofTechnologywillbeabletopayitsdebts

as and when they fall due; and

• theamountofAustralianGovernmentfinancialassistanceexpendedduringthefinancialyearended31December2008wasforthepurpose(s)

for which it was provided and complied with applicable legislation, contracts, agreements and program guidelines in making expenditure.




59


Income Statementfor the year ended 31 December 2008

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

Revenue from continuing operations

Australian Government financial assistance

Australian Government grants 4 215,447 188,260

HECS-HELP – Australian Government payments 4 68,590 63,887

FEE-HELP 4 12,926 12,686

State and Local Government financial assistance 5 26,375 21,923

HECS-HELP – Student payments 21,050 19,363

Fees and charges 6 171,182 152,111

Investment revenue 7 23,276 22,501

Royalties, trademarks and licences 8 27,458 21,240

Consultancy and contracts 9 35,041 26,729

Other revenue 10 39,626 37,775

640,971 566,475

Deferred Government superannuation contributions 9,206 (4,166)

Total revenue from continuing operations 650,177 562,309

Expenses from continuing operations

Employee benefits 11(a) 315,500 274,312

Depreciation and amortisation 12 24,873 23,725

Repairs and maintenance 13 13,435 12,195

Finance costs 14 1,765 1,813

Impairment of assets 15 21,011 (8)

Losses on disposal of non-current assets 16 2,015 21

Other expenses 17 206,619 178,683

585,218 490,741

Deferred employee benefits for superannuation 11(b) 9,206 (4,166)

Total expenses from continuing operations 594,424 486,575

Net operating result for the year 55,753 75,734

This Income Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

60


Balance Sheetas at 31 December 2008

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents 18 129,975 110,110

Trade and other receivables 19 25,621 25,653

Inventories 20 1,029 1,061

Other financial assets:

Unrestricted 21 38 561

Restricted 22 65,269 53,149

Other non financial assets 23 20,317 13,949

Total Current Assets 242,249 204,483

Non-Current Assets

Trade and other receivables 19 72,806 64,383

Other financial assets – unrestricted 21 35,903 72,569

Property, plant and equipment 24 647,374 565,419

Total Non-Current Assets 756,083 702,371

Total Assets 998,332 906,854

LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables 25 6,192 6,176

Borrowings 26 1,189 627

Provisions 27 54,588 50,309

Other liabilities 28 53,604 48,202

Total Current Liabilities 115,573 105,314

Non-Current Liabilities

Borrowings 26 51,898 33,824

Provisions 27 89,423 78,627

Total Non-Current Liabilities 141,321 112,451

Total Liabilities 256,894 217,765

Net Assets 741,438 689,089

EQUITY

Reserves 29 36,430 31,545

Retained surplus 29 705,008 657,544

Total Equity 741,438 689,089

This Balance Sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

61


Statement of Changes in Equityfor the year ended 31 December 2008

Other Reserves Retained Earnings Total Equity

Note $’000 $’000 $’000

At 1 January 2007 36,566 585,912 622,478

Unrealised investment gain/(loss) for the year (8,857) – (8,857)

Realised investment (gain)/loss (295) – (295)

Unrealised hedging gain/(loss) 29 – 29

Operating result for the year – 75,734 75,734

Transfers from retained earnings 29(f) 15,486 (15,486) –

Transfers to retained earnings 29(f) (11,384) 11,384 –

At 31 December 2007 29 31,545 657,544 689,089

Unrealised investment gain/(loss) for the year (27,189) – (27,189)

Realised investment (gain)/loss 23,814 – 23,814

Realised hedging (gain)/loss (29) – (29)

Operating result for the year – 55,753 55,753

Transfers from retained earnings 29(f) 20,112 (20,112) –

Transfers to retained earnings 29(f) (11,823) 11,823 –

At 31 December 2008 29 36,430 705,008 741,438

This Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

62


Cash Flow Statementfor the year ended 31 December 2008

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Receipts

Australian Government grants received 4(g) 299,030 265,528

HECS-HELP – Student payments 21,050 19,363

Fees and charges 174,087 154,765

Royalties, trademarks and licences 28,074 20,721

Consultancy and contracts 34,564 28,657

Interest received 12,637 10,373

Dividends received 392 111

Distributions received 8,186 12,017

Other 41,336 37,573

Payments

Payments for employee benefits (311,942) (272,678)

Payments to suppliers (220,544) (192,322)

Interest and other costs of finance paid (1,764) (1,813)

Net cash provided by operating activities 38(b) 85,106 82,295

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Payments for property, plant and equipment (107,618) (64,956)

Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 216 254

Payments for investments (2,690) (14,735)

Proceeds on redemption of investments 1,596 –

Net cash used in investing activities (108,496) (79,437)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Repayment of borrowings (1,052) (827)

Proceeds from borrowings 18,248 9,517

Cash used in financing activities 17,196 8,690

CASH FLOWS FROM STATE GOVERNMENT

Financial assistance 26,059 21,923

Cash provided by State Government 26,059 21,923

Net increase/ (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 19,865 33,471

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 110,110 76,639

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 38(a) 129,975 110,110

This Cash Flow Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

63


Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the year ended 31 December 2008


64


1 SuMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOuNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial report are set out below. These policies have been consistently

applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

(a) Basis of preparation

This general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative

pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, the requirements of the Department of Education, Employment and

Workplace Relations, applicable sections of the Financial Management Act 2006 and applicable Treasurer’s Instructions.

The financial statements and notes thereto comply with Australian Accounting Standards, some of which contain requirements specific

to not-for-profit entities that are inconsistent with International Financial Reporting Standards requirements.

Historical cost convention

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for certain financial instruments which are reported at

fair value.

Accrual basis of accounting

The financial statements, except for cash flow information, are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting.

Critical accounting estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Australian Accounting Standards requires the use of certain critical accounting

estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the University’s accounting policies. The areas

involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements,

are disclosed in note 2.

The financial report is presented in Australian dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($’000).

(b) Not for profit status

For the purpose of the application of Accounting Standards and Interpretations, the University is considered to be a not-for-profit entity.

(c) Principles of consolidation

Consolidated financial statements are prepared by combining the financial statements of all entities that comprise the consolidated entity, being

the University (the parent entity) and any controlled entities, in accordance with AASB 127 “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements”

and modified by Treasurer’s Instruction 1105.

Consolidated financial statements are not required this year as there are no controlled entities.

(d) Revenue recognition

Revenue from sale of goods and disposal of other assets and the rendering of services is recognised when the University has passed control

and the significant risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the buyer of the goods or other assets, or when a service has been

provided to a customer.

Student fees

Student fees are recognised when the University has provided the service(s) to the student.

Commonwealth supported student income

Income for Commonwealth supported students is recognised when the University has provided the service(s) to the student.

Research income

Research grants from government are recognised as revenue when the University obtains control over the asset comprising the contributions.

When the University does not have control of the contribution, does not have the right to receive the contribution or, in the case of reciprocal

grants, has not fulfilled grant conditions, the grant contribution is treated as deferred income as a liability in the Balance Sheet.


65


1 SuMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOuNTING POLICIES (CONTINuED)

Research income (continued)

Reciprocal research income from other entities is recognised as revenue when the University has provided the service to the customer.

Non-reciprocal research income from other entities is recognised as revenue when the University obtains control over the asset comprising

the contributions.

Unspent non-reciprocal research grant funds at the end of each financial year are recognised by way of a Research Grants reserve (refer note 29).

Other government grants

Other grants from government are recognised as revenue when the University obtains control over the asset comprising the contributions.

When the University does not have control over the contribution, does not have the right to receive the contribution or, in the case of reciprocal

grants, has not fulfilled grant conditions, the grant contribution is treated as deferred income as a liability in the Balance Sheet.

Consultancy fees

Consultancy fees are recognised when the University has provided the service(s) to the customer.

Other contributions revenue

Donations, gifts and other non-reciprocal contributions are recognised as revenue when the University obtains control over the assets

comprising the contributions.

Contributions of assets are recognised at their fair value. Contributions of services are only recognised when a fair value can be reliably

determined and the services would be purchased if not donated.

(e) Acquisition and disposal of assets

All property, plant and equipment with a cost of greater than $5,000 (excluding GST) is recorded as a non-current asset at cost,

less subsequent depreciation and impairment.

Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial

period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalised as part of the cost of that asset.

Assets acquired at no cost or for nominal consideration are initially recognised at their fair value at the date of acquisition.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the disposal proceeds with the carrying amount and are included in the

Income Statement.

(f) Depreciation of non-current assets

All non-current assets having a limited useful life are depreciated or amortised over their estimated useful lives, in a manner which reflects the

consumption of their future economic benefits.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis from the time the asset becomes available for use. Estimated useful lives are as follows:

•Land Notdepreciated

•Buildings 5-50years

•Leaseholdlandandimprovements Shorterof50yearsorlifeoflease

•Computingequipment 3years

•Otherequipmentandfurniture 8years

•Motorvehicles 5years

•Worksofart Notdepreciated

Land and works of art controlled by the University are classified as non-current assets. They are anticipated to have indeterminate useful lives

since their service potential is not, in any material sense, consumed. As such, no amount for depreciation is recognised.

Assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date.

Library collections

The total cost of the last three years’ acquisition of library books and journals is considered to represent an acceptable carrying value of the

library collection. In each year, that year’s cost of acquisition is added onto the carrying value, and the earliest year’s cost of acquisition within

the carrying value is written off as an acceptable estimate of the depreciation of the library collection for the current year.


66



(g) Impairment of property, plant and equipment

Where the recoverable amount of an asset is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount. That

reduction is an impairment loss, which is recognised as an expense to the Income Statement. Recoverable amount is based on “value in use”

and is determined as the depreciated replacement cost of the asset.

(h) Intangible assets

An intangible asset shall be recognised if, and only if:

(a) it is probable that expected future economic benefits are attributable to the asset and will flow to the University; and

(b) the cost of the asset can be measured reliably.

(i) Leases

In accordance with AASB 117 “Leases”, leased assets classified as “finance leases” are recognised as assets. The amount initially brought to

account as an asset is the present value of minimum lease payments. An equivalent finance lease liability is brought to account at the same time.

Finance leased assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Finance lease payments are allocated between interest expense and reduction of lease liability over the term of the lease. The interest expense

is determined by applying the interest rate implicit in the lease to the outstanding lease liability at the beginning of each lease payment period.

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the Income Statement on a basis which reflects the pattern in which economic

benefits from the leased asset are consumed.

(j) Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and current replacement cost. Costs are assigned by the method most appropriate to each

particular class of inventory, with the majority being measured on a weighted average cost basis.

(k) Receivables

Current accounts receivable are recognised at nominal amounts receivable, as they are due for settlement no more than 30 days from the date

of recognition. Non-current accounts receivable are recognised at fair value.

Collectibility of receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written off as bad debts. A provision

for impaired receivables is raised when there is objective evidence that the University may not be able to collect the debt.

(l) Investments

In accordance with AASB 139 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”, investments other than unlisted shares are classified

as available-for-sale and are measured at fair value. For available-for-sale investments, gains and losses arising from changes in fair value

are recognised directly in equity, until the security is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss

previously recognised in equity is transferred to the Income Statement for the period.

Unlisted shares are stated at historical cost unless there has been a permanent diminution in value, in which event a recoverable amount write-

down is made.

Interest revenue and other investment income is recognised when earned.

(m) Payables

Payables, including accruals (expenses incurred but not yet billed), are recognised when the University becomes obliged to make future

payments as a result of a purchase of assets or services. Payables are generally settled within a 30-day term.


67



(n) Interest bearing liabilities

Bank loans and other interest bearing liabilities are recorded at an amount equal to the net proceeds received.

Borrowing costs for qualifying assets are capitalised net of any investment income earned on the unexpended portion of the borrowings. Other

borrowing costs are expensed when incurred.

(o) Employee benefits

Annual leave

This benefit is recognised at the reporting date in respect of employees’ service up to that date and is measured at nominal amounts expected

to be paid when the liabilities are settled, including anniversary increments and anticipated salary increases.

Long service leave

The liability for long service leave expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date is recognised in the provision for employee

benefits as a current liability and is measured at the nominal amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled.

The liability for long service leave expected to be settled more than 12 months from the reporting date is recognised in the provision for

employee benefits as a non-current liability and is measured at the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of

services provided by employees up to the reporting date.

Superannuation

The University contributes to a number of superannuation schemes, including both defined contribution and defined benefit schemes.

Payments to defined contribution schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. The University’s obligation is limited to these contributions.

Defined benefit schemes provide a defined lump sum benefit to scheme members based on years of service and final average salary. A defined

benefit liability is included in the Balance Sheet equal to the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date (less any past

service costs not yet recognised) less the fair value of scheme assets at the reporting date.

The cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit credit method, with actuarial valuations being carried out on an annual

basis. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised as an income or an expense in the period in which they occur. Where appropriate the

University has adopted the multi-employer provisions of AASB 119 “Employee Benefits” paragraph 30. This is currently relevant to the

UniSuper Defined Benefit scheme.

unfunded superannuation

An arrangement exists between the Commonwealth Government and the State Government to meet the unfunded liability for the University’s

beneficiaries of the State Superannuation Schemes on an emerging cost basis. The unfunded liabilities have been recognised in the Balance

Sheet under Provisions, with a corresponding asset recognised under Receivables. The recognition of both the asset and the liability

consequently does not affect the year-end net asset position of the University. The liability and equivalent receivable are measured actuarially

on an annual basis.

Accrued or prepaid salaries

Accrued salaries represent the amount due to staff but unpaid at the end of the financial period, as the end of the last pay period for that

financial year does not always coincide with the end of the financial period. The University considers that the nominal carrying amount

approximates net fair value.

If the payroll is paid on a date prior to the end of the financial year, the amount prepaid which overlaps the year end is treated as a current asset.

(p) Employee benefits on-costs

Annual leave and long service leave on-costs are not categorised as employee benefit costs but are recognised and disclosed separately in

accordance with AASB 119 “Employee Benefits”.


68



(q) Foreign currency

Transactions denominated in a foreign currency are translated at the rates in existence at the dates of the transactions. Foreign currency

monetary items, which include cash, receivables and payables, are translated at exchange rates current at the reporting date. Exchange gains

and losses are brought to account in the Income Statement.

The University enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage its exposure to foreign exchange risk to material transactions

denominated in foreign currency. Hedges of foreign exchange risk on highly probable or firm commitments are recognised as cash

flow hedges. The University reviews the effectiveness of the hedging instrument in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the

hedged transaction, with the effective portion being recognised directly in Equity. The gain or loss on any ineffective portion is recognised

immediately in the Income Statement and amounts recognised in Equity are transferred to the Income Statement in the period(s) that

the hedged transaction is recognised. Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedge instrument expires, is terminated, exercised,

or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At this point, the cumulative gain or loss recognised in Equity is immediately recognised in

the Income Statement.

(r) Reserves

Reserves are created for funds that are retained and set aside for expenditure on specified items in future periods.

(s) Taxes

Income tax

Curtin University of Technology is exempt from income tax as per Subdivision 50-B of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

Goods and services tax (GST)

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST except:

• wheretheGSTincurredonapurchaseofgoodsandservicesisnotrecoverablefromthetaxationauthority,thentheGSTisrecognisedas

part of the cost of acquisition or as part of the expense item as applicable; and

• receivablesandpayablesarestatedwiththeamountofGSTincluded.

The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables in the Balance Sheet.

Cash flows are included in the Cash Flow Statement on a gross basis and the GST component of cash flows arising from investing and

financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority are classified as operating cash flows.

Fringe benefits tax

The University is liable to pay Fringe benefits tax, and it is included in “Other Expenses” in the Income Statement.

