2019
Annual ReportContents
Chancellor and Vice Chancellor’s report

2

Letter of compliance6

Organisational structure

7

Governance8

Other governance reports

13

Research

19

Learning, teaching and thestudent experience

32

Financial summary

46

Financial statements

48

Appendix: indicators and targets

105

Glossary

116

Campus locations

117

The following sections will be reported
separately online (not within this report):•	Consultancies•	Overseas travel

Please access at griffith.edu.au/annual-reportor on the Queensland Government Open Data
website at data.qld.gov.au
Copies of this report are available in paper formby contacting the Office of Marketing andCommunications on +61 7 3735 6741.

Griffith University is committed to providing accessible services topeople from all culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you
require assistance to understand the annual report, you can contact
the Office of Marketing and Communications on +61 7 3735 6741 toarrange an interpreter to effectively communicate the report to you.

Vision and mission
To transform lives and add to human knowledge and understanding in a way that creates a future that
benefits all. We will pursue our vision through our core principles of excellence, ethics, and engagement.

Excellence•	We commit to excellence in our work, ambitious to ensure that our teaching and learning, research,and engagement is of the highest quality.
•	In the pursuit of excellence, we reach across boundaries of all kinds within and beyond the University.
In particular, we pride ourselves on our interdisciplinary work and our ability to engage with industry,
government and the not-for-profit sector.
•	Students will be provided with high-quality education and the capacity to develop and apply
knowledge to exercise influence and make meaningful lifelong contributions to their communities.
•	We recognise the central role of academic freedom and a robust culture of free speech to university life.

Ethical behaviour•	We celebrate being an inclusive and diverse community, and create pathways to education for a wide
variety of people regardless of their background.
•	We have a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and guardianship of our unique
campus ecosystems.
•	We are committed to social justice and see the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) as one powerful articulation of these values. The SDGs set out 17 goals to ‘achieve a
better and more sustainable future for all’ in areas such as poverty reduction, good health, quality
education, and climate action.

Engagement•	We recognise the unique place of First Peoples in our history and culture and the importance ofrespecting Indigenous knowledge, culture and talent.
•	We are ethical in our collaborations with a wide variety of partners, seeking mutual and sustainablevalue in our partnerships.
•	We recognise our particular obligations to the communities in which our campuses are based and arecommitted to being good neighbours who enhance local life.
•	We engage globally, paying particular attention to our enduring relationship with Asian andPacific countries.
•	Our international relationships seek to enhance the capacity of partners in areas such as teaching andlearning, research, and community partnerships.

Chancellor and Vice Chancellor’s report
Other significant appointments during 2019 included those to
the newly established positions of Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning
and Teaching), Professor Carol Evans and Pro Vice Chancellor(Research), Professor Andrea Bishop. Council established these
additional senior roles in response to the growing scale andcomplexity of the University.

Selected highlights

Mr Henry Smerdon AM DUniv,
Chancellor

Professor Carolyn Evans,
Vice Chancellor and President

2019 overview
Griffith University’s fifth Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evanscommenced in February 2019, taking over the custodianship of the
University following a long and distinguished tenure by Professor
Emeritus Ian O’Connor AC. In addition to engaging the University
in the development of a new Strategic Plan, the Vice Chancellor
recruited candidates into the senior leadership ranks to deliveron the objectives of the new strategy and to fill vacant roles.
The recruitment of a new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research),
Professor Mario Pinto, brings an internationally respected chemical
biologist onto the leadership team. Professor Pinto has served as
President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Councilof Canada, Chair of the Global Research Council, and Vice President
Research and Chair of Chemistry at Simon Fraser University
and is a Fellow in the Royal Society of Canada. Professor Pinto
boasts an enviable record in brokering partnerships with industry
and commercial entities, government departments, community
organisations and international partners. Professor Pinto willcommence as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) in February 2020.
One of the commitments of the new Strategic Plan is to strengthen
our First People’s leadership structures. With that in mind, Council
approved the establishment of a Pro Vice Chancellor (Indigenous)
position at its meeting in June. The recruitment process wascompleted in December with the appointment of Professor
Cindy Shannon AM as the University’s first Pro Vice Chancellor(Indigenous). Professor Shannon will be the University’s executive
leader and enabler of University activity and initiatives in Indigenous
education, community engagement, research and innovation.

The year started well for Griffith with Australia Day honours forProfessor Paul Simshauser from the Department of Accounting,
Finance and Economics, Dr Dinesh Palipana from the School of
Medicine, and Matthew Condon from the School of Humanities,
Languages and Social Science. These were followed later in the yearby the Queen’s Birthday Honours which included Professor Markvon Itzstein AO, Director of the Griffith Institute for Glycomics.
In March, the Australian Research Council published the resultsof the Excellence in Research for Australia 2018 evaluation. The
outcomes for Griffith were excellent, with 59 out of 61 specificfields of research rated as world standard or above, with 20 fields
awarded the highest rating of ‘well above world standard’.
The University also achieved excellent rankings outcomes in 2019,breaking into the Top 201–250 band for the first time on theinfluential Times HE World University Rankings 2020, matching
its Top 250 ranking on the US News Global Rankings. Griffith alsorose two places to 35th in the Times Higher Education 2019 Young
University Rankings.
In terms of subject areas, Griffith was ranked by the prestigious
Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects in 37 subjects withnine of these in the global top 100. Griffith is ranked as the leading
university in Australia in three subject areas: Hospitality and Tourism
Management (2nd in the world), Nursing and Midwifery (4th in theworld) and Law and Criminology (29th in the world). The University
was also ranked 2nd nationally for Marine/Ocean Engineering(13th in the world).
Griffith Business School has maintained its prestigious international
accreditation with the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate
Schools of Business) International for another five years. AACSBInternational provides quality assurance, business education
intelligence, and learning and development services to more than
1,700 member organisations and more than 840 accredited
business schools worldwide.

The University achieved excellent
rankings outcomes in 2019,breaking into the Top 201–250
band for the first time on theinfluential Times HE World
University Rankings 2020.
2 | Griffith University

The new $80 million Engineering, Technology and Aviation Building
at the Nathan campus was handed over to the University in late
October. Teaching in the building will commence in Trimester 1,
2020. The building is exceptionally well designed and was brought
to fruition ahead of time and within budget.

Staff recognition
Griffith’s acknowledged excellence in learning and teaching wasagain nationally recognised with inspirational mathematics educator
Associate Professor Kevin Larkin from the School of Education andProfessional Studies named in February as the 2018 Australian
University Teacher of the Year—the fourth Griffith academic to
win this prestigious award.

Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM, medical alumnus, was announced at afunction in New York City as one of 10 global recipients of the2019 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards honouring leaderswith disabilities.
Griffith alumnus Professor Qiyong Liu, Chief Scientist for Healthand Climate Change China was named the 2019 Alumnus of theYear at the Australia China Alumni Awards in Beijing. The award
recognised his remarkable achievements in public health andparticularly working with poor and vulnerable communities.

The academic excellence of our staff was highlighted throughrecognition of several leading scholars as fellows of learned
academies. Professor Carolyn Evans and Professor Renee Jeffery
were named as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences inAustralia while Professor Gerry Docherty was announced as a
Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities.
Professor Huijun Zhao was named as a Highly Cited Researcher by
the Web of Sciences Group which recognises the world’s mostinfluential researchers of the past decade by the production of multiple
highly‑cited papers that rank in the top 1 per cent by citations for field.
In November, Associate Professor Jeremy Brownlie was named as
the President of Science and Technology Australia (STA) for a
two-year term. STA is Australia’s peak body in science andtechnology representing more than 75,000 Australian scientists
and technologists working across all scientific disciplines.

Student and alumni recognition
Griffith continued its proud tradition as a university with a focus on
Asia with nine students named as recipients of the prestigious New
Colombo Plan Scholarships—more than any other university this year.
Ms Caitlene Hillman from the Griffith Business School was selectedfrom 4,700 candidates from around the world as a Schwarzman
Scholar for 2020–2021. Caitlene will be Griffith University’s first
Schwarzman Scholar, the second Queenslander ever to receive
this prestigious scholarship.
Griffith Law alumnus Ms Sasha Purcell of the Whaleboat family
from the Torres Strait was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to
study law in the USA. Sasha’s achievement was celebrated at thevaledictory dinner for 140 First People students graduating from
Griffith University in 2019.
Griffith University Outstanding Alumnus 2018, Katarina Carroll
APM became the first woman to be appointed to the position ofCommissioner in the Queensland Police Service’s 159-year history.
The Miles Franklin Literary Award is Australia’s most prestigious
literature prize. The winning novel for 2019, was Too Much Lip
by Melissa Lucashenko. Melissa is a regular contributor to Griffith
Review, a member of the Griffith Review Advisory Board and aproud Griffith alumnus with a major in Public Policy.

Katarina Carroll APM Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Masterof Public Administration, Outstanding Alumnus Award winner 2018

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM
wanted to be a community cop when she started her policing
career but instead, she rose through the ranks becominga trailblazer for women in the police and fire services. Her
distinguished policing career also saw Commissioner Carroll
lead Queensland’s security efforts at the 2014 G20 Brisbane
summit. ‘I think wherever you go you should make sure thatyou leave a legacy that you have made the organisation abetter place,’ she said. Commissioner Carroll was named
Griffith University’s Outstanding Alumnus Award winner2018. ‘I’m a lifelong learner and a lot of that has been done
through Griffith. Education influences your life personally andprofessionally and Griffith has certainly done that for me.’Annual Report 2019 | 3

Chancellor and Vice Chancellor’s reportCreating a future for all—Strategic Plan 2020–2025
Following her commencement Vice Chancellor, Professor Carolyn
Evans, immediately initiated consultations with the University
community around development of the new Griffith University
Strategic Plan which was publicly launched in November.
The resulting Creating a future for all—Strategic Plan 2020–2025
provides the blueprint for Griffith University’s development throughto its 50th anniversary in 2025, and beyond. The plan reflects the
University’s intent to be more confident in the expression of its
values, more distinctive from its competitors, more ambitious in its
aspirations for the future, and to be a university renowned for its
commitment to excellence, ethical behaviour and engagement.
It contains the core commitments, key actions and outcomes thatwill guide the University’s direction through to 2025 including
major campus developments, interdisciplinary research Beacons,a Graduates of the Future program, a focus on industry linkages
and strategic international partnerships. It sets out the many ways
Griffith will build its reputation, develop its people and achieve
success as a Top 200 global university.
The strategy was the result of months of consultation andcollaboration with staff, students, Council members, alumni,
partners in industry and government, and the wider community.
It is structured around six inter-related core commitments thatcascade from Griffith’s values and include the key activities ofhigh-quality teaching and research that will be enabled by strategic
partnering, a significant investment in people and a program ofsubstantial renewal across the University’s campuses.
Some of the key values-based initiatives include committing tomajor investments in sustainability; building on Indigenous student
and staff strengths, and focusing on the success of an inclusive
student and staff body.
A major capital program of $1.0 billion over the coming decade
will be spent on physical infrastructure, including a substantial new
development in the Brisbane CBD, and a further $350 million on
digital infrastructure. Other capital works will include an industryoriented research facility at the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge
Precinct, new buildings for sciences and social sciences at Nathan
campus, and welcoming of key partners on the Logan campus.
A highlight of the plan will see expenditure of at least $25 million
over the next five years to establish six interdisciplinary Griffith
Research Beacons—research groupings aimed at answering thecritical questions of the future and translating research outcomes
into real-world solutions.

