TORRENS UNIVERSITY AUSTRALIA BILL

Introduction and First Reading

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (10:33): Obtained leave and introduced a bill for an act to recognise and provide for the operation of Torrens University Australia. Read a first time.

Second Reading

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (10:34): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I seek leave to have the second reading explanation inserted in Hansard without my reading it.

Leave granted.

This Bill recognises Torrens University Australia through an Act of the South Australian Parliament, and insofar as it is within the legislative powers of the State, facilitates the provision of higher education services by the University.

Established as a private company under the Corporations Act, Torrens University is a welcome addition to the South Australian higher education sector and will in time, make a significant contribution to Adelaide as a learning city.

The outcome of this Bill is to acknowledge Torrens University as part of the global Laureate International Education brand and will ensure the University is recognised in South Australia alongside other universities.

I commend the Bill to Members.

Explanation of Clauses

1—Short title

2—Commencement

These clauses are formal.

3—Interpretation

This clause defines key terms used in the Bill.

4—Recognition of University

This clause recognises Torrens University Australia, and provides that it is not an agency or instrumentality of the Crown in right of South Australia.

5—Principles to be observed by the University

This clause sets out that Torrens University Australia should establish principles to be observed by the University in respect of the management of the University.

6—Declaration of logo

This clause enables the Minister to declare a particular design to be a logo of the University, with such logos forming part of the official insignia of the University and hence being protected under proposed section 7 of the measure, as well as other applicable State or Commonwealth laws.

7—Protection of proprietary interests of University

This clause creates an offence for a person to use certain names and insignia without the permission of the University, and sets out procedural provisions in respect of how that permission may be given. The clause also confers a right to seek an injunction restraining a breach of the proposed section in the Supreme Court.

8—Gifts etc to University

This clause clarifies that a person may, by their trust, give property to particular elements of the University, rather than just the University as a whole.

9—Minor's legal capacity in relation to contracts etc

This clause enables minors—that, is students under the age of 18 years—to enter contracts in relation to their education at the University, and other matters to be prescribed by the regulations.

10—Governing body of University to notify Minister of certain events

This clause requires the governing body of the University to advise the Minister of changes to its composition, and of the occurrence of other events of a kind to be prescribed by regulation.

11—Annual report

This clause requires the governing body of the University to provide the Minister with an annual report of its operations. This report must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.

12—Regulations

This clause is a standard regulation making power.

Debate adjourned on motion of Mr Gardner.