Payroll tax

The University is liable to pay Payroll tax, and it is included in “Other Expenses” in the Income Statement.

(t) Other expenses

Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs expense is recognised on an accrual basis.

Borrowing costs for qualifying assets are capitalised net of any investment income earned on the unexpended portion of the borrowings.

Other borrowing costs are expensed when incurred.

Repairs and maintenance

All repairs and maintenance expenditure is charged to the Income Statement during the financial period in which it is incurred.

Research and development

Research and development costs are expensed to the Income Statement as incurred.


69



(u) Comparative figures

Comparative figures are, where appropriate, reclassified so as to be comparable with the figures presented in the current financial year.

The comparative figures for Disaggregated Information (Note 3), Royalties, Trademarks and Licences (Note 8), Other Revenue (Note 10) and

Reserves and Retained Surplus (Note 29) have been adjusted to reflect a number of reclassifications to provide more meaningful information.

The comparative figures for Financial Instruments (Note 30) have been reclassified to reflect changes in Interest Rate Risk and Price Risk

Sensitivity. Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity has been increased to +/-200 basis points (2007: +/-100 basis points) and Price Rate Risk Sensitivity

has been increased to +/-15% (2007: +/-5%) to reflect the level of uncertainty and historical change currently being experienced in the market.

(v) Externally operated campuses

The University provides its educational services through a number of campuses and other locations. The three campuses outside of Western

Australia are managed and operated by third parties through contractual arrangements with the University. The University has no ownership or

financial interest in these third party companies other than by way of the contractual arrangements.

Operator Campus

Colleges of Business and Technology (NSW) Pty Ltd Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

(a 100% subsidiary of Navitas Limited)

Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

Navitas Singapore Pte Ltd Singapore

(a 100% subsidiary of Navitas Limited)

The University accounts for its revenues from these campuses (which mainly comprise service fees and royalties) in accordance with its

accounting policy for revenue recognition (refer note 1(d)).

2 CRITICAL ACCOuNTING ESTIMATES AND JuDGEMENTS

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events

that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

(a) Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

The key assumptions made concerning the future, and other key sources of estimating uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant

risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are:

• Provisionforimpairmentofreceivables–(refernotes1(k)and19)

• Superannuationbenefitsandassociatedassets/liabilities(refernote1(o))

• Discountratesusedinestimatingnon-currentprovisions–discountratesarebasedonmarketyieldsongovernmentbonds

• Estimatingusefullifeofkeyassets–theusefullifereflectstheconsumptionofthekeyassets’futureeconomicbenefits(refernote1(f)).

(b) Critical judgements in applying the University’s accounting policies

The judgements that have been made in the process of applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts

recognised in the financial report include:

• Estimatingtheusefullifeofkeyassets

• Impairmentofproperty,plantandequipment

• Impairmentofreceivables

• Impairmentofotherfinancialassets(includinginvestments).


70


3 DISAGGREGATED INFORMATION

(a) Industry – Dual Sector Providers

2008 2007

Higher Education VET1 Total

UniversityHigher

Education VET Total University

Income Statement $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Revenue from continuing operations

Australian Government financial assistance

Australian Government grants 215,247 200 215,447 187,974 286 188,260

HECS-HELP – Australian Government payments 68,590 – 68,590 63,887 – 63,887

FEE-HELP 12,926 – 12,926 12,686 – 12,686

State and Local Government financial assistance 15,343 11,032 26,375 9,941 11,982 21,923

HECS-HELP – Student payments 21,050 – 21,050 19,363 – 19,363

Fees and charges 170,160 1,022 171,182 151,184 927 152,111

Investment income 23,143 133 23,276 22,353 148 22,501

Royalties, trademarks and licences 27,458 – 27,458 21,240 – 21,240

Consultancy and contracts 35,037 4 35,041 26,729 – 26,729

Other revenue 36,795 2,831 39,626 34,898 2,877 37,775

625,749 15,222 640,971 550,255 16,220 566,475

Deferred Government superannuation contributions 9,206 – 9,206 (4,166) – (4,166)

Total revenue from continuing operations 634,955 15,222 650,177 546,089 16,220 562,309

Expenses from continuing operations

Employee benefits 307,893 7,607 315,500 266,782 7,530 274,312

Depreciation and amortisation 23,740 1,133 24,873 22,540 1,185 23,725

Repairs and maintenance 12,655 780 13,435 11,804 391 12,195

Finance costs 1,489 276 1,765 1,538 275 1,813

Impairment of assets 21,011 – 21,011 (8) – (8)

Losses on disposal of non-current assets 1,796 219 2,015 14 7 21

Other expenses 201,845 4,774 206,619 173,298 5,385 178,683

570,429 14,789 585,218 475,968 14,773 490,741

Deferred employee benefits for superannuation 9,206 – 9,206 (4,166) – (4,166)

Total expenses from continuing operations 579,635 14,789 594,424 471,802 14,773 486,575

Net operating result for the year 55,320 433 55,753 74,287 1,447 75,734

1 Vocational Education and Training


71


3 DISAGGREGATED INFORMATION (CONTINuED)

(a) Industry – Dual Sector Providers (continued)

2008 2007

Higher Education VET1 Total

UniversityHigher

Education VET Total University

Balance Sheet $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents 132,508 (2,533) 129,975 112,899 (2,789) 110,110

Trade and other receivables 24,800 821 25,621 24,783 870 25,653

Inventories 1,029 – 1,029 1,061 – 1,061

Other financial assets:

Unrestricted 38 – 38 561 – 561

Restricted 65,010 259 65,269 53,133 16 53,149

Other non financial assets 20,317 – 20,317 13,949 – 13,949

Total Current Assets 243,702 (1,453) 242,249 206,386 (1,903) 204,483

Non-Current Assets

Trade and other receivables 72,266 540 72,806 63,843 540 64,383

Other financial assets (unrestricted) 35,903 – 35,903 72,569 – 72,569

Property, plant and equipment 614,803 32,571 647,374 531,692 33,727 565,419

Total Non-Current Assets 722,972 33,111 756,082 668,104 34,267 702,371

Total Assets 966,674 31,658 998,332 874,490 32,364 906,854

LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables 6,149 43 6,192 5,924 252 6,176

Borrowings 694 495 1,189 132 495 627

Provisions 54,149 439 54,588 49,926 383 50,309

Other liabilities 53,223 381 53,604 47,480 722 48,202

Total Current Liabilities 114,215 1,358 115,573 103,462 1,852 105,314

Non-Current Liabilities

Borrowings 48,678 3,220 51,898 29,944 3,880 33,824

Provisions 88,811 612 89,423 78,030 597 78,627

Total Non-Current Liabilities 137,489 3,832 141,321 107,974 4,477 112,451

Total Liabilities 251,704 5,190 256,894 211,436 6,329 217,765

Net Assets 714,970 26,468 741,438 663,054 26,035 689,089

EQUITY

Reserves 36,430 – 36,430 31,545 – 31,545

Retained surplus 678,540 26,468 705,008 631,509 26,035 657,544

Total Equity 714,970 26,468 741,438 663,054 26,035 689,089

1 Vocational Education and Training


72




Higher Education VET University

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Total Equity

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Total Equity

Total Equity

Statement of Changes in Equity $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

At 1 January 2007 36,566 561,324 597,890 – 24,588 24,588 622,478

Unrealised investment gain/(loss) for the year (8,857) – (8,857) – – – (8,857)

Realised investment (gain)/loss (295) – (295) – – – (295)

Unrealised hedging gain/(loss) 29 – 29 – – – 29

Operating result for the year – 74,287 74,287 – 1,447 1,447 75,734

Transferred from retained earnings 15,486 (15,486) – – – – –

Transferred to retained earnings (11,384) 11,384 – – – – –

At 31 December 2007 31,545 631,509 663,054 – 26,035 26,035 689,089

Unrealised investment gain/(loss) for the year (27,189) – (27,189) – – – (27,189)

Realised investment (gain)/loss 23,814 – 23,814 – – – 820

Realised hedging (gain)/loss (29) – (29) – – – (29)

Operating result for the year – 55,320 55,320 – 433 433 78,747

Transferred from retained earnings 20,112 (20,112) – – – – –

Transferred to retained earnings (11,823) 11,823 – – – – –

At 31 December 2008 36,430 678,540 714,970 – 26,468 26,468 741,438


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2008 2007

Higher Education

VET Total University

Higher Education

VET Total University

Cash Flow Statement $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Receipts

Australian Government Grants received 298,830 200 299,030 265,242 286 265,528

HECS-HELP – Student payments 21,050 – 21,050 19,363 – 19,363

Fees and charges 173,065 1,022 174,087 155,170 (405) 154,765

Royalties, trademarks and licences 28,074 – 28,074 20,721 – 20,721

Consultancy and contracts 34,560 4 34,564 28,657 – 28,657

Interest received 12,504 133 12,637 10,227 146 10,373

Dividends received 392 – 392 111 – 111

Distributions received 8,186 – 8,186 12,017 – 12,017

Other 38,456 2,880 41,336 34,739 2,834 37,573

Payments

Payments for employee benefits (304,401) (7,541) (311,942) (264,521) (8,157) (272,678)

Payments to suppliers (214,201) (6,343) (220,544) (186,892) (5,430) (192,322)

Interest and other costs of finance paid (1,488) (276) (1,764) (1,538) (275) (1,813)

Net cash provided by operating activities 95,027 (9,921) 85,106 93,296 (11,001) 82,295

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Payments for property, plant and equipment (107,423) (195) (107,618) (64,834) (122) (64,956)

Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 216 – 216 231 23 254

Payments for investments (2,690) – (2,690) (14,735) – (14,735)

Proceeds on redemption of investments 1,596 – 1,596 – – –

Net cash used in investing activities (108,301) (195) (108,496) (79,338) (99) (79,437)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Repayment of borrowings (392) (660) (1,052) (212) (615) (827)

Proceeds from borrowings 18,248 – 18,248 9,517 – 9,517

Cash used in financing activities 17,856 (660) 17,196 9,305 (615) 8,690

CASH FLOWS FROM STATE GOVERNMENT

Financial assistance 15,027 11,032 26,059 9,941 11,982 21,923

Cash provided by State Government 15,027 11,032 26,059 9,941 11,982 21,923

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents held 19,609 256 19,865 33,204 267 33,471

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 112,899 (2,789) 110,110 79,695 (3,056) 76,639

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 132,508 (2,533) 129,975 112,899 (2,789) 110,110


74



(b) Geographical

Geographical

Revenue Operating Result Assets

2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Australia 629,967 542,393 50,730 70,261 992,395 900,208

Asia 18,318 18,045 4,208 4,635 5,122 5,808

Other 1,892 1,871 815 838 815 838

650,177 562,309 55,753 75,734 998,332 906,854

Revenue4 AuSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INCLuDING HECS-HELP AND FEE-HELP

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

(a) Commonwealth Grants Scheme and Other Grants 43(a)

Commonwealth Grants Scheme 128,175 119,977

Indigenous Support Fund 2,478 2,133

Workplace Reform Program 1,573 1,581

Workplace Productivity Program – 2,813

Disability Support Program 9 154

Superannuation Program 5,991 6,424

Capital Development Pool 5,202 –

Equity Programs 270 241

Learning&TeachingPerformanceFund 500 500

Collaboration&StructuralReformProgram 249 –

Improving the Practical Component of Teacher Education Initiative 308 –

Transitional Cost Program 1,865 –

Total Commonwealth Grants Scheme & Other Grants 146,620 133,823

(b) Higher Education Loan Programs 43(b)

HECS-HELP 68,590 63,887

FEE-HELP 12,926 12,686

Total Higher Education Loan Programs 81,516 76,573

(c) Scholarships 43(c)

Australian Postgraduate Awards 2,405 2,347

Indigenous Staff Scholarships 12 21

Indigenous Access Scholarships 174 –

International Postgraduate Research Scholarships 457 455

Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships 1,451 1,158

Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships 2,178 1,665

Total Scholarships 6,677 5,646


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4 AuSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INCLuDING HECS-HELP AND FEE-HELP (CONTINuED)

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

(d) DIISR – Research 43(d)

Institutional Grants Scheme 6,438 6,178

Research Training Scheme 13,291 12,919

Research Infrastructure Block Grants 2,366 2,109

Commercialisation Training Scheme 127 128

Implementation Assistance Program 124 61

Australian Scheme for Higher Education Repositories 221 118

Total DIISR – Research Grants 22,567 21,513

(e) Australian Research Council

(i) Discovery 43(e)(i)

Project 4,054 3,866

Fellowships 356 –

Total Discovery 4,410 3,866

(ii) Linkages 43(e)(ii)

Infrastructure 160 500

International 35 217

Projects 2,248 1,936

Total Linkages 2,443 2,653

(f) Other Australian Government financial assistance

Other (includes Cooperative Research Centre funding) 32,730 20,759

Total Australian Government Financial Assistance 296,963 264,833

Reconciliation

Australian Government grants [a+c+d+e+f] 215,447 188,260

HECS-HELP – Australian Government payments 68,590 63,887

Other Australian Government loan programs (FEE-HELP) 12,926 12,686

Total Australian Government Financial Assistance 296,963 264,833

(g) Australian Government Grants received – cash basis

CGS and Other DEEWR Grants 43 (a) 146,942 133,371

Higher Education Loan Programs 43 (b) 83,130 75,680

Scholarships 43 (c) 7,818 6,598

DIISR Research 43 (d) 22,567 21,513

ARC grants – Discovery 43 (e)(i) 4,111 3,852

ARC grants – Linkages 43 (e)(ii) 2,072 2,547

Other Government Grants 32,194 21,671

Total Australian Government Grants received – cash basis 298,834 265,232

OS-Help (Net) 196 296

Total Australian Government funding received – cash basis 299,030 265,528


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5 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

WA State Department of Education and Training 10,269 11,444

WA State Government – other 16,106 10,466

WA Local Government – 13

Total State and Local Government Financial Assistance 26,375 21,923

6 FEES AND CHARGES

Course Fees and Charges

Fee-paying overseas students 136,189 121,746

Continuing education 7,222 6,227

Fee-paying domestic postgraduate students 10,128 9,463

Fee-paying domestic undergraduate students 465 387

Total Course Fees and Charges 154,004 137,823

Other Non-Course Fees and Charges

Amenities and service fees – (1)

Examination fees 2,406 1,955

Late fees 332 355

Library fines 151 161

Parking fees 2,125 1,755

Registration fees 636 582

Incidental fees 482 446

Ancillary fees 411 479

Student accommodation 7,330 6,692

Other fees and charges 3,305 1,864

Total Other Non-Course Fees and Charges 17,178 14,288

Total Fees and Charges 171,182 152,111

7 INVESTMENT REVENuE

Dividends from investment shares 392 111

Distributions from managed funds 8,186 12,017

Realised gain on sale of other financial assets 1,586 295

Interest received 13,112 10,078

Total Investment Revenue 23,276 22,501


77


8 ROYALTIES, TRADEMARkS AND LICENCES

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

Royalties 27,458 21,240

Total Royalties, Trademarks and Licences 27,458 21,240

9 CONSuLTANCY AND CONTRACTS

Research

Consultancy 10,497 8,147

Contract research 24,544 18,582

Total Consultancy and Contracts 35,041 26,729

10 OTHER REVENuE

Trading income¹ 14,844 15,298

Donations 2,260 2,517

Rental income 2,473 2,349

Sundry income from Australian businesses 5,956 4,706

Sundry income from Australian non-profit organisations 7,038 7,181

Sundry income from overseas sources 1,702 1,261

Insurance claims 298 43

Staff salary recoveries 1,382 1,314

Proceeds from sale of minor equipment 115 147

Conference income 818 686

Exchange rate gains 664 –

Other 2,076 2,273

Total Other Revenue 39,626 37,775

¹ Revenue from sale of goods included under trading income

Sales 8,534 8,226

Cost of sales:

Opening inventory 600 552

Purchases 6,273 6,111

6,873 6,663

Closing inventory (576) (600)

Cost of Goods Sold 6,297 6,063

Gross margin before selling and administrative expenses 2,237 2,163

Inventory purchases are included under “Other Expenses – Inventory used and sold” (See note 17).