4 | Griffith University

The student experience will be enhanced through the creationof the Griffith Graduates of the Future program to provide anoutstanding education alongside preparation for the workforce forour undergraduates. The program includes an investment of up to$20 million in educational technologies including the Virtual Learning
Environment, and the development of micro-credentials to enable
students to both develop and demonstrate employability skills,
and the creation of digitally-badged short courses to upskill
worker learners.
The University will continue to build a modern and motivatedworkforce through a major increase in expenditure on professional
development for our staff with a focus on early and mid-career
researchers and developing academic and professional staff leaders.
Griffith is committed to establishing strong relationships by building
a visible, easy to use ‘front door’ to the University for partners,
with additional expenditure for both research and teaching/learning
partnerships. The commitment aims to ensure that Griffith plays asubstantial role in creating work-ready graduates and in fostering
relationships with industry that benefit the Australian economy.
Most importantly, Griffith will continue to make a difference in the
lives of people by providing an outstanding education and deliveringresearch with demonstrable societal impact.

Strategic overview
At the Commonwealth level, the Coalition government was returnedat the May Federal election with the Honourable Dan Tehan MP
re-appointed as the Minister for Education and the Honourable
Karen Andrews MP as the Minister for Industry, Science andTechnology. Nine Griffith University graduates were elected to
the Australian Parliament—eight in the House of Representatives
and one in the Senate.
While the University sector expects greater continuity and relative
policy stability as a result of the election outcome, major additional
financial commitments to higher education are unlikely for theforeseeable future (apart from rural and regional universities).
Pre-existing policy measures affecting the higher education sector,
including those that impact the University’s funding envelope,are highlighted below:•	Commonwealth Grant Scheme (CGS) maximum basic grant for2020 remains the same as for 2018–2019, but with an additional
performance-based funding component based on four measures:
graduate employment outcomes, student success, student
experience, and participation of Indigenous, Low socio-economic
status, and regional and remote students. The additional funding,
based on the projected population growth in the 18–64 year-old
bracket, will equate to nearly $80 million in 2020, growing to
7.5 per cent of the CGS within four years.

•	There will be some redistribution of Commonwealth support
places (sub-bachelor and enabling, and postgraduate).
• Rural and regional universities will receive more support.
• Research priorities will continue to be driven by what is
considered to be in the national interest and programs toenhance collaboration with industry.
Significantly for this University, and following submission of acompelling case, the City of Gold Coast has been classified as aregional centre, meaning it is eligible to access the Commonwealthpool of 25,000 student visas on offer which allow additional
one-year post-study work visas.
The French Review into Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech
was finalised in March with universities expected to adopt or adapt
the Model Code to suit their circumstances. Following internal
consultation in the latter part of 2019, the Griffith University Council
will consider adapting the Model Code, with due reference to the
Queensland Human Rights Act 2019, during the first half of 2020.
The other major development of significance to the university
sector was the release in November of Guidelines to counter foreigninterference in the Australian university sector. The University is in
the process of adapting these Guidelines to enhance safeguards
against foreign interference.
Collaboration with the Queensland government during 2019 has
been extremely positive with the highlight being the attendance by
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier and Minister
for Trade at the opening of the Ian O’Connor Building at the Gold
Coast campus in early December. State government representatives
were also on hand to officially open or visit new facilities including
the Griffith Innovation Centre on the Gold Coast, the Regional
Innovation Data Lab at Logan, and for the Motor Accident InsuranceCommission’s $2 million funding announcement for the Biospine
Research Program at the Gold Coast. Importantly for Griffith’s
strategy through to 2025, several key meetings were conductedin the latter part of the year to discuss the University’s Brisbane
campus plans with senior members of Queensland government anddepartmental representatives.

High-quality research with impact
In 2020 Griffith will continue to deliver on its mission to transform
lives and to create a future for all by providing life-changing
education and research with impact. We will continue to produce
research that resonates globally and locally, including our areas
rated ‘high impact’ in this year’s Excellence in Research Australia
Engagement and Impact Assessment which include:
•
•
•
•
•

twenty-five years of coastal management on the Gold Coast
leaders in whistleblowing research and legislative change
better vascular access to improve patient caretackling water quality on the Great Barrier Reef
solutions for the management of pest fruit flies.

The University has produced breakthrough physics researchmeasuring how fast an electron can tunnel through a barrier,rewriting physics textbooks. Griffith health researchers cured
cervical cancer in mice with CRISPR gene-editing technology
using nanoparticles to halt the spread of cancer-causing cells.
The University’s Institute for Glycomics has formed a significant
partnership with Hong Kong-listed China Grand Pharma’s newly
established Australian company Grand Medical Ltd to develop
a drug for Human Parainfluenza Virus. Our archaeologists havediscovered a cave painting in Indonesia that is at least 44,000 years
old and which portrays a group of part-human, part-animal figures
casting new light on the origin of modern human cognition.

Concluding remarks
This year has been an immensely successful one for Griffith
University, and the extensive groundwork laid by the University
leadership over 2019 placed Griffith in a strong position to continue
to excel in all aspects of academic endeavour—research, teaching
and learning, external engagement and partnering. 2020 will see
an escalation in the roll-out of the strategic plan and the vision for
Griffith in 2025 begin to unfold.

The University’s internal projections around the reduced 2020
Queensland school leaver cohort have proven to be accurate atyear end. Subject to final application and acceptance trends in
Trimester One 2020, the University does not expect to be impacted
financially beyond that anticipated in its budget. The potential
impacts of the reduced 2020 cohort have been ameliorated
through the introduction several years ago of the Trimester modelallowing student admissions and load to be more evenly distributed
across the academic year, and a push by the University in 2019 toincrease its international student load.

Annual Report 2019 | 5

Letter of compliance
Report to the Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations
Presented to Parliament by Command
The Honourable Grace Grace MP
Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations
PO Box 15033
CITY EAST QLD 4002
25 February 2020

Dear Minister
I am pleased to submit for presentation, on behalf of the Council of Griffith University, this Annual Report 2019.
I certify that this Annual Report complies with:•	the prescribed requirements of the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Financial and Performance
Management Standard 2019, and•the detailed requirements set out in the Annual Report Requirements for Queensland Government Agencies.

A checklist outlining the annual reporting requirements can be accessed at griffith.edu.au/annual-reportYours sincerely

Mr Henry Smerdon AM DUniv
Chancellor
Griffith University

6 | Griffith University

Organisational structure
Vice Chancellor and President

DeputyVice Chancellor

DeputyVice Chancellor

Vice President

Pro Vice Chancellor,
Learning and Teaching

Pro Vice Chancellor,Research

Chief Marketing Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Registrar

Director,
Office for Research

Director, Development
and Alumni

Chief Digital Officer

Dean, Learning Futures

Dean, Research
Infrastructure

Director, Centre
for Interfaith andCultural Dialogue

Director, Audit,
Risk and Compliance

Academic Director,
Griffith Online

Dean, Griffith Graduate
Research School

Director, GUMURRII

Director,
Griffith Enterprise

Senior Deputy
Vice Chancellor

Research

Corporate Services

Engagement

Director,Campus Life

Academic Director,
Industry Partnerships

Director, Experience andCommunication

Director,
Griffith Sports College

Executive Director,
Institute for Glycomics

Director,
People and Wellbeing

Editor,
Griffith Review

Director,
Legal Services

Director,
Transformation

Head,
Corporate Governance

Pro Vice
Chancellor
Logan

Director, Libraryand Learning
Services

Pro Vice
Chancellor
Indigenous

Director, Indigenous
Community
Engagement, Policy
and Partnerships
Academic Director,
Indigenous Research
Unit

Pro Vice
Chancellor

Pro Vice
Chancellor

Griffith Health

Pro Vice
Chancellor

Griffith Sciences

Pro Vice
Chancellor

Director,
International

Pro Vice
Chancellor

Arts, Education and
Law

Griffith Business
SchoolDean, Academic

Dean, Academic

Dean, Academic

Dean, Academic

Dean, Learning
and Teaching

Dean, Learning
and Teaching

Dean, Learning
and Teaching

Dean, Learning
and Teaching

Dean, Research

Dean, Research

Dean, Research

Dean, Research

Dean, Engagement(Creative Arts)

Dean, Engagement

Dean, First Peoples
HealthGlobalDirector,
International
MarketingDirector, Griffith
English Language
Institute

Director, Tourism
Confucius Institute

Annual Report 2019 | 7

GovernanceManagement and structure

Functions

Act or instrument

The Griffith University Act 1998 provides for a broad range offunctions and powers, including the specific provisions below:

Griffith University is constituted under the Griffith University Act
1998 as a body corporate and has a common seal. The University
was established on 21 September 1971 under the Griffith
University Act 1971.

University general powers
The University has the powers given to it under the Griffith
University Act 1998 or any another Act and may exercise its
powers inside or outside Queensland and outside Australia.

University Council
Name of Governing bodyCouncil of Griffith University

Council powers
The Council may do anything necessary or convenient to be done
for, or in connection with, its functions. The Council has the powers
given to it under the Griffith University Act 1998 or any anotherAct and, in particular:•••

to appoint the University’s staff
to manage and control the University’s affairs and property
to manage and control the University’s finances.

Note: Further details of Griffith University governance are outlined
on pages 13–18.

• to provide education at university standard•	to provide facilities for study and research generally, and, inparticular, for people in the cities of Brisbane, Gold Coastand Logan• to encourage study and research•	to encourage the advancement and development of knowledge,
and its application to government, industry, commerce and thecommunity•	to provide courses of study or instruction (at the level ofachievement the Council considers appropriate) to meet theneeds of the community generally, and, in particular, the people
in the cities of Brisbane, Gold Coast and Logan• to confer higher education awards• to disseminate knowledge and promote scholarship•	to provide facilities and resources for the wellbeing of the
University’s staff members, students and other persons
undertaking courses at the University•	to exploit commercially, for the University’s benefit, a facilityor resource of the University, including, for example, study,
research or knowledge, or practical application of study,
research or knowledge, belonging to the University, whether
alone or with someone else
• to perform other functions given to the University under thisor another Act.
Council has 18 members comprising official members, appointed
members, elected members and additional members. Council
has overall responsibility for the University’s sound and effective
governance and approves the University’s strategic direction;
monitors the University’s progress using agreed performanceindicators; and approves the University’s budget, policies anddelegations of authority.
The Council membership is listed on page 10.

8 | Griffith University

Achievements
The key strategic decision-making and governance activities
undertaken by Council in fulfilment of its primary governanceresponsibilities in 2019 are summarised below.
Council approved the following strategic items:• Creating a future for all­—Strategic Plan 2020-2025• University Budget 2020
• Capital Management Plan 2020
• Corporate Risk Register• New Enterprise Risk Management Policy Suite• Brisbane Campuses Vision and Development Strategy• Logan Campus Master Plan•	Establishment of three executive positions: Pro Vice Chancellor(Research); Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning & Teaching); Pro Vice
Chancellor (Indigenous)•	Five academic and two division review reports andimplementation plans•	Compliance reporting: verification of ongoing compliance with
the Voluntary Code of Best Practice for the Governance ofAustralian Universities, and TEQSA Higher Education Standards
Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015
• Invited seven nominees to accept the award of Doctor of
the University.

