C U RTIN UNIVERSITY annuaL ANN U AL REPORT 2013 REPORT 2013 Make tomorrow better. curtin.edu.au CURTIN UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION We’re making tomorrow better. Curtin strives to meet global challenges by supporting practical research and teaching that addresses issues and creates solutions for healthy, sustainable and successful societies. Curtin’s goal is to benefit the community locally, nationally and internationally, today and in the future. Curtin University Foundation. Help make tomorrow better – together. give.curtin.edu.au Cover image: The arrival of The Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artwork at Curtin University. In an important cross-cultural collaboration between Colgate University, in New York, Curtin University, the Mungart Boodja Art Centre and Noongar elders, a Memorandum of Agreement saw Colgate transfer to Curtin the unique collection of 122 artworks by Noongar children of the Stolen Generations at the Carrolup Native Settlement in the late 1940s. Both paper manufacturer and printer are certified to ISO 14001, the internationally recognised standard for environmental management. ANNUAL REPORT 2013 From left: Andrew Jenkin (Rio Tinto) and Scanalyse Chief Executive Officer Peter Clarke Technology developed by Curtin spinout company Scanalyse to monitor the wear of equipment used in mining and mineral processing operations was awarded the prestigious Rio Tinto Eureka Prize for Commercialisation of Innovation. Scanalyse was established in 2005, based on the research of Curtin’s Department of Spatial Sciences. In another global success story for the University, an agreement was signed in March 2013 for Scanalyse to be acquired by Finnish minerals and metals processing technology and services supplier Outotec. CURTIN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 1 CONTENTS STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE .......................................................... 1 The Honourable Peter Collier MLC CHANCellor’s FOREWORD ............................................................ 2 Minister for Education; Aboriginal Affairs; Electoral Affairs 10th Floor, Dumas House VICE-CHANCellor’s REPORT ......................................................... 3 2 Havelock Street WEST PERTH WA 6005 ABOUT CURTIN .............................................................................. 10 VISION, MISSION AND VALUES ...................................................... 12 Dear Minister STRATEGIC Plan 2013–2017 ......................................................... 13 In accordance with section 61 of the Financial Management Act 2006, we hereby submit for your information and REPORT ON PERFORMANCe – 2013 ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS ............ 14 presentation to Parliament the Annual Report of Curtin University of Technology for the year ended 31 December 2013. Strategic Theme 1 People and culture ......................................................................................14 The Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Management Act 2006. Strategic Theme 2 Yours sincerely Research ......................................................................................................16 Strategic Theme 3 Teaching and learning ...............................................................................19 Strategic Theme 4 Engagement and impact ...........................................................................22 Colin Beckett Deborah Terry REPORT ON OPERATIONS .............................................................. 26 Chancellor Vice-Chancellor Governance of the University ...................................................................26 Members of Council for 2013 ...................................................................27 On behalf of the University Council Governance structure (as at 31 December 2013) .................................28 Administrative structure ...........................................................................29 Dated this 19th day of March 2014 Organisational chart ..................................................................................30 Staffing matters .........................................................................................31 Significant issues and trends ...................................................................34 Other disclosures and legal requirements ..............................................35 CURTIN KEY STATISTICS ................................................................ 43 INDEPENDENT Auditor’s REPORT ............................................... 46 FINANCIAL REPORT 2013 .............................................................. 49 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ...................................................... 115 2 CURTIN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 CURTIN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 3 CHANCELLOR’S FOREWORD VICE-CHANCELLOR’S REPORT My first full year as Chancellor of Curtin University has the MWA will give scientists an unprecedented look at the The launch of Curtin’s Strategic Plan 2013–2017 marked existing values and the extent to which they were a been an extremely busy and interesting one. Universe. This incredibly important international project the beginning of significant structural change at Curtin genuine part of the ‘lived experience’ at Curtin, the Living involves 13 institutions across four countries, and is led by during 2013. The new plan is a bold response to the many Our Values project was instigated in July. A values survey I have taken on this role at a time of significant transition for Curtin. challenges currently being experienced by universities, asked students and staff to reflect on their own values, Curtin, as it readies itself for a new educational landscape including tightening financial environments, greater Curtin’s existing values and the top 10 desired values/ characterised by increasing local and international Given the University’s longstanding commitment to equity global competition, and learning landscapes that are being behaviours they saw as essential for the University to be competition and fast-paced technological change. In and social inclusion, it was exciting to learn that Curtin had rapidly transformed by new, collaborative technologies. a high-performance organisation. A series of structured this altered landscape, traditional learning practices and won the competitive national bid to host the prestigious These are both complex and exciting times for universities consultations, online forums and group events followed, environments are undergoing rapid transformation. National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education for and Curtin knows that, as an organisation, it must be more to encourage dialogue and gather further feedback, the next three years. The centre will promote and disseminate agile and responsive than ever before if it is to thrive in this concluding with a Values Summit in late November. The Curtin’s new strategic plan (2013–2017) inspires the best practice in student equity, and advise government on new landscape. final recommendations of this project will be considered Curtin community to lead the revolution that is currently evidence-based policy initiatives arising from this research. by Council in early 2014. occurring in higher education, positioning the University As you will see from this report, Curtin instituted a number of to make a greater difference than ever before. To achieve Another significant event for the University in 2013 was the major projects across the University during the year to help In the meantime, the University’s reputation for promoting this, the University needs to make some structural changes retirement of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeanette Hacket, prepare it for the ambitious change agenda set out by the a diverse and inclusive community continued to be and these have been in evidence throughout the year, with after seven years at the helm. Professor Hacket assumed strategic plan. Some of these projects included Reshaping the recognised externally in 2013. In May, Curtin was named a number of major projects designed to sharpen both its the leadership role during increasingly complex times for the Academic Workforce, Transforming Learning at Curtin, the the highest ranking university, and ranked seventh best academic and administrative capabilities. More information higher education sector, and I know the Curtin community Living our Values initiative, and a comprehensive review of the employer nationally, for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender on these is included in the Vice-Chancellor’s report. is grateful for the very strong position in which she left the University’s administrative functions, known as EQUIP. These and intersex (LGBTI) workplace inclusion at the Australian University. projects will, among other things: Workplace Equality Awards, organised by Pride in Diversity. Recognising that Curtin’s people will be critical to the • reshape our academic workforce to offer more varied realisation of its new vision, the Living Our Values project Following an extensive international search, Professor career paths and ensure academic areas are equipped to A new staff ‘giving’ program launched at Curtin in 2013 has been a particularly important undertaking during 2013. Deborah Terry has been appointed as Curtin’s new Vice- deliver on their teaching and research goals provides a new way in which staff can further engage with A strong and successful organisational culture is one that Chancellor. An internationally