78


expenses

11 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

(a) Employee Benefits

Academic

Salaries 134,312 115,071

Contribution to funded superannuation and pension schemes 23,698 22,404

Long service leave 3,560 2,915

Annual leave 8,936 8,270

Total Academic 170,506 148,660

Non-academic

Salaries 114,036 99,180

Contribution to funded superannuation and pension schemes 19,427 16,340

Long service leave 3,361 2,734

Annual leave 8,170 7,398

Total Non-academic 144,994 125,652

Total Academic and Non-academic Employee Benefits 315,500 274,312

(b) Unfunded Superannuation

Deferred employee benefits for unfunded superannuation schemes 9,206 (4,166)

12 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION

Buildings 14,765 13,931

Leasehold land and improvements 47 48

Computing equipment 1,358 1,864

Other equipment and furniture 4,792 4,300

Motor vehicles 257 285

Library collections 3,654 3,297

Total Depreciation Expense 24,873 23,725

13 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

Property 3,754 5,113

Minor new works 9,022 6,380

Grounds maintenance 659 702

Total Repairs and Maintenance 13,435 12,195


79


14 FINANCE COSTS

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

Interest on borrowings 2,991 2,028

Less: Amount capitalised (1,226) (215)

Total Finance Costs 1,765 1,813

15 IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS

Bad debts written off 276 1,529

Movement in provision for impaired receivables (3,079) (1,537)

Impairment of other financial assets 23,814 –

Total Impairment of Assets 21,011 (8)

16 NET LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF NON-CuRRENT ASSETS

Carrying amount for disposal of non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment 2,231 275

Proceeds from disposal of non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment (216) (254)

Net Loss on Disposal of Non-Current Assets 2,015 21


80


17 OTHER ExPENSES

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

Advertising, marketing and promotional 6,888 5,387

Amenities and service 726 778

Books 2,365 2,251

Computer peripherals and parts 14,298 15,194

Consumables 8,276 11,672

Contract work 42,839 34,939

Exchange rate losses – 28

Fees and commissions 8,914 7,040

Financial assistance provided/research support 8,019 4,001

Graduations 1,071 1,149

Hospitality 3,234 2,036

Insurance 1,217 1,496

Inventory used and sold 7,220 8,142

Lease and rental 4,170 3,765

Non-capitalised equipment 6,805 4,936

Occupational health safety and welfare 219 323

Offshore partner fee share 5,253 5,091

Payroll tax 16,679 14,621

Postage and courier 1,806 1,374

Publications 847 777

Scholarships, grants and prizes 25,913 19,285

Security 376 270

Staff development and training 4,149 3,436

Staff recruitment 1,357 745

Subscriptions 3,728 3,635

Telecommunications 2,399 2,288

Travel 15,678 13,446

Utilities and cleaning 10,552 9,477

Workers’ compensation 1,178 664

Other 443 437

Total Other Expenses 206,619 178,683


81


Assets

18 CASH AND CASH EquIVALENTS (uNRESTRICTED)

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

Cash at bank and on hand1 44,966 19,934

Deposits2

– At call – 176

– Fixed term 85,009 90,000

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents (unrestricted) 129,975 110,110

1 Cash at bank and on hand Cash on hand is non-interest bearing and cash at bank is subject to variable interest rates (refer to note 30).

2 Deposits Deposits are interest bearing at variable interest rates (refer to note 30).

19 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Current

Student receivables 5,505 3,613

Less: Provision for impaired receivables (250) (250)

5,255 3,363

General receivables 18,108 23,894

Less: Provision for impaired receivables (978) (4,057)

17,130 19,837

Deferred Government contribution for unfunded superannuation 3,236 2,453

Total Current 25,621 25,653

Non-Current

Deferred Government contribution for unfunded superannuation 72,806 64,383

Total Receivables 98,427 90,036

Impaired receivables

The creation and release of the provision for impaired receivables has been included in “Impairment of Assets” in the Income Statement. Amounts charged to the provision account are generally written off when there is no expectation of recovering additional amounts. The other amounts within receivables do not contain impaired assets and are not past due date. Based on historical trends, it is expected that these amounts will be received when due.


82


19 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (CONTINuED)

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

As at 31 December 2008 current receivables for student fees with a nominal value of $0.250 million (2007: $0.250 million) were impaired. The amount of the provision was $0.250 million (2007: $0.250 million).

The ageing of these receivables is as follows:

Less than 12 months 42 42

Greater than 12 months 208 208

250 250

As at 31 December 2008, current receivables for student fees of $2.324 million (2007: $2.092million) were past due date but not impaired. The ageing analysis of these receivables is as follows:

Less than 12 months 2,281 1,971

Greater than 12 months 43 121

2,324 2,092

As at 31 December 2008 current general receivables with a nominal value of $0.978 million (2007: $4.057 million) were impaired.

The ageing of these receivables is as follows:

Less than 12 months 399 865

Greater than 12 months 579 3,192

978 4,057

As of 31 December 2008, current general receivables of $6.783 million (2007: $10.667 million) were past due date but not impaired. The ageing analysis of these receivables is as follows:

Less than 12 months 6,047 10,667

Greater than 12 months 736 –

6,783 10,667

Movements in the provision for impaired student fees receivables are as follows:

Balance at start of year 250 2,034

Provision for impairment recognised during the year 231 42

Receivables written off during the year as uncollectable (196) (840)

Unused amount reversed (35) (986)

Balance at end of year 250 250

Movements in the provision for impaired general receivables are as follows:

Balance at start of year 4,057 4,269

Provision for impairment recognised during the year 567 936

Receivables written off during the year as uncollectable (80) (689)

Foreign exchange (gains)/losses – (459)

Unused amount reversed (3,566) –

Balance at end of year 978 4,057


83


20 INVENTORIES

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

Inventories held for resale:

Merchandise (at cost) 726 694

Inventories not held for resale:

General stores (at cost) 114 118

Farming stores (at current replacement cost) 189 249

Total inventories not held for resale 303 367

Total Inventories 1,029 1,061

21 OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS – uNRESTRICTED

Current

Interest bearing loans advanced

– Sundry loans 38 27

Foreign currency forward contract – 534

38 561

Non-Current

Available-for-Sale

– Funds under management (at fair value) 31,330 69,898

unlisted shares and warrants (at cost) 4,328 2,389

Interest bearing loans advanced

Sundry loans 245 282

Total Non-Current Other Financial Assets 35,903 72,569

Total Other Financial Assets – unrestricted 35,941 73,130

All available-for-sale financial assets are denominated in Australian currency. For an analysis of the credit risk and sensitivity of available for sale financial assets to price and interest rate risk, refer to note 30.

22 OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS – RESTRICTED

Current Available-for-Sale

Restricted funds under management

– Research activities 41,723 33,637

– Donations and prizes 16,980 15,793

– Trusts 6,566 3,719

Total Restricted Funds under Management (at fair value) 65,269 53,149

Total Restricted Other Financial Assets 65,269 53,149

Restricted funds are invested as managed funds.

All available-for-sale financial assets are denominated in Australian currency. For an analysis of the credit risk and sensitivity of available for sale financial assets to price and interest rate risk, refer to note 30.


84


23 OTHER NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

Current

Prepayments 11,787 9,025

Accrued income 8,530 4,924

Total Other Non-Financial Assets 20,317 13,949

24 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EquIPMENT

Land¹

At cost 83,272 83,437

Buildings

At cost 463,415 438,834

Accumulated depreciation (87,203) (72,795)

376,212 366,039

Leasehold land and improvements

At cost 4,654 4,655

Accumulated depreciation (800) (754)

3,854 3,901

Work in progress

Capital projects (at cost) 133,055 66,712

Computing equipment

At cost 12,732 18,990

Accumulated depreciation and impairment (10,096) (17,130)

2,636 1,860

Other equipment and furniture

At cost 61,455 60,963


22,605 19,964

Motor vehicles

At cost 2,003 2,225


691 769

Library collections

At cost 17,542 15,807

Accumulated depreciation (3,654) (3,297)

13,888 12,510

Works of art

At cost 11,161 10,227

Total Property, Plant and Equipment 647,374 565,419

¹ Parts of the sites upon which the University is located, in particular the Bentley and Northam campuses, are vested in the University by the WA State Government for purposes consistent with the Curtin University of Technology Act 1966.


85


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86


LiAbiLities

25 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

CurrentTrade payables 6,192 6,176

26 BORROWINGS

CurrentTreasury loans 1,189 627

Non-CurrentTreasury loans 51,898 33,824

Total Borrowings 53,087 34,451

Treasury LoansThe University has the following loans with the WA Treasury Corporation:

Treasury Loans

Principal outstandingAverage Interest

rateMaturity date2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Capital works – quarterly principal and variable rate interest repayments 273 310 6.01% 15.10.2017

Muresk campus housing

– fixed rate interest only quarterly repayments with the loan principal to be repaid at date of maturity

2,050 2,050 6.50% 15.07.2018

Bentley campus housing

– fixed rate interest only quarterly repayments with the loan principal to be repaid at date of maturity

16,800 16,800 7.05% 15.01.2018

– quarterly principal and variable rate interest repayments 1,044 1,184 6.01% 15.10.2017

Goldfields Arts Centre

– quarterly principal and variable rate interest repayments 3,715 4,375 6.02% 15.10.2014

Chemistry Centre of WA building

– fixed rate interest and principal repayment at maturity1 29,205 9,732 4.80% 01.07.2009

Total Treasury Loans 53,087 34,451

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Financing facilities availableAt reporting date, the following financing facilities had been negotiated and were available:

Total facilities: – Treasury Loans¹ 113,282 114,119

Facilities used at reporting date: – Treasury Loans 53,087 34,451

Facilities unused at reporting date: – Treasury Loans 60,195 79,668

¹ The financing facilities include an amount for construction of the University’s Resources and Chemistry Research and Education Precinct which includes the Chemistry Centre of WA building. At reporting date, $29.205 million had been drawn down (2007: $9.732 million) from the $89.400 million facility.

The loan comprises several draw downs at fixed interest rates which together mature in July 2009. The University has an agreement to refinance the loan into a 20-year loan at a fixed rate which has yet to be determined.


87


27 PROVISIONS

2008 2007

Note $’000 $’000

CurrentEmployee benefits provisionsAnnual leave1 24,132 22,117Long service leave2 22,744 21,788Superannuation: Deferred employee benefits for unfunded Superannuation 36(b) 3,236 2,453 Other University pension liabilities 36(a) 89 102

Total Employee Benefits Provisions 50,201 46,460

Other provisions Employment on-costs 2,813 2,634Redundancy costs 1,574 1,215

Total Other Provisions 4,387 3,849

Total Current Provisions 54,588 50,309

Non-CurrentEmployee benefits provisionsLong service leave 13,546 12,813Superannuation: Deferred employee benefits for unfunded Superannuation 36(b) 72,806 64,383 Other University pension liabilities 36(a) 700 721

Total Employee Benefits Provisions 87,052 77,917

Other provisions Employment on-costs 813 710Sarawak research fund provision 1,558 –

Total Non-Current Provisions 89,423 78,627

Total Provisions 144,011 128,936

Movements in Other Provisions Movements in each class of provision during the financial year, other than employee benefits, are set out below:

Employment on-costs provisionBalance at beginning of year 3,344 3,293Addition/(reduction) in provisions recognised 1,470 937Reduction arising from payments (1,188) (886)

Balance at end of year 3,626 3,344

Redundancy costs provisionBalance at beginning of year 1,215 1,924Addition/(reduction) in provisions recognised 984 650Reduction arising from payments (625) (1,359)


Sarawak research fund provisionBalance at beginning of year – – Addition/(reduction) in provisions recognised 1,558 – Reduction arising from payments – –

Balance at end of year 1,558 – The University has agreed to contribute a proportion of its royalties receivable from the Curtin Sarawak campus to a research fund for that campus.1 Annual leave (including employment on-costs) Annual leave liabilities (including employment on-costs) have been classified as current as there is no unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 12 months after balance sheet date. Actual settlement of the current liabilities is expected to occur as follows:

Within 12 months of balance sheet date 16,309 12,991 More than 12 months after balance sheet date 9,271 10,453

25,580 23,4442 Long service leave (including employment on-costs) Long service leave liabilities have been classified as current where there is no unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 12 months after balance sheet date. Actual settlement of the current liabilities is expected to occur as follows:

Within 12 months of balance sheet date 5,179 5,111 More than 12 months after balance sheet date 18,930 17,984

24,109 23,095


88


28 OTHER LIABILITIES

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Current

Income received in advance 31,250 24,240

Accrued expenses 15,788 15,175

Foreign currency forward contract – 505

Monies held in trust 6,566 8,282

Total Other Liabilities 53,604 48,202

equity29 RESERVES AND RETAINED SuRPLuS

Reserves

Bookshop future development 29(a) 1,029 826

General 29(b) – –

Investments revaluation reserve 29(c) (6,322) (2,947)

Hedging reserve 29(d) – 29

Research grants reserve 29(e) 41,723 33,637

Total Reserves 36,430 31,545

Retained surplus 29(f) 705,008 657,544

(a) Bookshop future development

The Bookshop Future Development Reserve is used to fund special projects or other capital spending undertaken by the Bookshop.

Movement in reserveBalance at beginning of year 826 676Transfer to reserve 203 150

Balance at end of year 1,029 826

(b) General

The General Reserve represents funding set aside for the ongoing development of University infrastructure and special initiatives.

Movement in reserveBalance at beginning of year – 230 Transfer from reserve – (230)

Balance at end of year – –


89


29 RESERVES AND RETAINED SuRPLuS (CONTINuED)

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

(c) Investments revaluation reserve

The investments revaluation reserve arises on the revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets. Where a revalued financial asset is sold that portion of the reserve which relates to that financial asset, and is effectively realised, is recognised in the Income Statement. Where a revalued financial asset is impaired, the portion of the reserve which relates to that financial asset is transferred to the Income Statement.

Movement in reserve

Balance at beginning of year (2,947) 6,205

Unrealised valuation gain/(loss) recognised (27,189) (8,857)

Cumulative (gain)/loss on sale of financial assets – (295)

Cumulative (gain)/loss on impairment of financial assets 23,814 –

Balance at end of year (6,322) (2,947)

(d) Hedging reserve

The hedging reserve represents hedging gains and losses recognised on the effective portion of foreign currency cash flow hedges. The cumulative deferred gain or loss on the hedge is recognised in the Income Statement when the hedged transaction is considered to be ineffective or when the hedge is settled.

Balance at beginning of year 29 –

(Gain)/loss recognised on settled forward exchange contracts (29) –

Unrealised gain/(loss) on unsettled forward exchange contracts – 29

Balance at end of year – 29

(e) Research grants reserve

Non-reciprocal research grants are required by Accounting Standards to be recognised as income when received. This reserve is provided for the balance of unspent research grants at the end of each financial year.

Balance at beginning of year 33,637 29,455

Transfer to reserve 19,909 15,336

Transfers from reserves (11,823) (11,154)


(f) Retained surplus

Balance at beginning of year 657,544 585,912 Net operating result 55,753 75,734

Transfers to reserves (20,112) (15,486)

Transfers from reserves 11,823 11,384



90


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and

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abilit

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trac

t in

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st.


91


30

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nce

date

or

cost

.