	Ex officio members:	Deputy Vice Chancellors; Vice Presidents; Pro Vice Chancellors;
Deans; Heads of School/Department; Chair, University Appeals
Committee; Registrar, Student Life; University Librarian;	Members appointed by Council:
Dr Naveen Sharma	Elected members:
12 academic staff members, at least two from eachacademic group
One elected higher degree by research student;
One coursework post graduate student;
Four undergraduate students, one from each academic group.
•	Finance, Resources and Risk Committee, responsible for advising
Council on critical resource issues, including income projections,operating budget allocations, capital expenditure, financing
strategies and risk management. The membership is as follows:
Ex officio members:
Mr Henry Smerdon AM, Chancellor
Professor Carolyn Evans, Vice Chancellor
Ms Rachel Hunter DUniv, Deputy Chancellor (Vice Chairperson)
Members appointed by Council:
Chairperson: Mr Andrew Fraser
Ms Rhonda White AO DUniv
Professor Liz JonesDr Naveen Sharma

An independent review of Council was undertaken during the fourth
quarter of 2019. Report due to be submitted to Council in the firstquarter of 2020.

Members appointed by the Committee:
Mr Steven Leigh
Mr Jonathan Ives

Financial reportingNot exempted from audit by the Auditor-General. Transactions of
the entity are accounted for in the financial statements.

Remuneration
The Chancellor receives an honorarium from the University. Other
Council members and Committee members are not remunerated
for their services. Staff members who serve as Council members
are only remunerated for their substantive role within the University.

Council subcommittees
The key committees that report directly to the Council are:•	Academic Committee, the senior body within the University
responsible for teaching and learning, and research policies.
The membership is as follows:Chairperson: Professor Debra Henly, Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor
Deputy Chairperson: Professor Wendy Loughlin•

Audit Committee, responsible for assisting the University
Council and the Vice Chancellor to discharge financial andperformance management responsibilities imposed under the
Financial Accountability Act 2009, Financial and Performance
Management Standard 2019 and other relevant legislation.
Audit Committee members are appointed by Council. Staff
and students may not be appointed as members.
Members appointed by Council:
Chairperson: Mr Ian Rodin
Ms Amelia Evans
Ms Kim Challenor
Mr Simon Hancox
Mr Gareth Long

External committee members do not receive remuneration.
In addition to these committees, there is one advisory council, theGold Coast Advisory Council (Chairperson as at 31 December 2019:
Dr John Kearney OAM). The Gold Coast Advisory Council advises
the University Council on strategic directions for teaching,research and community service at the Gold Coast campus.

Annual Report 2019 | 9GovernanceMembership
Position

Name

Meetings/
sessions
attendanceApprovedannual, sessionalor daily fee

Actual fees
Approved
sub-committee received
fees if applicable

Chancellor, Chair of the University
Council Official Member(Elected by Council)

Henry Smerdon AM

8/8 Council
meetings$60,000 pa

N/A$60,000
honorarium

Vice Chancellor
Official Member

Professor Carolyn
Evans

8/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Deputy Chancellor
Governor in Council Member

Rachel Hunter

7/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Governor in Council Member

Clinton Dines

7/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Governor in Council Member

Amelia Evans

7/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Governor in Council Member

Andrew Fraser

8/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Governor in Council Member

Olivia Loadwick

6/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Governor in Council Member

Current term: 31/10/2017-30/10/2021

Ann RobilottaGlenister OAM

7/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Governor in Council Member

Rhonda White AO

7/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Elected Undergraduate
Student Member

Liam Baker

1/1 Council
meeting

N/A

N/A

N/A

Elected Academic Staff Member

Professor Liz Jones

7/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Elected Undergraduate
student member

Ryan Kungl

4/7 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Elected Academic Staff Member
Current term: 28/10/17-27/10/21

Professor Gary
Rogers

7/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Elected Postgraduate
student member

Srinath Chithravelu
Poochan

1/1 Council
meeting

N/A

N/A

N/A

Elected Professional andSupport Staff Member

Dr Naveen Sharma

6/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Elected Postgraduate Student
MemberVincent Tawiah

2/3 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Additional Member

Current term: 01/01/18-31/12/19

Robert Anderson
OAM

8/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Additional Member

Sandra Anderson

6/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Additional Member

Robert Borbidge AO

2/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

Additional Member

Current term: 01/01/18-31/12/19

Craig
Bassingthwaighte

6/8 Council
meetings

N/A

N/A

N/A

No. scheduled meetings/sessions

Eight

Total out of pocket expenses

N/A

Current term: 01/06/18-31/05/22

Current term: 31/10/2017-30/10/2021
Current term: 31/10/2017-30/10/2021
Current term: 31/10/2017-30/10/2021
Current term: 31/10/2017-30/10/2021
Current term: 31/10/2017-30/10/2021

Current term: 31/10/2017-30/10/2021

Current term: 28/10/19-27/10/21
Current term: 28/10/17-27/10/21

28/10/17-27/10/19

Current term: 28/10/19-27/10/21

Current term: 28/10/17-27/10/21

Term: 28/10/17-10/05/19 (resigned)

Current term: 01/01/18-31/12/19
Current term: 01/01/18-31/12/19

10 | Griffith University

University management
Through its organisational and management structure, Griffith
fosters coherence and cooperation across the University in its
teaching, research and service, and promotes the efficient andeffective deployment of resources (including administrative
resources) across its five physical campuses and one digital campus.
The University’s organisational chart appears on page 7.

High level goals of the Strategic Plan
2018–2019
•

•
•

•
•

To provide an excellent educational experience to attract andretain students who, regardless of their background, will succeed
at university and become graduates and alumni of influence.
To continuously improve our research performance and,through our research, deliver social dividends.
To attract and retain excellent staff who, through their teaching,research, professional support and engagement, will positively
contribute to Griffith’s development as a university of influence.
To be a sustainable university.
To enhance our engagement with the Asia–Pacific region
and to consolidate our reputation as one of Australia’s mostAsian-engaged universities.

New Strategic Plan 2020–2025
Council (October 2019) approved the Creating a future for all—Strategic Plan 2020-2025.

Academic groups
Academic units, including schools and departments are organised
into four groups which facilitate learning and teaching, researchand service activities across our campuses:••••

Arts, Education and Law
Griffith Business School
Griffith Health
Griffith Sciences

Support services
Support services including Student Life, Finance, People and Wellbeing,
Digital Solutions, Campus Life and Griffith International are organised
as centralised offices that operate across all campuses. This structure
supports consistent service levels, efficient resource use, and accessto professional support and specialist expertise for all areas.

Quality
Griffith embeds quality in all of its processes to achieve excellent
outcomes. The culture is one of innovation and responsiveness, ofreview and improvement.
Responsibility for quality is explicitly assigned to line managers,
particularly the Deputy Vice Chancellors, Vice Presidents, Pro Vice
Chancellors, Deans, Heads of Schools and Departments, and OfficeDirectors—in consultation with key University committees.

Campuses
Gold Coast
Logan
Mt Gravatt
NathanSouth Bank
DigitalAnnual Report 2019 | 11GovernanceControlled entities
Using powers granted under Section 65 of the Griffith University
Act 1998 the University has established the controlled entities
described below.

International WaterCentre Pty Ltd
The International WaterCentre Pty Ltd provides professional
education and training, capacity development and applied researchservices to promote integrated and whole-of-water cycle approaches
to policy, planning and management. Separate Financial Statements
are prepared and audited by the Queensland Audit Office (QAO).

Griffith Innovation Centre Ltd
Griffith Innovation Centre Ltd (formerly Gold Coast Innovation
Centre Ltd) was established to encourage the growth of emerging
technology enterprises in Queensland and provide mentorship.
In December 2019 the University Council resolved to approve
the winding up of Griffith Innovation Centre Ltd and to continue
delivering its aims and purpose through University operations
rather than a separate legal entity.

Compliance with the Voluntary Code ofBest Practice for the Governance ofAustralian Public Universities
The Voluntary Code of Best Practice for the Governance ofAustralian Public Universities was approved by the joint meetingof Universities Australia and University Chancellors Council held on
15 May 2018. The Council reviews compliance annually and the
University remains compliant with all aspects of the Code.

12 | Griffith University

Human Rights Act 2019
In preparation for the coming into operation of the Human Rights
Act 2019, the University intends to provide access to human rights
training for all staff in 2020. Human rights considerations have also
been factored into a review of University policies commenced in2019 and continuing through 2020.

Government objectives for thecommunity
Griffith University’s objectives and activities align with the
Queensland Government’s objectives for the community to create
jobs in a strong economy; give all our children a great start; keep
Queenslanders healthy; keep communities safe; protect the Great
Barrier Reef; and be a responsive government through:•	high-quality, student-focused learning and teaching that
prepares work-ready graduates of influence in strong demandby employers across a comprehensive range of disciplines,
professions and industries•	ground-breaking research that delivers social dividends andgenerates the knowledge needed to solve community problems•	community service through social inclusion and engagement
programs, and innovative partnerships• pursuit of its sustainability agenda.

Other governance reports
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee’s primary role is to assist and support the
University Council (Council) and the Vice Chancellor to discharge
the financial and performance management responsibilities
imposed under the Financial Accountability Act 2009, Financial
and Performance Management Standard 2019 and other relevant
legislation. The Committee covers all activities of the University
and its controlled entities, excluding the academic activities andoutcomes of teaching and research, unless the Vice Chancellor
approves otherwise.
Throughout 2019 the Audit Committee observed the termsof its Constitution and had due regard to Treasury’s Audit
Committee Guidelines.
In 2019, the Audit Committee held four meetings:•	
26 February—Nathan campus, five out of five members
attended. Major focus: review of draft 2018 financial
statements; cyber security.
•	
22 May—Nathan campus, five out of five members attended.
Major focus: Vice Chancellor’s annual presentation on strategic
issues; cyber security update; annual updates on enterprise risk
management framework and compliance framework.
•	
21 August—Nathan campus, four out of five members
attended. Major focus: review of external audit strategy; cybersecurity update; fraud and corruption control capability action
plan update; annual review of Internal Audit Charter.
•	
20 November—Nathan campus, four out of five members
attended. Major focus: review of 2020 Internal Audit Annual
Plan; end of year cyber security report; new valuers JLL
valuation methodology presentation.
At its February meeting, the Audit Committee reviewed the
University’s 2018 Annual Financial Statements and recommended
the Statements to the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor for
signing. The 2018 Annual Financial Statements were subsequently
certified by the QAO and tabled in parliament.
The QAO is responsible for external audit and prior to 2018 hadcontracted private firms to undertake the external audit function.
From 2018, the QAO has conducted the external audit function.
One or more QAO representatives have attended each of the four
Audit Committee meetings held in 2019.
The Audit Committee reviewed external audit’s management
letters and the University’s responses to ensure any issues related
to internal control systems were responded to by management
in an appropriate and timely manner. The 2018 closing reportassessed financial statement preparation and internal controls aseffective across all key processes with no deficiencies identified.
The Committee noted that the process, timelines and quality offinancial statements preparation was assigned the highest ratingby the QAO, and that no adjustments were required.

