Strategic Services and Governance

University Council

The Council, comprising 15 members, is the principal governing body of the University. It is established under the Charles Darwin University Act 2003, led by the Chancellor and a Deputy Chancellor (elected by the Council members).

The Council is responsible for the governance of the University, acts in its best interest, drives performance through strategy and stewardship, provides overall strategic guidance, and oversees senior management in carrying out that strategic direction.

The University Secretary provides executive support for the Council. Any questions concerning the Council or the information on this site should be directed to governance@cdu.edu.au.

Procedures for the appointment and election of members are prescribed under the Charles Darwin University Election of Members of Council By-laws 2009 (PDF 46KB).

Member	Appointment	Term
The Honourable Paul Henderson AO	Chancellor	22/4/2019 - 31/12/2021
Professor Simon Maddocks	Vice-Chancellor
Professor Sue Carthew	Chair Academic Board	01/01/2020 - 31/12/2020
Mr Ross Springolo	University Secretary
Mr Richard Ryan AO	Deputy Chancellor	06/2019 - 06/2022
Professor Judith Whitworth AC	Appointed by the NT Administrator	28/09/2018 - 28/09/2021
Mr Ken Davies	Appointed by the NT Administrator	06/2019 - 06/2022
Mr Dick Guit	Appointed by the NT Administrator	26/06/2020-26/06/2023
Mr Craig Graham	Appointed by the NT Administrator	29/07/2020-29/07/2023
Vacant	Appointed by the NT Administrator	TBA
Vacant	Appointed by the NT Administrator	TBA
Vacant	Appointed by the NT Administrator	TBA
Associate Professor Alan Berman	Staff elected academic (HE)	01/01/2020 – 31/12/2022
Mr Raymond Simpson	Staff elected academic (VET)	01/01/2020 – 31/12/2022
Mr Nagendra Timilsina	Elected postgraduate student	01/01/2020 - 31/12/2020
Mr Peter Clee	Elected undergraduate student	01/01/2020 - 31/12/2020

Council Committees report to the University Council. Council normally makes appointments to its committees at either its last ordinary meeting for the year prior or the first ordinary Council meeting, and in every alternate year after that.

Download the CDU Committee Structure.

Council Committees are listed below.

Committee name	Committee contact
Executive Committee of Council	Ross Springolo
Audit and Risk Committee	Ross Springolo
Finance and Infrastructure Development Committee	Ross Springolo
Nominations, Honorary Awards and Legislation Committee	Ross Springolo
Remuneration Committee	Ross Springolo
Tender Committee	Fernanda Camara