92


31 FINANCIAL RISk MANAGEMENT

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Components

of market risk to which the University is exposed are:

(i) Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the instrument will fluctuate due to changes in

market interest rates.

The University is exposed to interest rate risk from its use of interest bearing financial assets and liabilities. Non-derivative interest bearing assets are

predominantly short-term liquid assets, ie cash, cash deposits, interest-bearing loans advanced and some funds under management. The interest

rate liability risk arises from borrowings issued at fixed rates, which give exposure to fair value interest rate risk, and from borrowings at a variable

interest rate, which give rise to cash flow interest rate risk. The University manages its borrowings in accordance with targeted interest rate, liquidity

and debt portfolio maturity profiles. Notes 26 and 30 provide further detail.

Note 30 details the University’s sensitivity to a 200 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates assuming the change took place at the

beginning of the financial year and held constant throughout the reporting period. The University’s sensitivity to interest rate risk has increased

over the period due to higher cash and cash equivalents held and the change to the sensitivity rate (2007: 100 basis points increase or decrease)

reflecting volatility associated with the current global financial crisis.

During the year the University increased its borrowings by $19.473 million including the capitalisation of interest and guarantee fee of $1.226 million

in relation to the construction of the Chemistry Centre of WA building. The loan comprises several draw downs at fixed interest rates which together

mature in July 2009. The University has an agreement to refinance this loan into a 20-year loan at a fixed rate which has yet to be determined.

The uncertainty of the interest rate to be charged is mitigated by the repayment of the loan by way of rent payable by the State Government to the

University.

(ii) Foreign Currency Risk

Foreign currency risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial commitment, recognised asset or liability will fluctuate due to changes in foreign

currency rates. The University’s foreign currency exchange risk arises primarily from:

• tradegeneralreceivablebalancesdenominatedinaforeigncurrency;and

• transactionsforreceiptsandpaymentssettledinforeigncurrenciesorwithpricesdependentonforeigncurrencies.

The University manages this risk by conducting its contracts and business in Australian dollars where it is commercially practical to do so.

Furthermore, the University seeks to hedge any material, highly probable, foreign currency transactions by way of permitted instruments with

appropriate counterparties. The University does not undertake speculative positions on movements in foreign currency exchange rates.

Foreign currency cash as at year end comprised: 2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Euro bank account 1,577 -

The University does not have any significant exposure to foreign currency assets or liabilities at the reporting date. Note 30 details the University’s

sensitivity to a 10% increase and decrease in the Australian dollar against the Euro. A positive number indicates an increase in operating surplus and

equity where the Australian dollar weakens against the Euro.

The University enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to cover material, highly probable, foreign currency transactions. There are no

outstanding forward foreign currency contracts at reporting date.

The sensitivity analysis in Note 30 is unrepresentative of the University’s inherent foreign exchange risk since the year-end exposure does not reflect

material US dollar and British pound transactions which are hedged and settled before year end.


93


31 FINANCIAL RISk MANAGEMENT (CONTINuED)

(iii) Price Risk

Price risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market prices.

The University is exposed to market price risks arising from its investments. Note 30 details the University’s sensitivity to a 15% increase or decrease

in equity prices at reporting date on its funds under management. At reporting date, if the inputs to valuation of funds under management had been

15% higher or lower, with all other variables held constant, operating surplus would not be affected, since the University accounts for unrealised

gains and losses through reserves. It is assumed for this price risk sensitivity analysis that investments would not be impaired (in which case any

impairment loss would be recognised through the Income Statement). The University’s sensitivity rate has been changed over the period

(2007: 5% increase or decrease) reflecting volatility associated with the current global financial crisis.

Equity reserves would increase or decrease by $13.304 million (2007: $15.717 million) mainly as a result of changes in the fair value of available-for-sale

funds under management. The University’s sensitivity has reduced over the period due to the lower fair value of equity investments held.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that a contracting entity will not complete its obligations under a financial instrument resulting in a financial loss to the University.

The University has exposure to credit risk and financial loss on all financial assets included in our balance sheet, comprising cash and cash

equivalents, trade and other receivables, and other financial assets.

The University has adopted the policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties where this is possible. The credit risk on funds under

management and derivative financial instruments is limited as the counterparties are either with banks or investment grade fund managers.

For an analysis of credit risk of the University refer to Note 30.

The current global financial crisis has resulted in the downgrading of some of the University’s funds under management to below investment grade

and a loss of current active market for particular investments. At reporting date, the University was made aware of objective evidence for impairment

of some investments. The cumulative loss of $23.814 million was recognised in the current period (2007: nil).

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk refers to the risk of financial loss to the University as a result of insufficient funds being available to meet its short and long-term liabilities.

The University manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate cash and cash equivalent balances and borrowing facilities by continuously monitoring

forecast and actual cash flows and matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities.

Fair Value Estimation

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities shown on Note 30 are determined as follows:

• Duetotheshort-termnatureofcurrentreceivables,theircarryingvalueisassumedtoapproximatefairvalueand,basedoncredithistory,itis

expected that the receivables that are neither past due nor impaired will be received when due.

• Fundsundermanagementaretradedontheactivemarket.Hence,thefairvalueoftheseinvestmentsisbasedonquotedmarketpricesatthe

reporting date.

• Thefairvalueofforwardexchangecontractsisdeterminedbycalculatingtheforwardrateexpectedbasedontheclosingmid-pointspotrate,

interest rates differential between currencies and days to maturity.

• Equitysharesandotherinvestmentsaremeasuredatcostastheirfairvaluecannotbemeasuredreliably.Thiscomprisesunlistedsharesand

pre-seed capital which are not traded on the active market. The University currently has no intention to dispose of these financial instruments.

• ThefairvalueofborrowingsequalsthecarryingamountbasedoncashflowsdiscountedusingborrowingratesprovidedbytheWestern

Australian Treasury Corporation. The rates vary between 4% and 7% depending on the purpose of the borrowing (2007: 6% to 7%).


94


32 REMuNERATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ACCOuNTABLE AuTHORITY AND SENIOR OFFICERS

(a) Remuneration of Members of the Accountable Authority

Names of Persons who were members of the Accountable Authority during the financial year

For the purposes of the Financial Management Act 2006, the University Council is the Accountable Authority of the University.

Chancellor

Mr Gordon Martin

Members Appointed by Governor in Council

Mr Mark Ashley (resigned 12 August 2008)

Mr Chris Bennett

Ms Michele Dolin, Pro-Chancellor

Mr Ian Fletcher

Mr Keith Spence

Dr Michael Stanford (appointed 2 December 2008)

Ms Lynne Thomson (appointed 26 February 2008)

Member Nominated by the Minister for Education and Training

The Honourable Dr John Cowdell (ceased 22 August 2008)


Professor Jeanette Hacket, Vice-Chancellor

Members Elected by Full-time Academic Staff

Associate Professor David Charnock

Dr Jan Sinclair-Jones (re-elected 1 April 2008)

Member Elected by Full-time General Staff

Mr Liam McGinniss

Co-opted Members

Ms Zelinda Bafile

Mr Don Humphreys (re-appointed 1 April 2008)

Mr Daniel Tucker

Members who are members of bodies that represent the interests of the university in places other than the university’s principal campus

The Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam


Professor Jo Ward

Members Elected by Students

Ms Meera Navaratnam (elected 1 January 2008 and ceased 9 July 2008)

Ms Collette Swindells (re-elected 1 January 2008 and ceased 31 December 2008)


95


32 REMuNERATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ACCOuNTABLE AuTHORITY AND SENIOR OFFICERS (CONTINuED)

Remuneration of Members of the Accountable Authority

Total remuneration relates to Members’ executive or contracted roles at the University. No remuneration was paid or payable to Members for their

role as members of Council. The number of members of the Accountable Authority, whose total fees, salaries, superannuation and other benefits for

the financial year fall within the following bands, were:

2008 2007

Number Number

Nil – $10,0001 15 19

$50,001 – $60,000 – 1

$110,001 – $120,000 – 1

$120,001 – $130,000 2 1

$130,001 – $140,000 1 1

$170,001 – $180,000 1 –

$180,001 – $190,000 – 2

$480,001 – $490,000 – 1

$500,001 – $510,000 1 –

¹ All these members received nil remuneration

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Aggregate Remuneration of Members of the Accountable Authority 1,074 1,273


96


32 REMuNERATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ACCOuNTABLE AuTHORITY AND SENIOR OFFICERS (CONTINuED)

(b) Remuneration of Senior Officers

The number of Senior Officers other than Senior Officers reported as members of the Accountable Authority, whose total of fees, salaries,

superannuation and other benefits for the financial year fall within the following bands, were:

2008 2007

Number Number

Nil – $10,000 – –

$10,001 – $20,000 1 –

$20,001 – $30,000 2 –

$40,001 – $50,000 1 –

$70,001 – $80,000 – 2

$80,001 – $90,000 2 1

$90,001 – $100,000 2 1

$100,001 – $110,000 1 –

$140,001 – $150,000 – 2

$150,001 – $160,000 1 1

$180,001 – $190,000 – 1

$190,001 – $200,000 1 –

$200,001 – $210,000 1 –

$210,001 – $220,000 – 1

$220,001 – $230,000 1 –

$230,001 – $240,000 – 1

$240,001 – $250,000 – 2

$250,001 – $260,000 1 2

$270,001 – $280,000 1 1

$280,001 – $290,000 2 –

$290,001 – $300,000 2 –

$300,001 – $310,000 2 1

$340,001 – $350,000 – 1

$360,001 – $370,000 1 –

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Aggregate Remuneration of Senior Officers 4,026 3,343


97


33 REMuNERATION OF AuDITORS

During the year the following fees (excluding GST) were paid for services provided by the auditor of the parent entity and non-related audit firms:

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

(a) Auditor of the University

Auditing the financial report 230 199

Other audit services 10 17

240 216

(b) Other auditors

Other audit services 25 39

Total Remuneration of Auditors 265 255

34 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND CONTINGENT ASSETS

Contingent Liabilities

(a) Legal Actions

The University is exposed to a number of contingent liabilities as a result of legal actions that have arisen in the normal course of business and which

are being defended by the University. While the amounts cannot be reliably quantified, the University does not believe that these legal actions would

result in material loss to the University.

(b) Native Title Claims

Native Title Claims have been lodged with the National Native Title Tribunal in respect of a portion of land, being Crown land vested in the University,

including the Kalgoorlie and Bentley campuses. The University is unable to reasonably estimate the financial impact if the claims were to be

successful.

Contingent Assets

Inheritance Property

As at 31 December 2008, the University expects to receive approximately $1.5 million (2007: $1.5 million) from the proceeds of sale of a property

bequeathed to the University. The amount will be a restricted asset to be used in accordance with the bequest.


98


35 COMMITMENTS FOR ExPENDITuRE

(a) Capital expenditure commitmentsCapital expenditure commitments, being contracted future capital expenditure additional to the amounts reported in the financial statements, are payable as follows:

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Within one year 24,736 96,600

After one year but not more than five years – 902

Total Capital Expenditure Commitments 24,736 97,502

The capital commitments include amounts for:

Buildings 24,736 97,502

(b) Non-cancellable operating lease commitments

Commitments in relation to operating leases contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, are payable as follows:


After one year but not more than five years 5,755 7,194

More than five years 26,001 26,454

Total Non-cancellable Operating Lease Commitments 38,466 39,484

Representing:

Non-cancellable operating leases 38,466 39,484

(c) Other expenditure commitments

Commitments in relation to purchase orders are payable as follows:


All the above commitments are inclusive of GST.


99


36 DEFINED BENEFIT SuPERANNuATION PLANS

(a) Curtin University of Technology Superannuation Scheme 1968-1993

Until 30 June 2006, a group of former employees was entitled, on retirement, death or disablement, to defined benefits under the Curtin University of

Technology Superannuation Scheme. In some circumstances the Scheme provided pension benefits. All members of the Scheme had retired, and

had either received a pension or were entitled to receive a pension at a future date under certain circumstances. The Scheme was wound-up on

30 June 2006. Some former members of the wound-up Scheme entered into a contractual relationship direct with the University. The University now

provides benefits to those individuals, consistent with their entitlements under the wound-up Scheme. The University meets the benefits directly as

they fall due.

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Reconciliation of the Present Value of the Defined Benefit Obligation

Present value of defined benefit obligations at beginning of the year 823 929

Current service cost – –

Interest cost 49 52

Actuarial (gain)/loss 34 (58)

Benefits paid (117) (100)

Present value of defined benefit obligations at end of the year 789 823

These defined benefit obligations are wholly unfunded, such that there are no assets. The employer contributes, as required, to meet the benefits paid.

Reconciliation of the Fair Value of Assets

Fair value of assets at beginning of the year – –

Employer contributions 116 100

Benefits paid (116) (100)

Fair value of assets at end of the year – –

Reconciliation of the Assets and Liabilities Recognised in the Balance Sheet

Present value of defined benefit obligation 789 823

Fair value of assets – –

Net liability 789 823

Liability recognised in the Balance Sheet as:

Current 89 102

Non-current 700 721

789 823

Expense Recognised in the Income Statement

Interest cost 49 52

Actuarial (gain)/loss 34 (58)

Superannuation expense/(benefit) 83 (6)

Assets

There are no assets held specifically to meet the University’s obligations with regard to this liability.

Nature of Asset/Liability

The University has recognised a liability in the balance sheet under Provisions in respect of its defined benefit superannuation arrangements. The

University has no legal obligation to settle this liability with an immediate contribution or additional one off contributions. The University intends to

continue to meet the cost of the benefits as they fall due.


100


36 DEFINED BENEFIT SuPERANNuATION PLANS (CONTINuED)

(b) Government Employees Superannuation Board (GESB)

Scheme Information

Pension Scheme members receive pension benefits on retirement, death or invalidity. The Fund Share of the pension benefit, which is based on

the member’s contributions plus investment earnings, may be commuted to a lump sum benefit. The University does not bear the cost associated

with indexation of any pension arising from the Fund Share. The State share of the pension benefit, which is fully employer-financed, cannot be

commuted to a lump sum benefit.

Some former Pension Scheme members have transferred to the Gold State Super Scheme. In respect of their transferred benefit, the members

receive a lump sum benefit at retirement, death or invalidity which is related to their salary during their employment and indexed.

The following disclosures are in respect of the employer-financed benefits only. The Pension Scheme and Gold State Super Scheme have been

combined in the note disclosure below.

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Reconciliation of the Present Value of the Defined Benefit Obligation

Present value of defined benefit obligations at beginning of the year 66,836 71,002

Current service cost 52 84

Interest cost 3,870 4,048

Actuarial (gain)/loss 11,289 (1,610)

Benefits paid (6,005) (6,688)

Present value of defined benefit obligations at end of the year 76,042 66,836

These defined benefit obligations are wholly unfunded, such that there are no Assets. The employer contributes, as required, to meet the benefits paid.

Reconciliation of the Fair Value of Scheme Assets

Fair value of Scheme assets at beginning of the year – –

Employer contributions 6,005 6,688

Benefits paid (6,005) (6,688)

Fair value of Scheme assets at end of the year – –

Reconciliation of the Assets and Liabilities Recognised in the Balance Sheet

Present value of defined benefit obligations 76,042 66,836

Fair value of the Scheme assets – –

Net deficit 76,042 66,836

Net deficit is recognised as a liability in the Balance Sheet as follows:

Current 3,236 2,453

Non-current 72,806 64,383

76,042 66,836

Expense Recognised in Income Statement

Service cost 52 84

Interest cost 3,870 4,048

Actuarial (gain)/loss 11,289 (1,610)

Superannuation expense 15,211 2,522


101



(b) Government Employees Superannuation Board (GESB) (continued)

Scheme Assets

There are no assets in the Pension Scheme to support the State Share of the Benefit or in the Gold State Super Scheme for current employees to support the transferred benefits. Hence, there is:

• NofairvalueofSchemeassets• NoassetallocationofSchemeassets• Noassetsusedbytheemployer• NoexpectedreturnofSchemeassets• NoactualreturnonSchemeassets.