The Committee also noted that the QAO’s closing report provided
the Committee with comfort about the quality of the valuer’s reportprovided by AssetVal. At the November 2019 meeting the new andrecently appointed valuers presented their valuation methodology to
the Committee.
At its August 2019 meeting, the Audit Committee reviewed andconfirmed the Audit Plan prepared by the external auditors. The
Committee discussed various aspects of the Plan and noted that: thesame benchmark for materiality was used as the year prior; reports ofinterest from the 2019 Internal Audit Plan would be considered to see
if there was work that could be relied on for external audit; all prioryear issues had been resolved and that timelines and key reporting
deadlines had been agreed with the Chief Financial Officer; and the
QAO would move from the current traffic light model to a maturity
model in 2020 for audit assessments. The Committee discussed theinterim report at its November 2019 meeting and noted that internal
controls are effective, with no deficiencies and no unresolved control
issues from prior years.
The Audit Committee monitored internal audit activities throughout
2019. The Internal Audit Charter was reviewed by the Audit
Committee at its August meeting. The Committee recommended
the Charter to the Vice Chancellor for endorsement.
On completion of planned 2019 internal audits, the Audit Committee
assessed the audit report findings and management’s responses.
The Audit Committee also monitored implementation of audit
recommendations. The Committee agreed to endorse the draft
2020 Internal Audit Plan subject to amendments agreed during themeeting. The Vice Chancellor subsequently approved the Plan.
At its August 2019 meeting, the Audit Committee completed
the annual review of its Constitution and Council (October 2019)
subsequently approved the recommended amendments to theconstitution document.
The Committee continued to closely monitor cyber security risks
throughout 2019 with reports providing updates on progress
made against high risk items considered at all four meetings. At theNovember 2019 meeting the acting Chief Digital Officer provided
the Committee with an end of year cyber security briefing, an
update on the status of all high-risk IT items and an overview of
Griffith’s response to the QAO report Managing Cyber Security
Risks Report 3: 2019-2020. Members noted key achievements,
including completion of all high risk items with the exception of twothat were still in progress, and delivery on all commitments made to
the Audit Committee earlier in the year.

Annual Report 2019 | 13

Other governance reports
Management’s approach to maintaining a sound and effective
control environment was monitored and evaluated by the Audit
Committee throughout the year via external and internal audit
activities and reporting functions; reports from University
management at Committee meetings; an annual meeting between
the Chair and the Vice Chancellor, and quarterly meetings between
the Chair and the Vice President (Corporate Services).
All Audit Committee meeting minutes were provided to subsequentmeetings of the Council. The Committee’s 2019 Annual Report wasconsidered by Council at its December 2019 meeting. The Reportdetailed the Committee’s performance in relation to its functions,discussed the discharge of its responsibilities under its Constitution
and reported on the findings of its annual self-evaluation process.

Internal audit
The role of the University’s internal audit function is to provide an
independent, objective assurance and consulting service designed
to add value and improve the operations of the University andits controlled entities (collectively, the University) as required by
the Financial Accountability Act 2009. Internal Audit helps the
University to accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic,
disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness ofrisk management, control and governance processes.
The function operates under a Charter, which is reviewed by the
Audit Committee annually and approved by the Vice Chancellorand has regard to the Institute of Internal Auditors International
Professional Practices Framework and the Queensland Treasury
Audit Committee Guidelines.
The internal audit function performs its activities in accordancewith its responsibilities under the Charter and follows the internal
audit plan, which is reviewed annually, endorsed by the Audit
Committee and approved by the Vice Chancellor. The annual audit
plan is developed based on review of the University’s key strategicand operational risks, discussion with University senior executive,
governance committees, external and co-sourced auditors, higher
education risk factors, specific management concerns, and othersources such as the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards
Agency (TEQSA) Regulatory Risk Framework; and Crime andCorruption Commission (CCC) and QAO reports and plans.
University management maintain risk registers at corporate, andgroup and divisional levels. Fraud and Academic Fraud risk registers
are also maintained. Significant risks identified during audits andaudit recommendations are notified to University management andthe Audit Committee in a timely manner to enable management totake appropriate remedial action. Mitigating actions undertaken toaddress risks and internal audit recommendations are followed up on
a quarterly basis by Internal Audit to ensure timely implementation.

14 | Griffith University

The function is independent of management and the external
auditors and reports administratively to the Vice President(Corporate Services) and functionally to the Vice Chancellor
and Audit Committee.
Systems have been established to ensure an effective and efficientinternal audit function, including policies, procedures, templates,
a quality assurance and improvement program, internal andexternal quality assessment and reporting to senior management
and Audit Committee. The key performance indicators reported
by internal audit are reviewed against the internal audit plan andimplementation of recommendations.
Internal audit achievements during the year included completionof the annual internal audit plan, which included audit reports withrecommendations for internal control and/or business process
improvements; completion of grant acquittal reviews;
and completion and or update of risk assurance maps for key
financial processes.
Mr Dhanesh Raniga, Director, Audit, Risk and Compliance and
Mr Dimitri Constantinous, Manager, Internal Audit hold appropriatequalifications as required by the Financial Accountability Regulations
2009, including Certified Practicing Accountant, Chartered
Accountant and professional memberships of the Institute ofInternal Auditors.

Risk management
The University recognises that strong risk culture and effective risk
management are essential to achieving the University’s strategy.
The Griffith University Enterprise Risk Management Framework isaligned to the principles set out in the universally accepted standards;
ISO 31000: 2018 Enterprise Risk Management and 2017 COSO
ERM – Integrating with Strategy and Performance. The Frameworklays the foundation for the University’s approach and processes
to risk management and will continue to evolve in support of the
University’s strategy and operational environment. The University’smajor strategic and operational risks for 2019 were identified andmitigation strategies were put into place to address these risks.
Council endorsed the University’s 2019 corporate risk register andassociated mitigation strategies at its June 2019 meeting.
An effective Incident Response Management Plan and Crisis
Management Plan continues to be developed to grow resilienceand capabilities to anticipate, prepare, respond, rapidly recoverand minimise adverse impacts from disruptive events and criticalincidents across the University. This work will continue into 2020
with ongoing review, testing and analysis to identify vulnerabilities
and to further develop understanding and capability to respond to
disruptive or critical events.

The University’s Finance, Resources and Risk Committee maintains
effective oversight of the risk management strategies while
the Audit Committee provides assurance that risk activities are
performed. The University has adequate insurances in place toprotect the University from significant financial losses. Insurance
policies and strategies are in place to ensure University staff,
students and property are appropriately covered. The University,
in conjunction with its insurers, ensures that appropriate steps aretaken to mitigate risk and all incidents leading to potential claims arenotified to insurers in a timely and efficient manner.

External scrutiny
There were no significant findings or issues identified by any
external reviewer about the University during 2019.

Workforce planning andperformance
The University employs 4,584.2 full-time equivalent staff.
The retention rate for staff is 91.39% and the permanent
separation rate is 7.59 per cent.
The University is committed to ensuring its workforce isrepresentative of the communities it serves. Workforce plans
are part of the planning framework for academic groups andadministrative divisions and are strategically aligned with corporate
planning processes which focus on core areas—teaching andlearning, research and research training, and engagement.
Griffith continues to manage employment practices and workforce
issues through a range of strategies, initiatives, policies andemployment law. The Equity Committee provides leadership andoversight of the University’s strategic performance in equity,
diversity and inclusion. The Committee critically evaluates the
success and effectiveness of the University’s Equity, Diversity andInclusion Plan and reports annually to the Council on Plan outcomes.
Key workforce strategies include: Griffith University Strategic
Plan 2018-2019, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2018-2019,
Disability Action Plan 2018-2020, Reconciliation Action Plan, and
Our People Plan 2017-2020. A First Peoples Graduate Program iscurrently being developed.
The Our People Plan 2017-2020 is the University’s inauguralstrategic people statement. The Plan’s central premise is founded ona recognition that the capability and capacity of the workforce is key
to achieving the University’s ambitions. The Our People Plan aims tobring to life the strategies that need to be implemented to attract,
retain, develop and value both academic and professional staff.
A review of the Plan will commence in early 2020 to ensure alignment
with the new Griffith University Strategic Plan 2020-2025.

Key policies that enable the University to manage employment
issues include the Recruitment and Selection Policy and Procedure,
Code of Conduct, Personal Relationships in the Workplace,
Health and Safety Policy, Privacy Policy, Academic Staff Career
Development Framework, and various policies and/or provisionsof the enterprise agreement addressing specific employment
practices, such as leave, relocation, remuneration, performanceand professional development.
Griffith was again awarded Employer of Choice for Gender Equality
in 2019—an award conferred on the University each year since2001. We were also a finalist in the Employer of Choice category of
the Women in Technology Awards and a finalist in the Australian HR
Awards for the Best Diversity and Inclusion Program. We continued
to successfully implement our four-year Griffith Athena SWAN
Action Plan—increasing the proportion of women in STEMM. The
Gender Equality Research Network was also established to supportand showcase remarkable Griffith research on gender equality,
women’s leadership, and gender inclusivity. Griffith continued tocommit to advancing women’s careers by delivering the Women in
Leadership and Leneen Forde Leaders Program.
People and Wellbeing appointed a full-time First Peoples
Employment Consultant in mid-2019 with achievements including
re-establishing an Australian First Peoples Talent Pool and Staff
Network. We continued to see an increase in Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander employment with 67 staff as at 1 November(28 academic staff and 39 professional staff).
Achievements in LGBTIQ+ inclusion included creating Gender
Affirmation/Transitioning Guidelines and an associated workshop,
actively participating in Wear it Purple Day, IDAHOBIT Day and theBrisbane Pride March and developing and broadcasting our Griffith
LGBTIQ+ Inclusion video on social media channels. We establisheda new Griffith Pride Committee.
A review of the employee lifecycle from a disability inclusion
perspective was conducted to inform action planning into 2020.
The University is committed to a positive health, safety andwellbeing culture and supports employees with programs such as
the Employee Assistance Program, the Staff Wellbeing Program,and support for staff through the Domestic and Family Violence
Support Policy. The Staff Wellbeing program is available to all
University staff with events and activities offered throughout
the year focusing on the four key areas: Healthy Places, HealthyLifestyle, Healthy Community and Healthy Minds. The University
is working to establish an overall Healthy University Framework inwhich all these programs will be brought together in a more coordinated way to maximise utilisation and targeted interventions.

Annual Report 2019 | 15

Other governance reports
An ongoing focus will continue the further development of aleadership framework and suite of development programs for all
levels of leadership in order to strengthen the leadership’s capabilityof delivering on university strategy. In 2019 a pilot suite ofleadership programs was delivered and reviewed, and as a result awider roll-out of programs and opportunities is being developedin alignment with the Griffith University Strategic Plan 2020-2025;
to commence in 2020.
The University has two enterprise agreements covering academic
and professional and support staff, both of which have a nominal
expiry date of 30 June 2021.

Code of Conduct
The University’s Code of Conduct forms part of the terms of
employment for staff and sets out the expected standards of
behaviour of staff, including Council and University Committee
members. The Code of Conduct affirms the University’scommitment to the ethical principles set out in the Public Sector
Ethics Act 1994:••••

integrity and impartiality
promoting the public goodcommitment to the system of government
accountability and transparency.

The Code is accessible to staff, students and the public via the
University’s website, together with related integrity policies of
the University. The Code is referenced in position descriptions andoffers of appointment and advice about the contents of the Codeis included in an online induction for new staff and incorporated
into development and training programs, including the online fraudand corruption awareness course and online and in person integrity
training. Staff are reminded about the Code and other University
policies relating to integrity via an annual communication from theVice Chancellor.
An independent whistle-blower hotline for public interest disclosures
was introduced in 2018 and resources and activities have been
progressively implemented by the University in 2019 to support staff
in preventing, detecting and reporting integrity concerns.

16 | Griffith University

Information systems andrecordkeeping
The records management function is managed under the wider
umbrella of Information Management (IM) within Digital Solutions.

Improvements to recordkeeping systems•	The upgrade to the University’s main recordkeeping system wascompeted. Further staff training to continue to embed digitalrecords management is underway in key business units.
•	A Digital Asset Management project was initiated to centralisemanagement of these assets and approval workflows. This
includes the development of an Information Architecture andtaxonomy for classifying our media assets to aid discoverability
and re-use.
•	A project to centralise contract management was initiated andincludes digital signature capability for all relevant contract
types and integration with the recordkeeping system.

