Senior Executive Remuneration and Performance Committee

Establishment of Committee

The University’s Senate is the governing authority of the University established under the University of Queensland Act 1998 (Act). The Act permits Senate to delegate its powers under the Act to an appropriately qualified Committee that includes one or more members of Senate.

1. Senate has established a Senior Executive Remuneration and Performance Committee (Committee) as a committee of Senate.

Role of the Committee

2. The role of the Committee is to support and advise Senate in relation to the matters set out in these terms of reference.

3. The Committee is the decision-making authority for Senior Executive Remuneration as set out in these terms of reference and the Senate delegates the powers of approval set out in paragraph 8 to the Committee. 

4. Senior Executive staff are the Vice-Chancellor and President (Vice-Chancellor), Provost and Senior Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Vice-Chancellors and President of the Academic Board.

5. Under the Senate Delegation - Appointment of senior executives reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the Chancellor has the power to appoint or re-appoint Senior Executive staff (excluding the President of the Academic Board) on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor. The appointment of the President of the Academic Board is approved by Senate under the Act.   

6. Appointments and re-appointments of Senior Executive staff will be noted by this Committee.

Responsibilities of the Committee

7. Monitor and review, the guidelines for Senior Executive Remuneration.

8. In accordance with the guidelines, oversee Senior Executive staff remuneration and performance, including:

a) Review and approve the remuneration, remuneration changes, and performance bonus payments of the Vice-Chancellor;

b) Approve the Key Performance Indicators and performance goals for the Vice-Chancellor annually;

c) Advise the Senate when the Vice-Chancellor’s annual performance review has been completed by the Chancellor;

d) Review and approve Senior Executive staff remuneration packages, remuneration changes, and performance bonus payments taking into account the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor;

e) Monitor remuneration benchmark data to ensure total remuneration packages for Senior Executive staff are in accordance with appropriate market rates and align with the guidelines for Senior Executive Remuneration, including gender pay equity; and

f) Approve any non-contractual termination payments made to Senior Executive staff taking into account the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor.

g) Note the remuneration packages for Executive Deans and University-wide Institute Directors and the application of the guidelines for Senior Executive Remuneration by the Provost for these positions.

Succession Planning Processes

9. Regularly discuss succession planning opportunities for Senior Executive staff as required, including planned tenure, diversity mix, current performance and development opportunities for potential successors to these roles.

Power of the Committee 

10. The Committee has no other delegated authority and, except for the powers of approval expressed, may only make recommendations to Senate.

Structure and Composition of the Committee

11. Membership and Chair.

Senate determines the membership and terms of appointment of Committee members. The Chancellor is the chair of the Committee.

Membership composition:

• Chancellor (Chair)
• Deputy Chancellor
• Vice-Chancellor
• Chair, Finance Committee
• Up to two additional Senate members

Note: The Vice-Chancellor must withdraw from meetings or parts of meetings where matters about the Vice-Chancellor’s remuneration and/or performance bonus are discussed.

Terms of appointment

12. The 1-2 additional Senate members are appointed for the term resolved by Senate at the time of appointment, provided they remain a member of Senate for that term.

13. The appointment of the 1-2 additional Senate members may be renewed by Senate.

Responsibilities of members

14. Under the Conflict of Interest Policy, members need to ensure that any conflict of interest issue is avoided, resolved or appropriately managed in accordance with this Policy.

15. Members are required to comply with the University’s Code of Conduct, particularly the confidentiality requirements.

Operation of the Commitee

16. The Committee will meet at least two times per year.

17. The agenda papers should be distributed at least a week before the meeting.

18. Members may request access to additional information from the Chancellor, noting that some documents are confidential to Committee members.

19. Secretariat support is provided by the Chief Human Resources Officer.

20. Members of the Committee may participate in the meeting by way of teleconference/video facilities.

21. Subject to clause 23, the quorum for meetings is:

• Chancellor
• Deputy Chancellor or another senate member; and
• Vice-Chancellor

22. For the avoidance of doubt, where the Vice-Chancellor has withdrawn from a meeting, or part of a meeting, because the Vice-Chancellor's remuneration and/or performance are being discussed, the quorum for that meeting is: 

• Chancellor; and
• Deputy Chancellor or another Senate member

23. The Terms of Reference of the Committee and the functioning of the Committee should be subject to regular review by Senate, including self-assessment by the Committee every two years, to ensure that it is operating effectively and fulfilling its functions.

*As of 2 December 2025