Principal Actuarial Assumptions used

2008 2007

Discount rate (active members) 4.63% p.a. 6.08% p.a.

Discount rate (pensioners) 4.63% p.a. 6.08% p.a.

Expected salary increase rate 4.50% p.a. 4.50% p.a.

Expected pension increase rate 2.50% p.a. 2.50% p.a.

The discount rate is based on the 10-year Government bond rate at the relevant date. The decrement rates used (for example, mortality and

retirement rates) are based on those used at the last actuarial valuation for the Schemes, as at 31 December 2008.

Historical Information

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Present value of defined benefit obligation 76,042 66,836

Fair value of Scheme assets – –

Deficit in Scheme 76,042 66,836

Experience adjustments (gain)/loss – Scheme assets – –

Experience adjustments (gain)/loss – Scheme liabilities 4,604 2,648

The experience adjustment for Scheme liabilities represents the actuarial (gain)/loss due to a change in the liabilities arising from the Scheme’s

experience (for example, membership movements, unit entitlements) but excludes the effect of the changes in assumptions (for example,

movements in the bond rate and changes in pensioner mortality assumptions).

Expected Contributions

2009

$’000

Expected employer contributions 6,634

Nature of Asset/Liability

The University has recognised a liability in the balance sheet under Provisions in respect of its defined benefit superannuation arrangements (refer

note 27). The GESB does not impose a legal liability on the University to cover any deficit that exists in the Schemes.

An arrangement exists between the Australian Government and the Western Australian State Government to meet the unfunded liability for

beneficiaries of the State Superannuation Schemes on an emerging cost basis. Accordingly, a corresponding asset is recognised under Receivables

(refer note 19).

The recognition of both the asset and the liability consequently do not affect the year end net asset position of the University.


102



(c) UniSuper Defined Benefit Plan

Scheme Information

The UniSuper Defined Benefit Plan (DBP) is a multi-employer defined benefit plan under superannuation law. However, it is considered to be a

multi-employer defined contribution plan under the Accounting Standard AASB 119 – Employee Benefits. This is because where there are or may

be insufficient funds to provide benefits payable, the Trustee must reduce the benefits payable on a fair and equitable basis. The employer’s legal or

constructive obligation is limited to the amount that it agrees to contribute to the funds and the actuarial and investment risks rest with the employee.

Employer contributions for all superannuation plans of $43.125 million (2007: $38.744 million) were charged as an expense under employee benefits

(note 11) as they fell due.

37 EVENTS OCCuRRING AFTER REPORTING DATE

No events have occurred since balance date that are likely to have a material impact on the financial report of the University.


103


38 NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

(a) Reconciliation to cash

Cash at the end of the year as shown in the Cash Flow Statement is reconciled to the

related items in the Balance Sheet as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents (note 18) 129,975 110,110

Balance as per Cash Flow Statement 129,975 110,110

(b) Reconciliation of operating result from ordinary activities to net cash

inflow from operating activities

Net operating result 78,747 75,734

Depreciation expense 24,873 23,725

Movement in allowance for impairment of receivables (3,079) (1,995)

Net loss on disposal of non-current assets 2,015 21

Other non-cash items (490) –

Net exchange differences (664) –

Financial assistance receipts from WA Government (26,375) (21,923)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables (4,609) 4,082

(Increase)/decrease in inventories 32 448

(Increase)/decrease in other current assets (5,837) (811)

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 16 4,399

Increase/(decrease) in provisions 15,075 (1,963)

Increase/(decrease) in other current liabilities 5,402 578

Net Cash provided by Operating Activities 85,106 82,295

39 NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES

During the financial year, the University incurred $1.226 million (2007: $0.215 million) in interest and guarantee fee costs relating to the draw down

of $9.517 million for the construction of the Chemistry Centre of WA building. These costs were capitalised as part of the building cost and the

associated borrowings and are not reflected in the Cash Flow Statement.

There were no other significant non-cash financing or investing activities not reflected in the Cash Flow Statement.


104


40 ExPLANATORY STATEMENT

Significant variances between current year actual and prior year actual revenues and expenditures

2008 2007Variance

Actual Actual

$’000 $’000 $’000 %

Revenue

[1] Australian Government grants 215,447 188,260 27,187 14%

[2] HECS-HELP Australian Government payments 68,590 63,887 4,703 7%

[3] State and Local Government financial assistance 26,375 21,923 4,452 20%

[4] Fees and charges 171,182 152,111 19,071 13%

[5] Royalties, trademarks and licences 27,458 21,240 6,218 29%

[6] Consultancy and contracts 35,041 26,729 8,312 31%

[7] Deferred Government superannuation contributions 9,206 (4,166) 13,372 -321%

Expenses

[8] Employee benefits 315,500 274,312 41,188 15%

[9] Impairment of assets 21,011 (8) 21,019 -262738%

[10] Losses on disposal of non-current assets 2,015 21 1,994 9493%

[11] Other expenses 206,619 178,683 27,936 16%

[12] Deferred employee benefits for superannuation 9,206 (4,166) 13,372 -321%

This disclosure is required by Treasurer’s Instruction 945.

Note Commentary

[1] The increase in Australian Government grants reflects an increase in student numbers, increases in cluster funding, the introduction of new

grants (Capital Development Pool, Transitional Cost Program) and increases in other grants.

[2] The increase reflects increases in student numbers and student contribution amounts.

[3] The increase in State and Local Government financial assistance is due to an increase in the number of research grants received by the

University in 2008.

[4] The increase in Fees and charges reflects a combination of factors including an increase in average fee rates. International onshore fee paying

student numbers have increased, partly offset by decreases in domestic fee paying and offshore student numbers. The University also received

amounts in 2008 for intellectual property commercialisation fees.

[5] The increase in Royalties, trademarks and licences is largely due to the increase in student numbers at the Curtin Sydney campus which has

completed its third full year of operations. The increase is partially offset by higher expenditure within Other Expenses.

[6] The increase in Consultancy and contract revenue is a result of increased consultancy activity and receipt of research grants.

[7] The revenue movement is the result of an annual actuarial revaluation. It is offset by an equal movement in the equivalent expense category.

[8] The increase in employee benefits is mainly the result of higher staff numbers and salary increases during the year.

[9] The 2008 expense reflects the impairment of investments of $23.8 million offset by the release of the 2007 doubtful debt provision relating to

Curtin Sarawak of $2.96 million following settlement of the outstanding debt.

[10] The University undertook a full stocktake of Property, plant and equipment in 2008, which led to the retirement or disposal of a number of assets.

[11] The increase in Other Expenses occurs across a number of expenditure categories and is due to the increases noted in most income

categories. In particular, Contract Work, Scholarships, Advertising and non-capital equipment expenditure have increased.

[12] The revenue movement is the result of an annual actuarial revaluation. It is offset by an equal movement in the equivalent expense category.


105


41 RELATED PARTIES

Transactions with specified accountable authority and senior officers

(a) Accountable authority and senior officers’ remuneration and retirement benefits

Details of remuneration and retirement benefits are disclosed in note 32 to the financial statements.

(b) Other transactions with specified accountable authority and senior officers

University Council members, or their related entities, may conduct transactions with the University that occur within a normal employee, customer or

supplier relationship on terms and conditions that are no more favourable than those with which it is reasonable to expect the University to adopt if it

was dealing at arm’s length in similar circumstances.

These transactions include the following and have been quantified below where the transactions are considered likely to be of interest to users of

these financial statements:

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Transaction Type Related partyPurchases Curtin Student Guild 1,854 1,098

Revenue Curtin Student Guild 1,334 618

Receivable at 31 December Curtin Student Guild 1,039 142

Payable at 31 December Curtin Student Guild 111 –

42 SuPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Write-Offs

Public property written off by the Minister during the financial year – 653

Losses through Theft, Defaults and Other Causes

Losses of public moneys and public and other property through theft or default 5 2

Amounts recovered – –

5 2


106


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110


Report by the Members of the University Council

The members of the University Council present their report for the year ended 31 December 2008.

Members

The following persons were members of the Curtin University of Technology Council during 2008:

Chancellor

Mr Gordon Martin

Members Appointed by Governor in Council

Mr Mark Ashley (resigned 12 August 2008)

Mr Chris Bennett

Ms Michele Dolin, Pro-Chancellor

Mr Keith Spence

Mr Ian Fletcher

Dr Michael Stanford (appointed 2 December 2008)

Ms Lynne Thomson (appointed 26 February 2008)

Member Nominated by the Minister for Education and Training

The Honourable Dr John Cowdell (ceased 22 August 2008)


Professor Jeanette Hacket, Vice-Chancellor

Members Elected by Full-time Academic Staff

Associate Professor David Charnock

Dr Jan Sinclair-Jones (re-elected 1 April 2008)

Member Elected by Full-time General Staff

Mr Liam McGinniss

Members Co-opted by Council

Mr Don Humphreys (re-appointed 1 April 2008)

Ms Zelinda Bafile

Mr Daniel Tucker

Member Elected by the Alumni Association

Vacant

Members who are members of bodies that represent the interests of the university

in places other than the university’s principal campus


Vacant

Vacant


Professor Jo Ward

Members Elected by Students

Ms Meera Navaratnam (elected 1 January 2008 and ceased 9 July 2008)

Ms Collette Swindells (re-elected 1 January 2008 and ceased 31 December 2008)

111


Meetings of Members

The number of meetings of the University Council and of each committee of Council held during the year ended 31 December 2008, and the number

of meetings attended by each member were:

Members

Council Meetings

Meetings of committees

Audit&Compliance* Finance Executive Legislative

Attended Held Attended Held Attended Held Attended Held Attended Held

Mr Gordon Martin, Chancellor 8 8 9 10

Mr Mark Ashley (resigned 12/08/2008) 1 5 2 5

Ms Zelinda Bafile1 5 8 6 6 1 1

Mr Chris Bennett2 7 8 6 6


2 8

Associate Professor David Charnock 8 8

The Honourable Dr John Cowdell (ceased 22/08/2008)

4 5 2 2

Ms Michele Dolin, Pro-Chancellor 6 8 7 8 8 10

Mr Ian Fletcher 5 8 6 10

Professor Robert Guthrie (co-opted) 1 1

Professor Jeanette Hacket, Vice-Chancellor 8 8 6 8 10 10 1 1

Mr Don Humphreys (re-appointed 01/04/2008) 6 8 6 6 6 10

Mr Liam McGinniss 6 8

Ms Meera Navaratnam (elected 01/01/2008 and ceased 09/07/2008)

3 4

Dr Jan Sinclair-Jones (re-elected 01/04/2008) 7 8

Mr Keith Spence 6 8 7 8 7 10

Dr Michael Stanford (appointed 02/12/2008) 0 1

Ms Collette Swindells (re-elected 01/01/2008) 8 8

Ms Lynne Thomson (appointed 26/02/2008) 5 7

Mr Daniel Tucker 2 8

Professor Jo Ward 7 8 10 10

Mr Wayne Zekulich (co-opted) 4 6

* Renamed from the Audit Committee to the Audit and Compliance Committee on 20 February 2008.1 Also a member of the Curtin Sarawak Campus Management Committee, Appeals Committee and Grievance Resolution Committee.2 Also a member of the Curtin Sarawak Campus Management Committee.

The number of meetings held represents the number of regular and special meetings held during the time a member was a member of the Council

or a committee of Council during the year. The number of meetings held does not include meetings conducted out-of-session for the consideration

of circular resolutions.

Report by the Members of the University Council (continued)

112



Principal Activities

During the year, the principal continuing activities of the University were:

(a) to provide courses of study appropriate to a university, and other tertiary courses, and to aid the advancement, development and practical

application of knowledge;

(b) to encourage and participate in the development and improvement of tertiary education whether on a full or part-time basis; and

(c) to encourage and undertake research and to aid directly or indirectly the application of science and technology to industry.

No significant changes in the nature of the activities of the University occurred during the year.

Review of Operations

The net operating result for the year ended 31 December 2008 was $55.753 million (2007: $75.734 million).

The operations of the University during the financial year are reviewed in the following accompanying sections of the Annual Report:

– Chancellor’s Foreword

– Vice-Chancellor’s Report

– Report on Operations

– 2008 Activity Highlights

Significant Changes in the State of Affairs

No significant changes in the University’s state of affairs occurred during the year.

Matters Subsequent to the End of the Financial Year

No events have occurred since balance date that are likely to have a material impact on the financial report of the University.

Likely Developments and Expected Results of Operations

The University will continue to further its objectives, consistent with the principal activities outlined above. To provide further detail would result in

unreasonable prejudice.

Environmental Regulation

The members of the University Council are not aware of any breaches of environmental regulations.

Relevant legislation that Curtin is subject to includes:

– Environmental Protection Act 1986

– Environmental Impact Assessment (Part IV Division 1) Administrative Procedures 2002

– National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007

Relevant environmental regulations include:

– Environmental Protection Regulations 1987

– Environmental Protection (Controlled Waste) Regulations 2004

– Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997

– Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004

– National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Regulations 2008

– National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination 2008

The University is committed to protecting, preserving as well as improving the environment in which the University operates.

113



Insurance of Members of Council and Officers

The University provides Directors and Officers Liability and Employers Practices Insurance and Supplementary Legal Expenses Cover through

contracts with external insurance providers. The cover applies to members of Council, Directors and Executive Officers of the University.

Proceedings on behalf of Curtin university of Technology

No material legal proceedings have been initiated by or against Curtin University of Technology during 2008.

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of the members of the University Council.

W. Gordon Martin

Chancellor


Bentley, Perth, WA



114

CONTENTS

Certification of Performance Indicators 115

Curtin’s Institutional Performance Indicators 116

Section A – Higher Education Performance 117

Section B – Vocational Education and Training Performance 134

Performance Indicators

2008 Annual Report

115

Performance Indicators (continued)

CERTIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

We hereby certify that the performance indicators are based on proper records,

are relevant and appropriate for assisting users to access Curtin University

of Technology’s performance, and fairly represent the performance of Curtin

University of Technology for the financial year ended 31 December 2008.



On behalf of the University Council



116

Curtin is committed to innovation and excellence in teaching and research, for the

benefit of our students and the wider community. The institutional effectiveness and

efficiency Performance Indicators (PIs) used by Curtin are designed to demonstrate

progress towards meeting Teaching and Learning and Research and Development

objectives and targets as espoused in the University’s Strategic and Enabling Plans.

The performance indicators used are divided into two categories – effectiveness and efficiency –

and are used in the following context:

• Effectivenessmeasurestheextenttowhichoutcomeshavebeenachieved

• Efficiencymeasurestheresourcesusedtoattainacertainlevelofoutput.

Section A indicators focus on Curtin’s higher education operations, while those in Section

B relate to Curtin’s Kalgoorlie-based vocational education and training programs (VET).

The following diagram summarises the approach.

Trend data for the last three to four years are provided so that overall direction

and rate of progress can be seen. These trend data also illuminate broad changes

in cases where short-term variability may hide longer-term trends.