Communication and training•	The University focused heavily on improving information
security practices through a cybersecurity awareness campaign
targeted at both staff and students. Computer based training
modules were developed in addition to digital signage andsimulated attacks to gauge effectiveness.
•	To facilitate efforts to migrate business away from paper-based
forms with wet signatures, advice was developed for staff on
forms for digital authorisation and appropriate use.

Strategic approach to information and data•	Griffith developed a Data to Insights Strategy and Roadmap toenable and support the University’s strategic vision by deliveringfoundational capabilities and ways of working that enable theentire university community to leverage data and information
as a strategic asset. The strategy articulates a five-year
implementation roadmap, to commence in 2020.

Improving practices and process•	A What Goes Where App for Griffith staff was prototyped andis being enhanced further with the development of a Griffith
Application for searching from any device across all relevant
retention and disposal record classes. Once finalised, the new
app will include a Griffith-specific folksonomy and advice onunderstanding Retention Schedules disposal triggers to ensure
consistent application. The new app will also facilitate digital
Disposal Authorisation through workflow, replacing paperbased processes.
•	Information Management guided the successful transition of
our Legal Service business unit to fully digital business andrecordkeeping practices. This work will inform the multiyear migration project of our many on-premise document
repositories into Office 365. It also included the initiation ofdigital signature capability and introduced pen-enabled devices
to facilitate full digital business practice.
•	Online forms and embedded processes were developed,
replacing the manual burden of populating the Information AssetRegister (IAR) through a series of internal online forms. Work tofurther populate the IAR with critical assets is in progress.

Information security•	Griffith continued to refine its reporting and alerting processes.
Data Loss Prevention policies in Office 365 were reviewed
and an automated email message encryption capability was
implemented to detect and encrypt sensitive information being
shared with external bodies.
•	A Data Breach tabletop exercise with University Executive andSenior Management and an external vendor was undertaken
to test and further formalise processes and proceduressurrounding the threats of data breaches.
•	Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) was deployed to all
Corporate Services staff to reduce the risk of data leakage via
compromised accounts.
•	A password manager solution was made available to all staff toprotect and strengthen password practices to mitigate against
potential data loss through compromised passwords.
•	Cybersecurity awareness training was provided to all staff oncyber security essentials to ensure that safe practices, threat
detection and incident reporting were strengthened.
•	Improvements in security certificates were implemented for
all Wi-Fi users and devices to limit the potential for data loss tooccur through wireless traffic interception.

•	Server and network hardware have undergone operating
system hardening to limit the potential for data loss throughsystem compromise.
•	Enterprise vulnerability scanning was implemented to identify
potentially exploitable vulnerabilities which may otherwise
be compromised.
•	Cyber Security architecture standards were formalised to assist
with ensuring that security architectures are robust and resilient
to protect against unauthorised access to data.
•	Password security was increased through the planned
deployment of a detection against using data breachedpasswords in Griffith Single Sign On (SSO) systems.
•	The Information Security policy and procedure was updated
and reinforced to ensure that governance on areas of cybersecurity related to data protection were strengthened.
•	Penetration testing of the recordkeeping system wasundertaken as was a successful disaster recovery simulation.

Retention and disposal of public records•	A repeatable process for destruction of attachments in ourstudent system was developed and implemented.
•	Queensland State Archives approved a request for early
destruction of records affected by mould resulting from
improper storage.
•	No records were transferred to Queensland State Archives
in 2019.

Annual Report 2019 | 17

Other governance reports
Sustainability highlights 2019
Sustainability is a key initiative of the University’s new
Creating a future for all—Strategic Plan 2020-2025, continuing
the University’s ongoing commitment of over 40 years toenvironmental and social sustainability.
As the Sustainability Plan 2017-2020 approaches the end of its
reporting period, the University’s sustainability priorities will shift
to align with the environmental and social sustainability targets
in the Strategic Plan 2020-2025. Focus areas include carbon
emissions reduction strategies, reducing air travel emissions,maintaining campus biodiversity and ecology, and increased
engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Some key sustainability initiatives in 2019 included:•	A key action of the University’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025
was to develop an action plan to align Griffith with therecommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change by halving carbon emissions by 2030 and reducing
them to zero by 2050. Council (December 2019) endorsed theAchieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2020 report developedby an interdisciplinary project team tasked with considering
feasibility, initiatives and timeframes to reduce Griffith’s carbon
emissions by 45% (from 2010 levels) by 2030 and achieve netzero CO2 by 2050.
•	LED light fittings replacement continued to be implemented
across all campuses (expected completion in 2020). In 2018/19
this initiative included: 20,000 LED fittings installed; 41 buildings
upgraded; 1,775 tonnes reduction in carbon dioxide emissions;$332,000 savings on electricity costs, and 32 tonnes of steel, 3
tonnes of fluorescent tubes and 130kg of plastic recycled.
•	Building optimisation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning
systems continued across all campuses (expected completion inearly 2020); leading to a 15% reduction in energy consumption
in 2018/19 from 2016/17 results.

18 | Griffith University•	Chilled water modifications and tuning at Griffith Health Centre,
Gold Coast Campus (G40) to reduce electricity consumption
resulted in 10% energy consumption savings in June 2019
compared to June 2018.
•	The Sir Samuel Griffith Centre, Nathan Campus hydrogensystem was updated.
•	In 2019, the Sustainability Committee commenced discussion
and planning to develop strategies, including University policies
and behavioural change management, to reduce air travelemissions by 25% by 2021.
•	Following a successful pilot project aimed at diverting wastefrom landfill and reducing contamination of waste streams
at collection points, messaging and waste streaming will be
implemented across campuses in 2020.
•	The University entered into a whole of government, multiUniversity energy procurement arrangement with CS Energy
to source 40% of the University’s off-site generation fromrenewable sources from 2021. This agreement will significantly
reduce emissions from off-site generation, contributing to theaim of meeting the 2030 50% emissions reduction target
while also underwriting the development of a new solar farmin Queensland.
•	Mandatory recycled paper usage was introduced on all campusesin 2019 with the Sustainable Paper Procurement Initiative
officially launched during Sustainability Week, 2-6 September.
The initiative includes mandatory recycled copy paper usage inStudent Printing Services and the removal of all non-recycled
paper options from Griffith Marketplace. As a result of thisinitiative, approximately 41% of the University’s total paper
consumption now originates from 100% recycled sources.
•	Griffith continues to promote behavioural change among staff
and students by embedding sustainability policies and practices
into learning, teaching, research and operations.

Research
The Research and Innovation Plan 2017–2020 adopted by the
University Council in 2017 sets out goals required to achieve
the highest levels of international research excellence andmanage an innovation agenda to ensure the best possible societal
benefits and commercial outcomes from top quality research.
These commitments remain in alignment with the Griffith University
Strategic Plan 2020–2025, and the overarching goal to continuously
improve research performance and to deliver social dividends
through research.
Goals and commitments for Griffith’s research portfolio for theperiod 2017–2020 include:• promoting and supporting research excellence• expanding and diversifying the research income portfolio•	building a culture of research innovation that supports thetranslation of research outcomes into policy, services andproducts•	maintaining the load of high quality Higher Degree by Research(HDR) students needed to support completion targets andstudent career outcomes•	at least maintaining the total volume, and continuously
improving the quality of research outputs•	maximising the visibility of Griffith research achievements
and impact•	increasing the proportion of females in research-related roles
and research leadership positions and supporting increasing
numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HDR graduates
into research-related career tracks.

Research highlights
Goal
To promote and support research excellence

Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) outcomes
The ERA evaluation administered by the Australian Research Council(ARC) assesses the quality of the research in Australian universities
and rates individual fields of research (FoR) from 1 to 5, with
‘5 – well above world standard’ being the highest rating. The ERA
2018 outcomes, released in 2019, confirmed Griffith’s reputation
as a leading research institution, with the University doubling thenumber of top rated fields of research in 2018 (20 FoR) compared
to 2015. Griffith’s research is ranked world-standard or higher in
19 broad fields of research, with four of these—Physical Sciences,
Chemical Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Technology—
receiving the highest possible rating.

In specific fields of research, Griffith was rated world standardor above in 59 fields, of which 20 received the highest possible
rating of ‘5’ and another 21 rated at ‘4’ or above world standard.
The University has 41 fields of research rated ‘well above’ or ‘above
world standard’ distributed in all major research areas at Griffith
including health, science, environment, information technology,
business, social sciences, humanities and the creative andperforming arts.

The Excellence in Research
for Australia 2018 outcomesconfirmed Griffith’s
reputation as a leading
research institution.
Engagement and Impact (EI) assessment
The EI assessment, a companion exercise to the Excellencein Research for Australia evaluation, is an initiative under theGovernment’s National Innovation and Science Agenda launched in2015 and aimed at assessing and enhancing the societal benefitsof Australian Universities’ research. The Australian Government’s
first EI assessment outcomes confirm Griffith University’s position
as a leader in delivering high-quality research with impact. The
outcomes of the EI evaluation highlight the impact of Griffith’s
research in broad fields of research such as Health Economics, Law,
Engineering, Communication and Culture, Earth Sciences, Public andAllied Health Sciences, Built Environment and Agricultural Sciences.
Of the 18 broad fields of research assessed, 16 were rated as‘Medium’ or ‘High’ Research Impact. Research Engagement was
rated either ‘Medium’ or ‘High’ in all broad fields assessed. Research
Engagement in all FoR assessed was rated either ‘Medium’ or ‘High’.
The EI evaluation has been an opportunity for universities to better
understand and communicate the impact of their research and to
draw attention to those who benefit from or are influenced by it.

Annual Report 2019 | 19

Research
Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards
The Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards celebrate
the University’s research achievements and recognise individual
researchers and research groups who have made outstanding
contributions to both their discipline and to Griffith’s research profile.
The award winners were:•

Research Leadership Award
Professor Hamish McCallum
Environmental Futures Research Institute•

Mid-Career Researcher Award (shared)
Associate Professor Tara McGee, Griffith
Criminology Institute
Associate Professor Jun Zhou, Institute for Integrated
and Intelligent Systems•

Research Supervision Award
Professor Saroja Selvanathan, Griffith Asia Institute•

Early Career Researcher Award
Dr Lee Morgenbesser, Griffith Asia Institute and Centre forGovernance and Public Policy•

Research Group or Team Award
Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research –Professor Claire Rickard, Professor Marie Cooke, Associate
Professor Andrew Bulmer, Dr Amanda Ullman, Mrs Nicole
Marsh, Ms Tricia Kleidon, Associate Professor Josh Byrnes,
Dr Gillian Ray-Barruel, and Ms Jessica Schults, Menzies HealthInstitute Queensland

THE 2019 Young University Rankings and Asia–Pacific
University Rankings 2019
Griffith rose two places to 35th in the Times Higher Education 2019
Top 200 Universities under 50 and retained its position (42nd) in theregion’s top 50 universities of the Asia–Pacific University Rankings 2019.
The Asia–Pacific rankings consider the research and teaching efforts ofleading universities across East Asia, South East Asia and Oceania.
Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects
The Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019 saw
Griffith ranked in 37 subjects with nine of these in the global top
100. Griffith is the number one university in Australia in threesubject areas: Hospitality and Tourism Management (2nd in theworld), Nursing and Midwifery (4th in the world) and Law andCriminology (29th in the world). The University was also ranked 2ndnationally for Marine/Ocean Engineering (13th in the world).
CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019
The Leiden Ranking 2019 measures research performance of 963
universities worldwide (938 in 2018) based on the citation impact ofindexed publications (papers in the top 10% of citations worldwide)from the period 2014 to 2017. Griffith’s 2019 world rank based on
the number of publications in the top 10% rose to 264th compared to299th in 2018. The Leiden Ranking 2019 also provides results acrossfive broad discipline fields: Social Sciences and Humanities (85th),
Biomedical and Health Sciences (260th), Life and Earth Sciences(224th), Mathematics and Computer Science (298th) and PhysicalSciences and Engineering (448th). All except Life and Earth Sciences(210th in 2018) were ranked higher in 2019 compared to 2018.
2019 QS World University Rankings by Subject
Four of Griffith’s subject areas retained positions in the top 50 of
the annual 2019 QS World University Rankings by Subject: Nursing,
Performing Arts, Sport-related subjects and Hospitality and LeisureManagement, the latter again ranked in the top 20. Griffith was
ranked in 32 subject areas in 2019 compared to 28 in 2018 andretained its 9th position in Australia for number of subjects ranked.
Other subject areas where Griffith rose in the 2019 QS Rankingsby Subject during the past year were Communication and Media
Studies, Linguistics, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Sociology.