Curtin’s Institutional Performance Indicators

INTRODUCTION

A. Higher Education

B1 Effectiveness

B2 Efficiency

A1 Teaching and LearningA1.1 Effectiveness

A1.2 Efficiency

A2.1 Effectiveness

A2.2 EfficiencyA2 Research and Development

B. Vocational Education and Training


2008 Annual Report

117


A1 HIGHER EDUCATION TEACHING AND LEARNING PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

REF NAME OBJECTIVE

A1.1Effectiveness

a Employment and Study Destinations of New First Degree Graduates Quality graduates

b Perceived Teaching Quality – Australian Graduate Survey Quality teaching

c Subject Load Pass Rate Student progress and achievement

A1.2Efficiency

dTeaching and Learning Expenditure per EFTSL and as a percentage of Curtin Total Expenditure

Efficient Teaching and Learning expenditure

e Teaching and Learning Expenditure per Successful EFTSL


fGraduate Productivity Rate (Undergraduate, Postgraduate Coursework and Research degrees)

Student progress and achievement

A2 HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

A2.1 Effectiveness

g Research Higher Degree Enrolments as a Percentage of Total Enrolments Research intensity

hInstitutional Grants Scheme (IGS): Comparison between Curtin and all Australian Universities

Research funding

i

All Research Funding: Comparison between Curtin and the Averages for ATN Universities and National Ranking

Research funding

jCooperative Research Centre (CRC) Funding: Comparison between Curtin and all Australian Universities

Research funding

k

Number of Research Publications: Comparison between Curtin and the Averages for ATN and all Australian Universities

Research publications

A2.2 Efficiency

l

Research Funding per 10 FTE Academic Staff: Comparison between Curtin and the Averages for ATN Universities and National Ranking

Research funding efficiency

m

Research Publications per 10 FTE Academic Staff: Comparison between Curtin and the Averages for ATN Universities and all Australian Universities.

Research publications efficiency

Section A Higher Education Performance


118

A1.1 TEACHING AND LEARNING EFFECTIVENESS

REF NAME OBJECTIVE

a Employment and Study Destinations of New First Degree Graduates Quality graduates

b Perceived Teaching Quality – Australian Graduate Survey Quality teaching

c Subject Load Pass Rate Student progress and achievement

section A Higher education performance

A1 Teaching and Learning Performance IndicatorsStrategic Objective:

Toprovideexcellentteaching

thatfacilitateslearning.Quality graduates, measured by:

(a) Employment and Study Destinations of New First Degree Graduates

Benchmark gauge: Australian Universities’ Average

This indicator measures Curtin’s effectiveness in both assisting students to reach their full

potential and in producing graduates who are of productive value to employers and the

community.

Table 1 shows results from the Australian Graduate Survey (AGS), which combines the Graduate

Destination Survey (GDS) and Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). It summarises the

major activities of new first degree (that is, bachelor, bachelor honours, and diploma) Curtin

graduates each year of the series, and compares these with the national average sourced

from Graduate Careers Australia (GCA). Surveys in each year deal with the graduates of

the previous year. Therefore the latest available national data, which is from the 2007 AGS

survey, applies to the views of students who graduated in 2006. In addition to this national

data, Curtin also has access to the views of its own 2007 graduates from the results of the

latest survey conducted in 2008. These results are included in the accompanying table.

The 90 per cent outcome in 2008 exceeds Curtin’s target. It also exceeds the benchmark of

86 per cent which is the national 2007 graduates’ ‘mode of choice’ outcome. The benchmark

data are sourced from the latest GCA report 2007.

The percentage of Curtin graduates employed has increased each year since 2005,

demonstrating the continuing attractiveness of a Curtin degree to students and

employers. It is acknowledged that labour market conditions do influence this indicator.

For example, the decline in the percentage of students choosing to go on to full-time

study can be attributed in part to the very strong labour market in Western Australia.


2008 Annual Report

119


TABLE 1. EMPLOYMENT AND STUDY DESTINATIONS OF NEW BACHELOR DEGREE GRADUATES1 2005 – 2008Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents only

2005 SURVEY 2006 SURVEY 2007 SURVEY 2008 SURVEY

ACTIVITY CURTIN ALL2 CURTIN ALL2 CURTIN ALL2 CURTIN ALL2

Full-Time Work 59% 55% 66% 55% 67% 56% 69% n/a

Full-Time Study 20% 23% 13% 20% 12% 20% 11% n/a

Not Working, Seeking FT Work 6% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% n/a

Part-Time Work, Seeking Full-Time Work 6% 8% 7% 8% 6% 7% 5% n/a

Part-Time Work, Not Seeking Full-Time Work 6% 6% 7% 8% 6% 8% 8% n/a

Not Working, Seeking Part-Time Work 1% 1% 0% 0% 1% 1% 0% n/a

Unavailable for Work/Study 2% 3% 3% 5% 5% 5% 4% n/a

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% n/a

Percentage Graduates in Mode of Choice3 84% 82% 87% 84% 88% 86% 90% n/a

Curtin Target 80% 82% 82% 82%

Benchmark (Australian Universities’ Average) 81% 82% 84% 86%

Total Number of Respondents 2,059 65,738 2,010 66,702 2,165 65,110 2,047 n/a

Response Rate 57% n/a 62% n/a 69% n/a 66% n/a

Rounding errors may occur1. Data are taken from the Australian Graduate Surveys conducted by Curtin and other universities of all their graduates.2. All refers to All Australian universities. While Curtin has access to its 2008 survey results, national data for 2008 are not available until 2009.3. Definition: The percentage of new first degree graduates working in the mode of their choice as a percentage of the total number of graduates seeking work. Mode of Choice = (the number of graduates in full-time work + number in part-time work, not seeking full-time work) /

(total number of respondents minus those in full-time study and those unavailable for study or work).

NOTES:a. Graduates are surveyed in the year following their completion/graduation. For example, the 2008 survey applies to students who completed their course in 2007.b. GDS/AGS data are frequencies and not means, thus standard deviations are not reported.c. Survey data for 2008: Confidence Level = 99%; Confidence Interval = 1.65.d. National data from the 2008 survey are not yet available.


120

Quality teaching, measured by:

(b) Perceived Teaching Quality – Australian Graduate Survey (AGS)

Benchmark gauge: Australian Universities’ Average

The 22 item Australian Graduate Survey (AGS) conducted by Curtin and other institutions

provides graduate outcome measures of teaching and learning within the Course Experience

section. The AGS asks graduates to rate their perceptions using five aspects of their recently

completed course: good teaching, clear goals and appropriate standards, generic skills, overall

satisfaction and (new in 2007) graduate qualities. This new scale, which replaces appropriate

assessment and appropriate workload, assesses a number of general skills that are not

specific to the area of study. It also addresses how the course contributed to the graduate’s

enthusiasm for further learning and how they value other diverse perspectives and ideas.

Graduate perceptions of the extent to which they have developed generic skills, together with

their overall satisfaction, are fundamental to monitoring the quality of teaching and learning.

Surveys in each year deal with the graduates of the previous year. In the years 2005 to 2007,

AGS survey data for all universities were analysed by the Australian Council for Educational

Research on behalf of the GCA. Graduates assign scores across a range from –100 to +100

against each criterion. A score of -100 corresponds to complete disagreement, while at the other

end of the scale +100 indicates complete agreement. Results are shown in Table 2. In addition

to this national data, Curtin also had access to its own results of the latest survey, conducted

in 2008 for students who graduated in 2007, which are included in the accompanying table.

On average, 86 per cent of Curtin’s 2007 graduates (surveyed in 2008) were broadly

satisfied with their course experience. This is a slight decline against the previous

survey findings of 88 per cent, and is again below the Curtin target of 90 per cent.

The 2008 result also failed to achieve the benchmark of 90 per cent, which is the percentage

of broadly satisfied graduates from all Australian universities, using data from the latest GCA

report (2007).

Curtin continues to implement development and change initiatives directed towards

continuous improvement in the quality of teaching and learning, to achieve better outcomes.




To provide excellent teaching

that facilitates learning.

2008 Annual Report

121


TABLE 2. PERCEIVED TEACHING QUALITY – AUSTRALIAN GRADUATE SURVEY (AGS) 2005 – 2008Average Graduate Score –100 (complete disagreement) to +100 (complete agreement)

AGS Scale2005 SURVEY 2006 SURVEY 2007 SURVEY 2008 SURVEY

CURTIN ALL4 CURTIN ALL4 CURTIN ALL4 CURTIN ALL4

Good Teaching +20(42.1) +19 +20

(39.1) +20 +19(40.3) +22 +19

(42.0) n/a

Clear Goals and Standards +20(35.7) +17 +19

(37.4) +18 +17(39.5) +18 +17

(39.4) n/a

Appropriate Assessment2 +21(42.4) +23 +20

(43.6) +22 n/c +23 n/c n/a

Appropriate Workload2 +3(37.0) +8 +5

(35.4) +8 n/c +8 n/c n/a

Graduate Qualities2 n/c n/c n/c +42 +35(40.6) +41 +34

(42.1) n/a

Generic Skills +37(33.6) +37 +36

(35.7) +37 +35(39.9) +38 +34

(41.5) n/a

Overall Satisfaction +37(46.3) +39 +37

(47.6) +40 +34(49.2) +40 +34

(50.9) n/a

Percent Broad Agreement5 Overall Satisfaction 90% 90% 89% 90% 88% 90% 86% n/a

Curtin Target 90% 90% 90% 90%

Benchmark (Australian Universities Average) 89% 90% 90% 90%

Number of Respondents1 2,229 69,071 2,393 72,980 2,328 78,206 2,153 n/a

Response Rate 43% n/a 50% n/a 49% n/a 46% n/a

1. Since 1998, a student undertaking a double major has had the option of completing two Aust. Graduate Surveys. Of the 2,153 Curtin respondents to the 2008 survey, 675 provided additional information about a major.

2. In 2007, a new scale Graduate Qualities was collected for the first time in place of Appropriate Assessment and Appropriate Workload which are no longer collected in the AGS. Therefore these scales are marked n/c or not collected for previous years.

3. n/a = not available.4. All refers to All Australian universities.5. Broad agreement includes responses of 3, 4 and 5 on a 5-point scale where 5 is strongly agree, so eliminating disagree and disagree strongly.

NOTES:a. Graduates are surveyed in the year following their completion/graduation. For example, the 2008 survey applies to students who completed their course in 2007.b. Bracket figures are the standard deviation for each CEQ/AGS scale.c. Survey data for 2008: Confidence level = 99%; Confidence interval = 2.05.d. National data for 2008 are not yet available.


122

Student achievement and progress, measured by:

(c) Subject Load Pass Rate (SLPR)

Benchmark gauge: National Rates within 4 Broad Discipline Categories

The Subject Load Pass Rate indicator (also often referred to as ‘Success Rate’ or

‘Progress Rate’) measures quantity and timeliness of students attaining a pass

result in their units of study. Sound curriculum design, good pedagogy, appropriate

assessment practices and learning support should sustain subject load pass

rates and, thus, course progression, minimising course completion times.

This indicator is the percentage in each academic year of assessed subject load (based

on credit points studied) for which students were awarded a passing grade.

The data in Table 3 shows that Curtin’s overall Subject Load Pass Rate in 2008 was 88 per cent.

This is an improvement of 2 per cent over 2007 and reaches Curtin’s minimum target.

Within each of the four main Branches of Learning subgroups that Curtin measures, Curtin’s

achieved SLPRs in 2008 exceed the benchmarks for these subgroups, which is the all Australian

universities rates sourced from the Commonwealth Government’s Learning and Teaching

Performance Fund (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)

2009)) national data (see notes in Table 3). An all-universities benchmark SLPR using all

Branches of Learning combined, against which Curtin can test its overall SLPR, is not available.

TABLE 3. SUBJECT LOAD PASS RATE (SLPR) BY BRANCH OF LEARNING 2006 – 2008 STUDENT LOAD PASSED AS A PERCENTAGE OF STUDENT LOAD ASSESSEDBRANCH OF LEARNING 2006 2007 2008

Science, Computing, Engineering, Architecture, Agriculture 85% 85% 87%

Benchmark 81% 82% 82%

Administration, Business, Economics, Law 84% 84% 85%


Humanities, Arts and Education 88% 88% 89%


Health Sciences 94% 95% 95%


Curtin Overall SLPR 86% 86% 88%

Curtin Target 88% 88% 88%NOTES:a. Rounding error may occur.b. Data source: the Commonwealth annual student statistical collections. The Subject Load

Pass Rates presented in the table exclude Higher Degree by Research student load.c. Benchmark source: 2009 DEEWR Student Outcome Indicators for Learning and Teaching

Performance Fund. The benchmark includes Commonwealth Supported bachelor degree students only. National overall SLPR have not been published since 2006.






2008 Annual Report

123


A1.2 TEACHING AND LEARNING EFFICIENCYREF NAME OBJECTIVE

d Teaching and Learning Expenditure per EFTSL and as a percentage of Curtin Total Expenditure


e Teaching and Learning Expenditure per Successful EFTSL


f Graduate Productivity Rate Student progress and achievement

Efficient teaching and learning expenditure, measured by:

(d) Teaching and Learning Expenditure per EFTSL

Benchmark gauge: Average for WA Universities

(e) Teaching and Learning Expenditure per Successful EFTSL

Benchmark gauge: None

Teaching and Learning expenditure relates to the teaching of coursework (that is, non-

research) programs. The two indicators reported in Table 4A show: (i) the average cost of

teaching each Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL) where load is sourced from the

Commonwealth annual statistical collections; and (ii) the average cost of teaching each

successful EFTSL. Both of these provide an insight into the efficiency with which monies

directed towards the Teaching and Learning objective have been spent. Table 4B shows the

comparison in 2008 dollars (that is, after applying CPI adjustments to previous years’ data).

It is important to note that average expenditure per EFTSL is largely dependent on the mix of

disciplines taught by an institution. Curtin’s high representation of laboratory-based courses

raises service delivery costs when compared to institutions where non-laboratory based

courses feature more prominently. Also, Curtin incurs higher than average costs in supporting

the delivery of regional higher education programs through its presence in Kalgoorlie,

Northam, Esperance, Margaret River, Albany, Geraldton, Karratha and Port Hedland.


124

TABLE 4A. TEACHING AND LEARNING ExPENDITURE1 AT HISTORICAL COST 2005–2008

Expenditure and EFTSL details 2005 2006 2007 2008

A. (1) Teaching and Learning Expenditure ($’000) $338,091 $348,880 $388,619 $479,836

(2) Total Curtin Expenditure ($’000) $403,869 $418,003 $471,871 $579,635

(3) Teaching and Learning Expenditure percentage 83.7% 83.5% 82.4% 82.8%

B. Total Taught EFTSL 23,905 23,814 24,317 24,570

C. Successful EFTSL 20,773 20,575 21,017 21,523

Indicator (d) Teaching and Learning Expenditure ($) per EFTSL $14,143 $14,650 $15,981 $19,529

Curtin Target $14,500 $14,500 $14,500 $14,500

Benchmark(Average WA Universities prior year) $16,984 $17,494 NA NA

Indicator (e) Teaching and Learning Expenditure ($) per Successful EFTSL $16,275 $16,957 $18,491 $22,294

Curtin Target $16,500 $16,500 $16,500 $16,500

1. Teaching and Learning Expenditure reported above excludes that for the Kalgoorlie VET sector. All University Expenditure is now reported: (i) on Teaching and Learning or Research and Development, in line with the University’s objectives; and (ii), consistent with the University’s Financial Statements. For these reasons, the data may differ from those shown in earlier Annual Reports.

NOTES:a. Benchmark source: From Murdoch University’s Teaching and Learning expenditure

per EFTSL spreadsheet but this has been discontinued since last year.b. Benchmark for Teaching and Learning expenditure per successful EFTSL is unavailable.