Associate Professor Jun Zhou, Institute for Integrated and Intelligent Systems,
and Associate Professor Tara McGee, Griffith, Criminology Institute

University rankings
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2020
Griffith was listed in the Top 250 of the World University Rankings
2020, placing it in the top 2 per cent of global universities. Since
2015 Griffith has been placed in the 251–300 range, with theTimes Higher Education Rankings in September 2019 showing the
University’s rise into the Top 250, matching its 242nd placein the 2019 US News Best Global Universities ranking.
20 | Griffith University

The Australian Higher Education Special Research Supplement
Griffith again made the list of leading research institutions inAustralia with researchers identified in The Australian Higher
Education Special Research Supplement as leaders in their respective
fields. The research leaders’ list is based on analysis of publicly
available up-to-date data for all Australian researchers. Griffith islisted as Lead institution in 14 fields of research, with five of ourresearchers listed as Field Leaders. Two Griffith researchers areamong the ‘Rising Stars’, Australia’s top 40 researchers who are lessthan 10 years into their careers. Griffith’s leading experts according
to The Australian Research Leaders’ List is below:

Discipline

Leading Researcher

2019 ARC Future Fellowship

Business, Economics& Management

Professor Beverley Sparks

Business, Economics& Management

Professor Tony Townsend

Engineering & Computer Science

Professor Dong-Sheng Jeng

Health & Medical Sciences

Professor Jennifer Fenwick

Physics & Mathematics

Professor David Lloyd

Professor Renee Jeffery from the Griffith Asia Institute was awarded$913,150 for a four-year ARC Future Fellowship grant commencing in2020 titled National human rights institutions and transitional justicein Asia. The project will examine the roles played by National Human
Rights Institutions (NHRI) in six Asian countries that have undergone
political transitions, from authoritarian rule to democracy, or fromconflict to a post-conflict peace process, including Indonesia, thePhilippines, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Timor-Leste. The Danish
Institute for Human Rights, the only NHRI with a global mandate willserve as a host institution and research partner.

Source: The Australian’s Research Leaders’ List 2019

Research income
Goal
To expand and diversify the research income portfolio

2019 Higher Education Research Data Collection of
Research Income for 2018
The Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC) comprises
research income data submitted by universities each year to the
Commonwealth Department of Education. Data collected from
HERDC is used, along with data from the Higher Education Student
Collection, for determining Commonwealth research block funding
allocations to universities. Griffith’s HERDC reportable research
income for 2018 was $79.1 million, an increase of $6 million(8.35 per cent) over the 2017 total research income figure of$73 million reported. Griffith recorded an increase of $1.4 million inAustralian Competitive Grants income (Category 1), and $7.5 million
for Industry and Other Funding for Research (Category 3). Griffith
recorded decreases of $2.1 million for Other Public Sector Research
Funding (Category 2) and of $814,000 for Cooperative ResearchCentre Funding (Category 4).

Australian Research Council and National Healthand Medical Research Council funding
In 2019 Griffith was awarded more than $8 million across ARC
Discovery Projects, Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards,
Linkage Project grants, a Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment andFacilities grant, and an ARC Future Fellowship.

NHMRC Investigator Grants
Dr Lauren Ball from the Menzies Health Institute Queensland
was awarded $1,526,912 for her Emerging Leadership Level 2
Fellowship NHMRC Investigator Grant titled Capitalising on the
Potential of the Primary Care Setting to Facilitate Healthy Eatingin the Australian Population.
Professor Michael Good AO from the Institute for Glycomics wasawarded $1,501,595 for his Leadership Level 3 Fellowship NHMRC
Investigator Grant titled Novel Vaccine Technology to Translate
Knowledge of Immuno-Pathogenesis into Vaccines and Therapeutics.
NHMRC Partnership Grant
Associate Professor Dianne Shanley, Professor Melanie
Gimmer‑Zembeck, Professor Sheena Reilly, Professor Robert Ware,
Associate Professor Joshua Byrnes, Professor Sharyn RundleThiele and Professor Amanda Wheeler, Menzies Health Institute
Queensland were awarded $1,070,761 for a NHMRC Partnership
Grant titled A Tiered Approach to the Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorder in Remote Indigenous Primary Care Settings.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) Grant
Associate Professor Igor Litvinyuk, from the Centre for Quantum
Dynamics (CQD) will lead a Griffith team including Professor Robert
Sang (CQD) and Professor Nam-Trung Nguyen (QMNC), whowere awarded $744,000 for procuring a Multi-kilohertz laser for
attosecond and ultrafast science.

The University continued its success in securing Australiancompetitive grants through the National Health and Medical
Research Council (NHMRC) being awarded $11.9 million in 2019
across Investigator Grants, Partnership Projects, Clinical trials andCohort Studies Grants, Ideas Grants, and Development Grants.

Selection of major grants in 2019
Some examples of Griffith University’s major research projects
awarded funding during 2019 are as follows:

Professor Nam-Trung Nguyen and Professor Robert Sang

Annual Report 2019 | 21

Research
Griffith a major partner in the Blue Economy Cooperative
Research Centre
Griffith is a major partner in the Blue Economy Cooperative ResearchCentre, which will benefit from $259 million in cash and in-kind
support from partners in Australia and six other countries, and $70
million from the Australian Government. The CRC led by Universityof Tasmania will be supported by core partners Griffith University,
The University of Queensland and CSIRO, bringing together expertisein the seafood, marine renewable energy and offshore marine
engineering sectors to deliver innovative solutions that willtransform the way we use oceans. The expected benefits equate to$4.44 billion of impact to be achieved by five research programs:
Offshore Engineering and Technology, Seafood and Marine Products,
Offshore Renewable Energy Systems, Environment and Ecosystems
and Sustainable Offshore Developments.

Research benefit
Goal
To build a culture of research innovation that supports the translationof research outcomes into policy, services and products
With more than 1,400 experts conducting research across all major
academic disciplines and research institutes and centres, there isenormous demand for Griffith’s expertise, research capabilities,
and knowledge “intellectual assets” to be utilised by government,
industry, and the community. Griffith University’s researchers areproviding innovative, multidisciplinary and proactive solutions for arange of beneficiaries.
Examples of current projects include:

Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research(ACIAR) grants

Griffith partners with Hong Kong pharmaceutical company todevelop parainfluenza drug

Professor Helen Wallace, Environmental Futures Research Institute,and researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast, wereawarded an Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research
grant of $3 million for the project Enhancing Private Sector-led
Development of the Canarium Industry in PNG-Phase 2.

Griffith University signed an exclusive licensing deal to co-develop adrug to effectively treat human para¬influenza virus. The new drug
is being developed by a team led by Professor Mark von Itzstein AO,
Director of the University’s Institute for Glycomics.
MAIC BioSpine $2 million project

Professor Chengrong Chen, Dr Mehran Rezaei Rashti, Dr Georgette
Leah Burns, Associate Professor Jim Smart, and Dr Maryam
Esfandbod, from the Australian Rivers Institute have been awarded
an Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research grant of$2 million for the project Land management of diverse rubber-based
systems in southern Philippines.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia
Awards grants
Dr Haitham Tuffaha, Associate Professor Andreas Chai, Professor
Paul Scuffham, Associate Professor Naomi Sunderland, Dr Shannon
Rutherford, Dr Chi-kin Law, Associate Professor Nicholas Rohde,
Professor Tony Makin, and Dr Katrina Radford were awarded an
Australia Awards Papua New Guinea grant, from the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade, of $1,199,195 for the project
Australia Awards PNG Graduate Certificate in Health Economics.
National Heart Foundation of Australia Grant
Professor Michael Good AO, Dr Michael Batzloff, Dr Manisha
Pandey, Dr Simone Reynolds, and Dr Mehfuz Zaman, from theInstitute for Glycomics were awarded a Stroke Prevention Grant
from the National Heart Foundation of Australia of $2,790,000
for the project Testing the efficacy of vaccines to prevent infection
with group A streptococcus—the causative agent of rheumatic heartdisease-related stroke.

22 | Griffith University

The Motor Accident Insurance Commission awarded $2 million to
the project Development and testing of a novel neural restoration
technology for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) led by Professor
David Lloyd. The project, known as BioSpine, will apply Digital Twintechnology through an electroencephalogram (EEG) interface
combined with virtual reality and biosensors to restore interrupted
motor and sensory connections in the spine. The project has thepotential to transform the way spinal injury patients are rehabilitatedand has application for a range of other forms of rehabilitation
as well. Combined with safe, off-the-shelf drugs Biospine
could enhance rehabilitation and recovery resulting in enhanced
independence of individuals with SCI over time, including thepotential to return to free movement without assistive devices.

Imagine using your mind
to drive movement in yourmuscles despite previously
insurmountable obstacles
like quadriplegia.
Dr Dinesh Palipana

Mango Agribusiness Program
Professor Robin Roberts leads Griffith’s agribusiness research programand coordinates an international network of researchers across five
ACIAR research projects to develop a mango agribusiness program.
The mango agribusiness program is bringing together mango supply
chain stakeholders and researchers from seven countries—Cambodia,
Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Pakistan, Vietnam and Australia—
designed to understand the lucrative Chinese mango market andimprove livelihoods for smallholder mango producers.
Reoffending rates reduced under new Griffith model
The Triple S Study—Social Supports in Supervision designed by
Griffith University criminologist Dr Lacey Schaefer and trialled at aprobation and parole district office in South East Queensland wasfound to reduce reoffending rates by 28%. Dr Schaefer has worked
as an academic consultant with Queensland Corrective Services(QCS) examining the training undertaken by probation and parole
officers and identified potential gaps between current and bestpractice and made recommendations for reform.
US grant for vital cholera research
Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM and Dr Claudio Pizzolato working with the Digital
Twin technology

Malaria Vaccine PlasProtecT™ Clinical Trial
Professor Michael Good AO, and Dr Danielle Stanisic from theInstitute for Glycomics, were awarded a Medical Research Future
Fund—Accelerated Research Program grant of $500,000 for the
project A vaccine for malaria: An Australian concept and development
strategy. The funding will support ongoing human clinical trials
that aim to test the effectiveness of a world-first malaria vaccine
candidate named PlasProtecT™.

Griffith’s Institute for Glycomics will share in a significant US‑funded
grant awarded by the National Institute for Health (NIH) for a
two-year research project investigating the role of Vibrio cholera(V. cholerae) in causing widespread cholera epidemics. Cholera isan acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or watercontaminated with this bacterium. Researchers have estimatedthat every year there are roughly 1.3 to 4.0 million cases, and21,000 to 143,000 deaths worldwide due to cholera. Professor
Victoria Korolik, grant recipient and one of the research leaders at
the Institute for Glycomics, will be a Co-Investigator on the projectin collaboration with researchers from the University of California,
Santa Cruz.
DNA enabling repatriation of ancient Aboriginal remains

Professor Michael Good AO and Dr Danielle Stanisic continue to work on developing a malaria vaccine

Researchers from Griffith University’s Australian Research Centre
for Human Evolution (ARCHE) collaborated with Aboriginal Elders
and communities across Queensland and New South Wales, as wellas the Queensland Museum and international researchers to analyse
DNA extracted from ancient remains. Led by Griffith’s Professor
David Lambert, with Dr Joanne Wright and Dr Sally Wasef, thestudy published in Science Advances has determined the origin ofAboriginal remains enabling their ‘return to Country’ or repatriation.
To achieve this result, the team constructed an Australia-wide
genomic map using 100 complete nuclear DNA sequences from
Aboriginal Australians living at many locations across Australia.
By comparing the ancient genomic sequences to these modern
ones, they were able to accurately identify the closest relative of
those ancient people and therefore identify their original Placeand Country. Over the course of nearly six years, the ARCHE teamextracted DNA from 27 ancient pre-European settlement remainsof known provenance from sites in Queensland and NSW.

Annual Report 2019 | 23

Research
Griffith’s Institute for Glycomics to participate in
US‑funded CRC
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, one of
the National Institutes of Health in the US, announced awards toestablish four international Cooperative Research Centres which
will focus on the development of vaccines to prevent sexuallytransmitted infections. The grants will support collaborative,
multidisciplinary research on the pathogens that cause gonorrhoea,
chlamydia and syphilis. All the centres funded through this new
program involve multiple research institutions across the UnitedStates as well as international collaborators. Associate Professor
Kate Seib from Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics will be
a project leader involved in one of these four key research centres,
focusing on gonorrhoea. The centre will receive US$9.25 million(approximately AU$13.2 million) over a period of five years to fundtheir research proposal titled Starve and Kill: Engineered Antigens
Targeting Nutrient Acquisition Pathways Essential for Gonococcal
Infection and Disease.

Gold Coast Biobank
The new Gold Coast Biobank established by the Menzies HealthInstitute Queensland was officially opened in August 2019. Biobank
is a purpose-built, bio-storage facility key for translational clinicalresearch storing up to 100,000 samples including sample donations
for research into cures for chronic diseases. Biobank is an importantresource where people donate samples for research into findingcures for chronic diseases.

Research infrastructure and resources
Goal
To promote and support research excellence
Research Infrastructure Co-Investment Fund (RICF) grant for
Compounds Australia
The Queensland Government contributed to the upgrade of
Griffith’s Compounds Australia with a $1.8 million Research
Infrastructure Co-Investment Fund grant. The Project will underpin
high capacity storage and faster turnaround times enabling a more
responsive research service.

Professor Nigel McMillan, Program Director at Menzies Health Institute

Griffith to share in $4.59 million Queensland Government RICF
Griffith University’s Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre(QMNC) will share in $4.59 million in Queensland Government
RICF funding for its research and industry projects such as clean
energy technology and sensors for harsh environments. Minister
for Science and Environment Leanne Enoch MP announced thefunding for the Australian National Fabrication Facility—Queensland
Node (ANFF-Q) housed within Queensland Microtechnology Facility(QMF) of QMNC and at the University of Queensland.
Launch of Coastal Engineering Research Field Station
Monitoring Buoy

Griffith’s Compounds Australia

24 | Griffith University

Research into the impacts of wild weather and climate changeon the Gold Coast was enhanced with the launch of a monitoring
buoy nicknamed ‘Big Bird’. ‘Big Bird’s’ launch formally marks theestablishment of the Coastal Engineering Research Field Station(or CERFS) with further studies to help planners ‘future proof’ theGold Coast’s beaches and waterways against the impacts of climatechange and extreme storms. The project is led by Professor Rodger
Tomlinson, Foundation Director of the Griffith Centre for Coastal
Management and will monitor ocean currents, water temperature,
sediment movement and water quality off South Stradbroke Island.
The $1.46 million research program is being funded through the
ARC’s 2018 Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme($890,000) with cash and in-kind contributions from participatingorganisations: The University of Queensland, University of Newcastle,
the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) and the City ofGold Coast.

Research training

Three-Minute Thesis Competition—Griffith Final 2019

Goal

The Griffith Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Final was held on
11 September 2019. The winner was Peta Zivec PhD candidate
in Griffith Sciences who represented Griffith at the annualAsia–Pacific 3MT final on 4 October with her presentation
Understanding pathways of revegetating abandoned farming
lands in a changing climate. Lynn Nazareth from Griffith Healthwas Runner-up and also took out the People’s Choice awards
for her presentation Glia: The (unknown) Guardians of the Brain.

To maintain the load of high quality HDR students needed to supportcompletion targets and student career outcomes2019 Scholarships, Commencements and Completions
The continuous scholarship round model was launched in 2019with 98 scholarships awarded throughout the year based on quality(the top 50% of eligible applicants) or strategic grounds, with a
90% acceptance rate. A total of 773 applications were subsequently
received in the end of year scholarship round and 340 applications(44%) were assessed as meeting the highest level for admission(Honours 1 or equivalent) of which 235 were allocated a scholarshipduring the December 2019 scholarship selection meeting. The First
Peoples HDR cohort grew to 43 (38 Doctoral and 5 Masters) in
2019, with 10 First Peoples applicants accepting centrally-fundedscholarships (with top-ups). As at the end of November 2019,
HDR conferrals were at 334, including four First Peoples Doctoralcompletions. The number of 2019 HDR commencements was
479 and HDR load was 1,493 full-time equivalent (FTE).
Two Griffith HDR students are recipients of Microsoft “AI for
Earth” Azure Awards
Two Griffith University PhD researchers are among only six
recipients in Australia to be awarded an artificial intelligence“AI for Earth” Azure Award from Microsoft to access data thatwill help in the development of a carbon interchange model ofgreen stormwater infrastructure in cities like the Gold Coast.
Emad Kavehei is in his final year of PhD candidature at Griffith’sCities Research Institute (CRI), supervised by Dr Graham Jenkins,
Dr Fernanda Adame and Professor Charles Lemckert (retired).
Abdul Karim is in his first year at Griffith’s Institute for Integrated
and Intelligent Systems supervised by Professor Abdul Sattar.
Griffith University is one of only two Australian universities tobe awarded the Azure Award in this round of grants.
Award for Excellence in Graduate Research Education
Griffith University’s Professor Rod Barrett received the 2019 Award
for Excellence in Graduate Research Supervision from the AustralianCouncil of Graduate Research. Established in 2017, the national
awards promote outstanding performance in higher degree researchsupervision, leadership and industry engagement. Professor Barrett,from the School of Allied Health Sciences is a leading researcher inthe field of musculoskeletal biomechanics and to date has supervised
24 HDR candidates to completion, including 20 PhDs and four
research masters. This includes 10 PhD completions in the past five
years, all using a co-supervision approach and co-authoring
45 refereed journal articles with his PhD candidates/graduates.

Griffith PhD graduates recognised at 2019 Outstanding
Alumnus Awards
On 6 September 2019, Dr Kerry Bodle Senior Lecturer, Griffith
Business School won the Outstanding First People’s Alumnus
Award, and Nepalese-born conservationist Dr Hum Gurung won
the Outstanding International Alumnus Award.
Griffith launches Australian-first HDR outcomes website
Griffith launched HDR Reconnect, a new higher degree by research(HDR) outcomes website which is providing valuable new career
pathways data and highlighting positive employment outcomes for
the University’s graduates. Griffith reconnected with more than athird of its PhD and research masters (HDR) graduates, who number
about 4000 since the first cohort of students graduated in thelate 1970s. Key data, such as employment, earnings outcomes andcareer history were tabulated to make the information available
via an online dashboard—the first of its kind in Australia. The data
are showing that 90% of the 1416 graduates surveyed foundemployment at one-year post-graduation, with most of them(85%) currently in full-time positions.
Australia Council Fellowship for PhD Candidate
Queensland Conservatorium doctoral candidate Cathy Milliken
won a prestigious Australia Council Fellowship, worth $80,000
over two years which will fund an international research project
into participatory music-making. The fellowship will fund a Doctorof Musical Arts project that will bring together community choirs
across Europe to create a new version of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy
to mark the composer’s 250th birthday in 2020.

Annual Report 2019 | 25

Research
Research outputs

Griffith’s Physical Sciences research—Nature Index

Goal
To at least maintain the total volume, and to continuously improve
quality of research outputs

Griffith University ranked 9th in Australia in Physical Sciences
research performance, according to the latest Nature Index.
The Index considers authorship and number of scientific papers
published in the top leading journals in physical sciences.

Griffith’s research output in 2018–2019

Research highlights

Griffith’s academic staff produced more than 3,740 research
publications in 2018 (Elsevier Scopus database), a similar volume tothat produced in 2017. The most prolific research areas were Medicine,Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Engineering. In 2019
Griffith’s publications showed a similar trend and an increase in volume
with more than 3,900 outputs indexed (as at 10 February 2020).

Griffith researcher dates bones of a new Homo species foundin Philippines

Based on the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science metrics, 42% of
Griffith’s 2018 articles were published in academic journals classified
in the top quartile (Q1) based on citation and reputation. This is an
influential factor for the academic impact of research publications.
Griffith’s average citation impact for 2018 in all research areas is 1.43,
which means that average citation counts are above world’s average(=1) and in line with the Australian baseline also at 1.43 (citation data
based on Clarivate Analytics update on 29 January 2020).
Griffith’s Highly Cited Researcher
Professor Huijun Zhao was once again named as a Highly Cited
Researcher by the Web of Science Group which recognises theworld’s most influential researchers of the past decade by the
production of multiple highly-cited papers that rank in the top
1 per cent by citations for field.

Professor Huijun Zhao, Director of the Centre for Clean Environment and Energy

26 | Griffith University

A Griffith University researcher was part of the international
multidisciplinary team that discovered a new species of hominid.
The new species named Homo luzonensis was described in the
Nature paper A new species of Homo from the Late Pleistoceneof the Philippines. Professor Rainer Grün, Director of Griffith’sAustralian Research Centre for Human Evolution (ARCHE) andco-author of the paper used uranium series analysis to date theteeth and bones from three small hominid individuals.
New book: Cultural History of the Bushranger Legend in
Theatres and Cinemas
A new book by Griffith Film School graduate Andrew Couzens looks
at the way Australian bushrangers, outlaws and larrikins have featured
on the stage and screen. A Cultural History of the Bushranger Legendin Theatres and Cinemas, 1828–2017 charts the bushranger legendfrom colonial theatre productions to contemporary Australian cinema.
London-based publisher, Anthem Press have added the book to theirseries on Australian cultural histories.

Professor Vicky Avery, Principal Research Leader Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery

Griffith leukaemia stem cells research

New book, e-HRM: Digital Approaches, Directions & Applications

Professor Vicky Avery and Dr Catalina Carrasco-Pozo, from the
Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery are Griffith authors of a paper
published in the journal Nature in December 2019 titled HBO1
is required for the maintenance of leukaemia stem cells. The teamof predominantly Australian researchers found a form of enzyme
crucial to the function of leukaemia stem cells and looked at ways
to inhibit this. The paper forges the way for clinical translation andis a step in the fight against acute myeloid leukaemia.