TABLE 4B. TEACHING AND LEARNING ExPENDITURE AT CONSTANT DOLLAR VALUE 2005 – 2008

Expenditure and EFTSL details 2005 2006 2007 2008

A. (1) Teaching and Learning Expenditure ($’000) $358,433 $362,975 $396,391 $479,836

(2) Total Curtin Expenditure ($’000) $428,169 $434,890 $481,308 $579,635

(3) Teaching and Learning Expenditure percentage 83.7% 83.5% 82.4% 82.8%

B. Total Taught EFTSL 23,905 23,814 24,317 24,570

C. Successful EFTSL 20,773 20,575 21,017 21,523

Indicator (d) Teaching and Learning Expenditure ($) per EFTSL $14,994 $15,242 $16,301 $19,529

Indicator (e) Teaching and Learning Expenditure ($) per Successful EFTSL $17,254 $17,642 $18,860 $22,294

HigherEducationIndexationFactor1 1.213309 1.236362 1.261089 1.286311

1. Higher Education Indexation Factor in the table are extracted from the Commonwealth Special Gazette No S97 and used to convert historical cost figures to December 2008 price levels.






2008 Annual Report

125

Student progress and

achievement, measured by:

(f) Course Completions per

10 FTE Academic Staff

Benchmark gauge: ATN average

The indicator Graduate Productivity Rates

provides an insight into the efficiency with

which monies directed towards the Teaching

and Learning objective have been spent.

These rates show changes over time

in the output of graduates for every

10 full-time equivalent staff. Table 5A

provides the rates for undergraduate

and postgraduate coursework students,

where the numerator is based on graduate

numbers and the denominator on ‘teaching’

and ‘teaching and research’ staff only.

The 2008 postgraduate coursework

graduates per 10 FTE academic staff

improves to 26.5 and exceeds the target

of 20.0.

Curtin’s 2008 undergraduate productivity

rate of 60.4 has fractionally declined

against the 2007 figure. However, it

is above Curtin’s target of 57.0 and

considerably above the Australian

Technology Network (ATN)1 benchmark.

1 The ATN universities consist of the five major former Institutes of Technology across Australia: Queensland University of Technology; University of Technology, Sydney; RMIT University; the University of South Australia and Curtin University of Technology.

TABLE 5A. GRADUATE PRODUCTIVITY RATES1 2005 – 2008 GRADUATIONS PER 10 FTE ACADEMIC STAFF2

2005 2006 2007 2008

Undergraduate 60.5 62.0 62.8 60.4

Curtin Target 57.0 57.0 57.0 57.0

Benchmark (ATN in prior year) 49.3 50.4 50.8 50.6

Postgraduate Coursework 20.7 24.9 24.5 26.5

Curtin Target 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0

Benchmark (ATN in prior year) 25.1 24.8 27.0 26.2

1.Foreachyearshown(X)graduates(thenumerator)aretakenasthosewithawardsapprovedintheperiod1Januaryto31DecemberinyearX-1.Thusfor2008therewouldhavebeen86.9graduates for every 10 FTE teaching in the period 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007.

2. Included in the denominator are staff from all funding sources categorised as ‘teaching’ or ‘teaching and research’. An average of the staff in the previous three years is taken.

NOTES:a. Curtin Source: Student Record System S1.b. Benchmark Source: 2005-2007 DEEWR Selected Higher Education Student and Staff Data Collection.

Table 5B shows Postgraduate Research productivity rates, with the data disaggregated to

the Master and Doctorate levels. The denominator is restricted to staff eligible to supervise

research students.

There are significant declines in both Master and Doctorate completions in 2008 after

bumper numbers in 2007. These result in the higher degree productivity rates dropping

back to more normal levels; decline in Master completions is more marked though.

However, Curtin higher degree productivity rate remains above the ATN benchmark.

TABLE 5B. RESEARCH DEGREE COMPLETIONS PRODUCTIVITY RATE 2005 – 2008 RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREE COMPLETIONS PER 10 FTE ACADEMIC STAFF1

2005 2006 2007 2008

Master 0.61 0.65 0.77 0.49

Doctorate 1.98 1.99 2.82 2.13

All Research 2.60 2.64 3.59 2.62

Curtin Target 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Benchmark (ATN in prior year) 2.55 2.52 2.40 2.581. Staff data comprise a three-year average of teaching and research academic staff of Lecturer

B level and above in academic organisational units only and from all funding sources. Hourly paid academic staff are excluded. These staff data are derived from the Commonwealth annual statistical collections. An average of the staff in the current and previous two years is taken.

NOTES:a. Curtin Source: Graduate Studies.b. Benchmark Source: 2005-2007 DEEWR Selected Higher Education Student and Staff Data Collection.



126

A2.1 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFECTIVENESS

REF NAME OBJECTIVE

g Research Higher Degree Enrolments as a Percentage of Total Enrolments Research intensity

h Institutional Grants Scheme (IGS): Comparison between Curtin and all Australian Universities Research funding

i All Research Funding: Comparison between Curtin and the Averages for ATN and National Ranking Research funding

j Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Funding: Comparison between Curtin and all Australian Universities Research funding

k Number of Research Publications: Comparison between Curtin and the Averages for ATN and all Australian Universities

Research publications

Data for five performance indicators that

assist in demonstrating how effectively

Curtin is meeting its Research and

Development Objectives are presented

below. Three indicators – (h), (i) and (j) –

show the quantity and proportion of research

funding received; while indicator (g) gauges

research intensity in terms of proportion of

research students. Indicator (k) measures

research publications output.

These indicators are compared to those

for other universities to determine Curtin’s

relative performance. They are presented

alongside averages for the universities in

Western Australia, the ATN and the broad

spectrum of Australian universities.

section A Higher education performance

A2 Research and Development PerformanceStrategic Objective:

To focus on areas of high-impact,

high-quality research.


2008 Annual Report

127


Research intensity

increase, measured by:

(g) Research Higher Degree

Enrolments and Load

as a Percentage of Total

Enrolments and Total Load

Benchmark gauge: WA and

National averages

One of Curtin’s educational strategies

to raise its research profile is to increase

the proportion of research higher degree

enrolments to be equal to or greater

than 5 per cent of total enrolments, and

research degree EFTSL greater than or

equal to 4.5 per cent of total EFTSL.

Table 6A shows that research higher

degree enrolments in 2008 fell behind 2007

in terms of both number of enrolments

and percentage of total enrolments.

The percentage was also below the target

and the benchmarks for Western Australian

and Australian universities. The position

is similar when measured in research

EFTSL. However, it should be noted that

total 2008 research EFTSL increased by

5 per cent compared to 2007 (Table 6B).

In Australia, Curtin ranks 17th in percentage

of research enrolments and 24th in

percentage of research EFTSL. These

rankings place Curtin in the first quarter of

the list of 106 Australian higher education

institutions for this measure (DEEWR, 2007).

TABLE 6A. RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREE ENROLMENTS BY LEVEL AND TOTAL RESEARCH ENROLMENTS AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL CURTIN ENROLMENTS: 2004 – 2008

RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREE 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Master 210 259 282 309 287

Doctorate 1445 1495 1442 1429 1410

Total Research 1655 1754 1724 1738 1697

Percentage of Total Enrolments 5.0% 4.9% 5.0% 4.8% 4.6%

Curtin Target (minimum) 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0%

All WA Universities Benchmark 5.3% 5.2% 5.2% 4.9%

All Australian Universities Benchmark 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 4.9%

Curtin’s National Ranking (of 106 Australian Institutions) 21 20 18 17

NOTES:a. All enrolment data are for the year at 31 March.b. Benchmarks source: DEEWR Selected Higher Education Student Statistics for Western Australian and

Australian universities.c. Benchmarks are DEEWR published data of previous year.

TABLE 6B. RESEARCH EFTSL AS A PERCENTAGE OF CURTIN’S TOTAL EFTSL 2004 – 2008

RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREE 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Master 89 126 154 149 137

Doctorate 840 831 849 843 905

Total Research 929 957 1003 992 1042

Percentage of Total EFTSL 4.1% 4.0% 4.2% 4.1% 4.2%

Curtin Target (minimum) 4.5% 4.5% 4.5% 4.5%

All WA Universities Benchmark 4.9% 4.9% 4.9% 4.7%

All Australian Universities Benchmark 5.0% 5.0% 4.9% 4.7%

National Ranking(of 90 Australian Institutions) 26 25 23 24

NOTES:a. All EFTSL data are for the year at 31 March.b. Benchmarks source: DEEWR Selected Higher Education Student Statistics for Western Australian and

Australian universities.c. Benchmarks are DEEWR published data of previous year.


128

TABLE 7. INSTITUTIONAL GRANT SCHEME FUNDS AND PERCENTAGE SHARE OF NATIONAL TOTAL 2006-2008 (RANKING ACCORDING TO %IGS SHARE IN 2008)

RANK UNIVERSITY ($’000)2008

% SHARE 2008

% SHARE 2007

% SHARE 2006

1 University of Melbourne (M) 36,915 12.0 11.8 11.52 University of Sydney (M) 33,435 10.9 10.1 10.33 University of Queensland (M) 29,121 9.5 9.6 9.74 Monash University (M) 23,582 7.7 7.4 7.25 University of New South Wales (M) 23,071 7.5 7.5 7.86 Australian National University 17,499 5.7 6.0 6.07 University of Western Australia (M) 16,989 5.5 5.6 5.78 University of Adelaide (M) 16,232 5.3 5.5 5.59 University of Tasmania (M) 8,429 2.7 2.6 2.410 University of Newcastle (M) 7,478 2.4 2.5 2.411 CURTINUNIVERSITY 6,438 2.1 2.1 2.112 Queensland University of Technology 6,270 2.0 1.9 1.813 Griffith University 5,978 1.9 2.0 2.114 Flinders University of SA (M) 5,976 1.9 2.0 2.115 University of Wollongong 5,874 1.9 1.9 1.916 Macquarie University 5,829 1.9 1.9 1.917 La Trobe University 5,331 1.7 1.8 1.918 University of South Australia 5,310 1.7 1.7 1.619 Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology 5,224 1.7 1.8 1.820 University of Technology, Sydney 5,190 1.7 1.6 1.421 Murdoch University 5,099 1.7 1.7 1.822 Deakin University 4,273 1.4 1.5 1.423 James Cook University 3,997 1.3 1.3 1.324 University of New England 3,265 1.1 1.1 1.225 University of Western Sydney 3,125 1.0 1.1 1.126 Swinburne University of Technology 2,434 0.8 0.8 0.827 Charles Darwin University 2,056 0.7 0.7 0.528 Victoria University 1,966 0.6 0.7 0.729 Edith Cowan University 1,923 0.6 0.6 0.630 Charles Sturt University 1,849 0.6 0.6 0.531 University of Canberra 1,605 0.5 0.6 0.632 Southern Cross University 1,592 0.5 0.5 0.533 Central Queensland University 1,339 0.4 0.4 0.434 University of Southern Queensland 996 0.3 0.3 0.435 University of Ballarat 839 0.3 0.3 0.336 Australian Catholic University 674 0.2 0.2 0.237 University of the Sunshine Coast 273 0.1 0.1 0.138 Melbourne College of Divinity 216 0.1 0.1 0.139 Bond University 140 0.1 0.0 0.040 University of Notre Dame, Australia 124 0.0 0.0 0.041 Batchelor Inst Indigenous Tertiary Ed 123 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total 308,076 100.0 100.0 100.0

Research funding (input)

growth, measured by:

(h) Institutional Grant Scheme

proportion of National total.

Benchmark gauge: All

Australian Universities

The Institutional Grant Scheme (IGS)

is distributed across universities by a

performance-based formula comprising

research income (weighted 60 per cent);

publications (10 per cent); and using

the two most recent years’ data on

higher degree research student places

measured in EFTSL (30 per cent).

Table 7 provides the IGS allocations by

university and is ranked according to each

institution’s share of the total IGS for 2008.

Curtin ranks 11th nationally, and is the

highest ranked of the ATN universities.

ATN universities are identified in the table in

italics, the Western Australian universities are

identified in bold type and universities with

medical schools and supporting departments

are identified with the letter ‘M’. The latter

group has the advantage of enhanced

access to National Competitive Research

Grants schemes (for example, medical

research funding through the National Health

and Medical Research Council), and includes

The University of Western Australia – the only

Western Australian university that is ranked

higher than Curtin. Curtin’s IGS allocation

should be assessed in this context.


2008 Annual Report

129


TABLE 8. ALL RESEARCH FUNDING: COMPARISON BETWEEN CURTIN, THE AVERAGE OF ALL ATN UNIVERSITIES AND NATIONAL RANKING 2005 – 2007

2005 2006 2007

SOURCE OF RESEARCH FUNDING CURTIN$’000

ATN1

$’000 NAT RANK CURTIN$’000

ATN1

$’000 NAT RANK CURTIN$’000

ATN1

$’000 NAT RANK

Australian CompetitiveResearch Grants2 8,640 9,848 19 11,877 11,402 17 12,968 12,145 16

Other Public SectorResearch Funding2 7,985 7,987 15 13,795 11,474 10 24,074 14,313 9

Industry and OtherFunding for Research2 13,650 8,601 10 14,929 10,184 11 13,328 11,899 13

Cooperative ResearchCentres Funds 6,156 3,333 7 7,109 3,694 6 7,691 4,171 5

Other Sources(that is, IGS and RIBG) 7,564 6,637 17 8,092 7,210 17 8,287 7,733 17

Total Research Income 43,995 36,406 11 55,803 43,964 11 66,348 50,261 11

Curtin Target 12 12 11

1. ATN refers to the average of all ATN Universities.2. Source data: the Commonwealth’s Higher Education Research Data Collection.NOTES:All financial data are for calendar year periods except for CRC data which is reported on a financial year.

Research funding (input) growth, measured by:

(i) Total Research Funding

Benchmark gauge: ATN Average and National Ranking

Evidence of outcomes in relation to the Research and Development objective can be demonstrated in Curtin’s continued overall higher performance

in relation to ATN average. Curtin continues to grow overall research income. Income from Australian Competitive Research Grants continued to

grow in 2007, with a substantial increase in Other Public Sector Research Funding. Curtin maintains its position at 11th in the national ranking.


130

Research funding (input)

growth, measured by:

(j) Cooperative Research

Centre (CRC) Funding

Benchmark gauge: National ranking

Established through the Commonwealth

Government’s Cooperative Research

Centre Program, CRCs link the public

and private sectors across Australia and

bring together a wide range of expertise

and facilities, with a focus on new and

innovative research, leading to competitive

technological applications. Funding from

CRC differs from other funding sources in

that it is calculated on a financial year. It is

reported here for the HERDC reporting year.

Table 9 expands upon the Cooperative

Research Centre funding data provided in

the previous table and is an indicator of the

amount of applied collaborative research

at Curtin, which reflects, in particular, the

University’s commitment to collaboration

with external organisations in research

and development, technology transfer

and innovation. Curtin exceeded its target

by improving its national ranking by one

place from 6th in 2006 to 5th in 2007.

TABLE 9. CRC FUNDING FOR THE HERDC REPORTING YEAR 2007 % CRC FUNDING YEARS 2005 – 2007 UNIVERSITY RANKING ACCORDING TO % SHARE IN 2007

RANK UNIVERSITY ($’000)2007

% SHARE 2007

% SHARE 2006

% SHARE 2005

1 University of Queensland 14,710 11.7 14.7 13.92 University of Melbourne 13,015 10.3 9.4 9.63 Monash University 9,681 7.7 5.9 9.04 University of Sydney 8,017 6.4 6.0 5.45 CURTINUNIVERSITY 7,691 6.1 5.4 4.76 University of Tasmania 6,625 5.3 4.4 3.67 University of Western Australia 6,427 5.1 5.7 5.28 University of Adelaide 6,011 4.8 5.2 5.29 Queensland University of Technology 5,883 4.7 3.5 3.210 University of New South Wales 5,635 4.5 3.7 3.211 Murdoch University 5,526 4.4 4.0 3.112 University of Canberra 3,489 2.8 1.0 1.413 University of South Australia 3,317 2.6 1.8 1.914 Southern Cross University 3,121 2.5 3.1 2.815 Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology 2,995 2.4 2.6 2.616 University of New England 2,876 2.3 2.3 2.517 James Cook University 2,805 2.2 4.5 4.518 Swinburne University of Technology 2,226 1.8 1.4 1.819 Australian National University 1,852 1.5 2.0 2.620 University of Newcastle 1,822 1.4 1.2 1.021 Griffith University 1,721 1.4 2.8 3.222 Charles Darwin University 1,593 1.3 1.0 1.423 La Trobe University 1,438 1.1 0.7 0.824 Macquarie University 1,354 1.1 0.7 0.725 Charles Sturt University 1,056 0.8 1.1 1.126 University of Wollongong 999 0.8 1.5 2.227 University of Technology, Sydney 969 0.8 0.8 0.428 University of Western Sydney 866 0.7 0.5 0.329 Deakin University 709 0.6 0.3 0.330 Victoria University 652 0.5 1.0 0.831 Flinders University of SA 470 0.4 0.5 0.732 Central Queensland University 381 0.3 0.9 0.733 Edith Cowan University 112 0.1 0.1 0.034 University of Southern Queensland 92 0.1 0.2 0.135 Australian Catholic University 0 0.0 0.0 0.035 Australian Maritime College 0 0.0 0.1 0.035 Batchelor Inst Indigenous Tertiary Ed 0 0.0 0.0 0.035 Bond University 0 0.0 0.0 0.035 Melbourne College of Divinity 0 0.0 0.0 0.035 University of Ballarat 0 0.0 0.0 0.035 University of Notre Dame, Australia 0 0.0 0.0 0.035 University of the Sunshine Coast 0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total 126,138 100.0 100.0 100.0


2008 Annual Report

131


Research publications growth measured by:

(k) Number of Research Publications

Benchmark gauge: ATN and National average

Research publications are considered an important measure of research performance throughout the higher education sector. The publication of a

piece of research demonstrates that referees, expert in the appropriate field, have judged the work worthy of acceptance and dissemination to the

research community.

Table 10 gives Curtin’s relative performance in respect of the publications indicator over the period 2005 – 2007 against averages for the ATN and

for all Australian universities.

Additional initiatives and incentives were put in place in 2006, and there has been an increase in total HERDC points awarded for publications,

between 2005 and 2007.

There is a 14 per cent increase in publications in 2007 compared to 2006, with Curtin’s total publications exceeding the ATN average for the first

time, and the University’s national ranking improved from 15th in 2006 to 13th in 2007.

TABLE 10. HERDC (UNWEIGHTED) POINTS FOR RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS: COMPARISON BETWEEN CURTIN, AVERAGE OF ALL ATN UNIVERSITIES AND AVERAGE OF ALL AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES 2005 – 2007

2005 2006 2007

PUBLICATION TYPE CURTIN ATN1 ALL2 CURTIN ATN1 ALL2 CURTIN ATN1 ALL2

Books 6.5 8.8 16.5 13.6 12.1 17.3 19.2 15.6 18.0

Book Chapters,Journal Articles,Conference Publications

915.0 1018.6 967.2 1012.9 1116.0 1014.1 1149.7 1140.2 1046.3

Total Publications 921.5 1027.5 983.7 1026.5 1128.1 1031.4 1168.9 1155.8 1064.3

Curtin Target 983.7 1031.3 1134.4

1. ATN refers to the average of all ATN Universities.2. All refers to the average of all Australian Universities.


132

A2.2 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFICIENCY

REF NAME OUTPUT/OBJECTIVE

lResearch Funding per 10 FTE Academic Staff: Comparison between Curtin and the Averages for ATN Universities and National Ranking

Research funding efficiency

m

Research Publications per 10 FTE Academic Staff: Comparison between Curtin and the Averages for ATN Universities and all Australian Universities.

Research publications efficiency

Research funding efficiency, measured by:

(l) Total Research Funding per 10 FTE Academic Staff

Benchmark gauge: ATN average and National rank

The indicator Research Funding per 10 FTE Academic Staff provides an insight into the efficiency

with which monies directed towards the Research and Development goal have been earned.

Table 11 compares Curtin’s research funding performance per 10 FTE academic

staff with the averages for the ATN universities and all Australian universities.

Curtin’s funding of $766,000 per 10 FTE in 2007 remains above the ATN average

and places its national ranking at 14th position, similar to previous year.


A2 Research and Development PerformanceStrategic Objective:

To focus on areas of high-impact,

high-quality research.

TABLE 11. RESEARCH FUNDING PER 10 FTE ACADEMIC STAFF1: COMPARISON BETWEEN CURTIN, THE AVERAGE OF ALL ATN UNIVERSITIES AND THE NATIONAL RANKING 2005 – 20071

2005 2006 2007

CURTIN ATN2 NAT CURTIN ATN2 NAT CURTIN ATN2 NAT

Source of Research Funding $’000/10 FTE

$’000/10 FTE Rank $’000/

10 FTE$’000/10 FTE Rank $’000/

10 FTE$’000/10 FTE Rank

Australian CompetitiveResearch Grants 102 116 23 140 129 20 150 135 20

Other Public SectorResearch Funding 94 92 19 162 129 14 278 158 4

Industry and OtherFunding for Research 161 101 10 175 114 12 154 130 15

Cooperative ResearchCentre Funds 73 38 8 84 41 6 89 45 5

Other Sources(that is, IGS and RIBG) 89 77 21 95 81 19 96 86 19

Total 519 425 17 656 493 14 766 554 14

Curtin Target 500 500 525

1. FTE Academic Staff is defined as Full-time equivalent (FTE) academic staff from all funding sources in academic organisational units only, and include teaching and research staff with a level of Lecturer B or above and research-only academic staff at all levels. Hourly paid academic staff is excluded.

2. ATN refers to the average of all ATN Universities.


2008 Annual Report

133


Research publications productivity, measured by:

(m) Total Number of Research Publications per 10 FTE Academic Staff

Benchmark gauge: ATN and National average

Research publications per 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) academic staff at Curtin are provided in Table 12 and compared with the publication

rates for ATN, and for all Australian universities. All staff data are derived from the Commonwealth annual statistical collections. The definition of

academic research staff is identical to that used for the efficiency indicators (Note 1 of Table 11).

Curtin’s output of 13.5 publications per 10 FTE in 2007 is a marked improvement over the previous two years’ and raises it above the ATN average

as well as the National average.

TABLE 12. NUMBER OF RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS PER 10 FTE ACADEMIC STAFF1: COMPARISON OF CURTIN, AVERAGE OF ALL ATN UNIVERSITIES AND AVERAGE OF ALL AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES, 2005 – 2007

2005 2006 2007

PUBLICATION TYPE CURTIN ATN2 ALL3 CURTIN ATN2 ALL3 CURTIN ATN2 ALL3

Books 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2

Book Chapters,Journal Articles,Conference Publications

10.8 11.8 12.3 11.9 12.5 11.9 13.3 12.3 11.1

Total 10.9 11.9 12.5 12.1 12.6 12.1 13.5 12.8 11.3

Curtin Target 12.5 12.1 12.7

1. FTE Academics Staff is defined as Full-time equivalent (FTE) academic staff from all funding sources in academic organisational units only, and include teaching and research staff with a level of Lecturer B or above and research-only academic staff at all levels. Hourly paid academic staff is excluded.

2. ATN refers to the average of all ATN Universities.3. All refers to the average of all Australian Universities.


134

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING PERFORMANCE INDICATORS SUMMARY

REF NAME OUTPUT/OBJECTIVE

B1 Effectiveness

n Percentage of Graduates Satisfied with Courses Quality teaching

o Employment Rate of Graduates Quality graduates

p Graduates in Further Study Quality graduates

B2 Efficiency q Expenditure per Student Curriculum Hour


Quality teaching, measured by:

(n) Percentage of Graduates Satisfied with their Course

Benchmark gauge: National average

Table 13, covering the years 2005 – 2008, signals the extent to which Curtin met

individual student needs in terms of skills formation outcomes through provision

of training services, and as assessed as part of a nationally conducted Graduate

Survey. In 2007, Curtin continued to exceed both State and national averages.

The national surveying body carries out biennial detailed small area sampling. In 2006

and 2008 the survey returns are deemed insufficient for reporting purposes.

TABLE 13. VET GRADUATE SATISFACTION 2005 – 2008

2005(1) 2006 2007(1) 2008

Curtin90%(89%)

n/a 90%(91%) n/a

number of Respondents 1,558 1,673

State87%(87%) n/a 88%

(87%) n/a

number of Respondents 36,068 36,544

National88%(88%) n/a

89%(89%)

n/a

number of Respondents 345,012 391,597SURVEY DATA FOR 2007:

Curtin: Response rate = 98%; sample size = 424 and standard deviation = 0.8State: Response rate = 98%; sample size = 6,053 and standard deviation = 0.8National: Response rate = 98%; sample size = 40,626 and standard deviation = 0.8

NOTES:a. Data for 2006 and 2008 were unavailable because the national surveying body switched from annual

to biennial ‘detailed’ small area sampling. Consequently, the relevant 2006 and 2008 survey returns for Curtin were deemed insufficient for reporting purposes.

b. (1) Bracketed percentages represent estimates prepared by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER), provided to the Western Australian Department of Training and Employment (WADOT), and are intended as a better measure of the full year’s outcomes given the data collected in June. Unbracketed percentages are generated from actual rather than estimated responses.

c. Rounding errors may occur.d. Number of respondents, response rate in percentage, sample size and standard deviation for Curtin,

State and national data in 2005 and 2007 are sourced from NCVER report. Confidence level and interval are not reported.

Section B Vocational Education and Training Performance

B1 Vocational Education and Training EffectivenessStrategic Objective:

To supply quality teaching and skills

formation services to both meet customer

needs and provide education and

training for employment in the region.


2008 Annual Report

135


Quality graduates, measured by:

(o) Employment Rate of Graduates

Benchmark gauge: WA and National average

Table 14, showing the proportion of graduates in employment in the year following

their graduation, indicates the extent to which the desired outcomes were

successfully achieved in terms of an employable and adaptable graduate. Curtin

VET graduates in 2007 had higher employment rates and lower unemployment rates

than both the State and national averages, continuing the pattern set in 2005.

TABLE 14. VET GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT 2005 – 2008

2005(1) 2006 2007(1) 2008

No. % No. % No. % No. %

Curtin

Employed 372 89%(91%) n/a n/a 376 91%

(92%) n/a n/a

Unemployed 22 5%(5%) n/a n/a 13 3%

(3%) n/a n/a

Not in Labour Force 22 5%(4%) n/a n/a 25 6%

(5%) n/a n/a

Number of Respondents 1,541 1,669

state

Employed 5,241 78%(78%) n/a n/a 4,681 83%

(83%) n/a n/a

Unemployed 563 8%(9%) n/a n/a 340 6%

(6%) n/a n/a

Not in Labour Force 866 13%(13%) n/a n/a 641 11%

(11%) n/a n/a


national

Employed 32,231 80%(79%) n/a n/a 31,094 81%

(80%) n/a n/a

Unemployed 3,735 9%(10%) n/a n/a 3,183 8%

(9%) n/a n/a

Not in Labour Force 4,347 11%(11%) n/a n/a 3,980 10%

(10%) n/a n/a

Number of Respondents 329,118 378,830survey Data for 2007:Curtin: Response rate = 98% and sample size = 422State: Response rate = 98% and sample size = 5,781National: Response rate = 98% and sample size = 39,062

NOTES:a. Data for 2006 and 2008 were unavailable because the national surveying body switched from annual to biennial ‘detailed’ small area sampling. Consequently, the

relevant 2006 and 2008 survey returns for Curtin were deemed insufficient for reporting purposes.b. (1) Bracketed percentages represent estimates prepared by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER), provided to the Western

Australian Department of Training and Employment (WADOT), and are intended as a better measure of the full year’s outcomes given the data collected in June. Unbracketed percentages are generated from actual rather than estimated responses.

c. Rounding errors may occur.d. Numbers of respondents, response rate in percentage, and sample size for Curtin, State and national data in 2005 and 2007 are sourced from NCVER report.

Confidence level and interval and standard deviation are not reported.


136

Quality graduates, measured by:

(p) Graduates in Further Study

Benchmark gauge: WA and National average

The proportion of graduates who enrol in further study provides another measure of

effectiveness in achieving the desired outcome of meeting customer needs. Table 15 provides

these data for the period 2005 – 2008, with Curtin benchmarked against State and national

data. Note that respondents may also be in work while engaging in further study. A significantly

higher percentage of Curtin VET graduates enrolled for further study in 2007 compared with

2005. The gap between the Curtin outcome and the State and national benchmarks has been

significantly reduced.

TABLE 15. VET GRADUATES ENROLLED IN FURTHER STUDY 2005 – 2008

2005(1) 2006 2007(1) 2008

No. % No. % No. % No. %

Curtin 92 22%(20%) n/a n/a 102 25%

(23%) n/a n/a


target – Exceed State and National Percentages

State 2,416 37%(36%) n/a n/a 1,881 33%

(34%) n/a n/a

NumberofRespondents 33,649 34,974

national 13,415 34%(33%) n/a n/a 12,147 32%

(31%) n/a n/a

NumberofRespondents 324,042 378,830Survey Data for 2007:Curtin: Response rate = 98% and sample size = 422State: Response rate = 98% and sample size = 5,781National: Response rate = 98% and sample size = 39,062

NOTES:a. Data for 2006 and 2008 were unavailable because the national surveying body switched from annual to biennial ‘detailed’ small area sampling. Consequently the

relevant 2006 and 2008 survey returns for Curtin were deemed insufficient for reporting purposes.b. (1) Bracketed percentages represent estimates prepared by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER), provided to the Western

Australian Department of Training and Employment (WADOT), and are intended as a better measure of the full year’s outcomes given the data collected in June. Unbracketed percentages are generated from actual rather than estimated responses.

c. Rounding errors may occur.d. Numbers of respondents, response rate in percentage, and sample size for Curtin, State and national data in 2005 and 2007 are sourced from NCVER report.

Confidence level and interval and standard deviation are not reported.


2008 Annual Report

137


Efficient teaching and learning expenditure, measured by

(q) Expenditure per Student Curriculum Hour

Benchmark gauge: Not available

The indicator Expenditure per Student Curriculum Hour provides an insight into the

efficiency with which monies directed towards the VET goal have been spent.

Table 16 records expenditure and Student Curriculum Hours (SCH). Ratios of Expenditure

to SCH, with the numerator definition altered to reflect Teaching or Non-Teaching Costs

respectively, are shown together with an overall Total Cost per SCH indicator.

section b vocational education and training performance

B2 Vocational Education and Training EfficiencyStrategic Objective:

Tosupplyqualityteachingandskills

formationservicestobothmeetcustomer

needsandprovideeducationand

trainingforemploymentintheregion.

TABLE 16. ExPENDITURE PER STUDENT CURRICULUM HOUR 2005 – 2008

2005 2006 2007 2008

Total SCH 622,379 667,924 656,868 573,195

Curtin Target in SCH 565,388 565,388 565,388 600,668

Total Teaching and Learning Expenditure $14,497,642 $12,466,442 $14,703,886 14,791,2711

Teaching Expenditure per SCH $11.40 $8.98 $10.57 $14.20

Non-Teaching Expenditure per SCH $11.90 $9.68 $11.81 $11.60

Total Teaching Expenditure per SCH $23.30 $18.66 $22.38 $25.801. Total Teaching and Learning expenditure includes $6.7 million of other non-teaching related expenditure.

NOTES:• RoundingErrorsmayoccur.


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Curtin University of Technology 2008 Annual Report

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