Associate Professor Mohan Thite, from the Centre for Work,
Organisation and Wellbeing, explores the field of HR technology in
his new book, e-HRM: Digital Approaches, Directions & Applications.
Dr Thite’s book argues that although technology is a key enabler for
faster, cheaper and better delivery of HR services, it can also haveunintended negative effects such as potential risks of corporate
data exposure in using cloud technology, the digital divide,
information overload and anxiety.

Queensland State Archives first Artist-in-Residence

Staffing and equity

Queensland College of Art lecturer Dr Jason Nelson is the
Queensland State Archives first Artist-in-Residence and wascommissioned to create seven installations, combining elementsof old archival equipment and new digital media. Dr Nelson
spent several months exploring the collection, using old papers,
photographs, videos and objects to create new digital andinteractive artworks. Dr Nelson used interactive digital art andpoetry to explore alternative trajectories with Queensland’s history,
creating a series of art installations that allow people to engage withthe collection. Dr Nelson’s artworks were projected onto the William
Jolly Bridge at South Bank as part of the residency and several
installations will be kept permanently in the archives and repurposed
to showcase different aspects of the collection. The resulting
exhibition, The Wonders of Lost Trajectories, was on display at the
Queensland State Archives through February 2019.

Goal
To increase the proportion of females in research-related roles, andresearch leadership positions
To support increasing numbers of Indigenous HDR graduates into
research-related career tracks
Changing Health Systems
Changing Health Systems (CHESS) was established as a newresearch program under the Economic, Policy and Innovation Centre
for Health Systems (EPIC Health Systems), within Menzies HealthInstitute Queensland. This Group will take a person-centred, holisticcare approach to health systems, while focusing on the social,emotional and cultural wellbeing of the community as well as theindividual. CHESS will be co-led by Associate Professor Dianne
Shanley and Professor Amanda Wheeler who are both leaders incommunity-based health research.
Annual Report 2019 | 27

Research
Griffith’s new Homicide Research Unit

Hub for Global Health Security

Griffith’s new Homicide Research Unit is building on the University’s
Violence Research and Prevention Program and is working closelywith government and non-government agencies on homicide
prevention research and how to lessen the impact of homicide on
Australian families and communities. The HRU, led by Director Dr
Samara McPhedran, will take on a wide range of different projects,
including looking at risk factors for homicide offending, impactsof homicide on children, and evaluating various intervention andsupport programs. HRU academics will be applying their knowledge
and skills towards helping the various agencies in finding practicaland effective strategies to reduce homicide offending, dealing withhomicide offenders in the justice system, and providing support tovictims’ families.

The Centre for Environment and Population Health (CEPH) Hub
for Global Health Security opened at Griffith’s Nathan campus
on 22 July, providing a space for international and Australian
researchers to collaborate on public health projects. According to
CEPH Director Professor Cordia Chu the key objective is to build
capacity to strategically address priority health security issues
with a focus on climate change-related extreme weather events,
floods and emerging infectious disease outbreaks. The Hub will
coordinate a network of international and in-country networks on
global health security which can help link the many sectors working
on these health issues. The CEPH Hub has an Indo-Pacific focus andincludes a multi-office suite housing three country program offices
in China, Indonesia, Vietnam.

Indigenous HDR Candidates Kungullanji Summer
Research Program

John Mulvaney Fellowship from the Australian Academy of
the Humanities

Griffith University’s Kungullanji Summer Research Program
celebrated its fifth anniversary at the Kungullanji Indigenous
Research Conference in February 2019. Kungullanji, an Aboriginal
word of the Yugambeh language, means “to think”, and the program
offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students research
placements in a range of research centres, institutes and schools
during the summer break. Scholars attend research training
workshops and cultural support sessions while undertaking theirresearch project under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Dr Harry van Issum, School of Humanities, Languages and Social
Science, received the first John Mulvaney Fellowship from theAustralian Academy of the Humanities. The fellowship funds work
undertaken by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander early career
researcher. Dr van Issum will travel to the United Kingdom to assist
in the repatriation of skeletal remains of the Woppaburra people
now in London’s Natural History Museum.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students showcased the resultsof their summer research project, presenting a seminar and research
poster at the conference on 12 February. Elizabeth Godfrey, aMaster of International Law student and fourth time participant,won this year’s most outstanding presentation award, with Bachelorof Psychological Science student Brock Little awarded runner-up
for his presentation. Melissa Stannard, a Bachelor of Visual Arts inContemporary Australian Indigenous Art student, won the mostoutstanding poster award, with Bachelor of Social Work student
Shantara Noyes awarded runner-up for her poster.

Debbie Bargallie, Griffith Institute for Educational Research won
the Stanner Award for an analysis of racism in the Australian PublicService. The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Studies issues the biennial award for best manuscript byan Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander scholar.

The conference showcased two Griffith Architecture students,
Megan Westrop and Tahlia Steadman who are working with
Associate Professor Leigh Shutter and Dr Henry Skates from the
School of Engineering and Built Environment on a project to digitally
record traditional culturally significant sites.
The Kungullanji Summer Research Program has supported morethan 80 research placements, creating opportunities and pathways
for many of these students who have then progressed to honours,
masters and PhD programs. Also, the Kungullanji program has had
a positive impact on student retention with 91.49% of Kungullanji’sparticipants remaining in their studies, compared with the 78.4%
retention rate for all Griffith University domestic undergraduates.

28 | Griffith University

Stanner Award

Adjunct Law Professor wins Woman Lawyer of the Year
Adjunct Law Professor Dr Bridget Cullen was recognised for her workin supporting women in the legal profession. Dr Cullen, an appointed
member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, received the 2019
Leneen Forde AC Woman Lawyer of the Year Award from the Women
Lawyers Association of Queensland.
Professor Debra Henly appointed to peak national
science body
Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Debra Henly wasappointed as a board member of the National Science andTechnology Advisory Council. Professor Henly is one of six ofAustralia’s most prominent scientists to be appointed to the peakscience advisory body. The Council will focus on the key science andtechnology challenges facing Australia, providing expert advice on
issues such as health, emerging technologies and education.

Professor Mark von Itzstein AO, Founder and Director Institute for Glycomics

Researcher awards

New Griffith Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities

Goal

Professor Gerry Docherty, Dean Research and Professor of Phonetics
in the Arts, Education and Law Group was elected to the AustralianAcademy of the Humanities, the highest honour for humanities
achievement in Australia. Professor Docherty has been recognised asa linguist specialising in sociolinguistics and socio-phonetics, studies
of perception, speech processing and cross-linguistic prosody.

To maximise the visibility of Griffith research achievements
and impacts

Prestigious Honours and Fellowships
Institute for Glycomics Director named Officer of theOrder of Australia
Professor Mark von Itzstein AO, Founder and Director of Griffith
University’s Institute for Glycomics, was officially named as an
Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia in the General Division for
distinguished service to medical research and education in thefield of structural biology and glycochemistry and as a mentor.
New Griffith Fellows of the Academy of the Social Sciencesin Australia
Two Griffith staff members were elected Fellows of the Academyof the Social Sciences in Australia in recognition of their sustained
and internationally distinguished contribution to their field:
Professor Carolyn Evans, Vice Chancellor and President wasrecognised for her expertise on religious freedom in bothinternational and domestic law, as well as working in Australianconstitutional law and human rights law.
Professor Renée Jeffery, Professor, School of Government andInternational Relations was elected in recognition of her significant
contributions to two main areas in the study of International
Relations: i) emotions in international relations and ethics, andii) conflict, justice and human rights in the Asia–Pacific.

2019 Global Oral Health Research Award
Emeritus Professor Newell Johnson received the 2019 Global Oral
Health Research Award from the prestigious International Association
for Dental Research (IADR). Emeritus Professor Johnson wasrecognised at the Opening Ceremonies of the 97th General Session& Exhibition of the IADR. His research covers epidemiology, aetiology,
pathogenesis, diagnostic markers and management of commonand serious oral/head and neck diseases, particularly dental caries,
periodontal diseases, head and neck cancer and HIV/AIDS.
Fellow of the Australasian Society for Study of Brain
Impairment
Professor Tamara Ownsworth was awarded a Fellow of theAustralasian Society for Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI). Professor
Ownsworth received this prestigious honour for her contribution to
the field of brain impairment and her work with ASSBI.
Australasian Universities Tourism and Hospitality Education
Fellows Award
Dr Sarah Gardiner was the recipient of an Australasian Universities
Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) Fellows Award
for Excellence in Research, awarded at the CAUTHE Conferencein February.

Annual Report 2019 | 29

Research
Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of FameARC College of Experts

Professor Wendy Moyle and Associate Professor Amanda Ullman
were recognised at the 30th International Nursing Research
Congress in Canada. Professor Moyle known for her researchon dementia, depression and delirium was inducted into theInternational Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame for her lifetime ofachievements. Associate Professor Ullman was presented withthe 2019 Emerging Nursing Research Award.

The ARC College of Experts now includes Professor Andrew O’Neil,
Dean Research and Professor of Political Science from the Griffith
Business School.

Best Nursing Free Paper
Professor Wendy Chaboyer and her team including Dr Frances Lin
and Professor Lukman Thalib won the Best Nursing Free Paper atthe 43rd Australian and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting on
Intensive Care (11–13 October 2018 Adelaide, South Australia).

2019 Fresh Science Competition
A Griffith University researcher investigating how life support
machines can cause life-threatening complications won the Judge’sAward in the 2019 Fresh Science Competition. A Queensland finalist
in the 2019 Fresh Science Competition, Gold Coast based PhD
candidate Antony McNamee was recognised for delivering the best
public presentation of his research within a minute. His research
involves working to improve mechanical life support systems byassessing the damage they can have on the blood of critically illpatients, also creating life-threatening complications.

ECR Best Health Services and Policy Research Paper
Dr Haitham Tuffaha was awarded the 2018 Health Services
Research Association of Australia and New Zealand Best HealthServices and Policy Research Paper by an early career researcher(ECR) for his work titled Cost-effectiveness analysis of germ-line
BRCA testing in women with breast cancer and cascade testing infamily members of mutation carriers.
Life Sciences Women of Influence Award 2019
GRIDD Director Professor Kathy Andrews won the Life Sciences
Women of Influence Award 2019. Presented at the Life Sciences
Queensland GENE Awards ceremony at the State Library of
Queensland, the Women of Influence Award recognises an individual
female for her endeavours, passion and dedication to the life
sciences industry.

Gold Award—2019 Australian Crime and ViolencePrevention Awards
Griffith University researchers were part of a Queensland Police
Service-led project which received a gold award in the 2019
Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards. The First Drinks:First Impressions Harm reduction through police engagement project
involved police working with Griffith researchers to engage withpatrons entering the Surfer’s Paradise night-time entertainment
district, offering them a breathalyser test and providing feedbackon their results.
Magdalene-Schoch Fellowship
Professor Susanne Kastedt from the Griffith Criminology Institute
was awarded a prestigious 2019 Magdalene-Schoch Fellowshipfrom the University of Hamburg. The fellowship commemorates
the first woman awarded the permission of professorship of law
in Germany in 1932. During her two-month fellowship, Professor
Karstedt will work with a group of criminologists at the University of
Hamburg on comparative crime and justice issues.
National awards for Griffith safety expert

Professor Kathy Andrews, Director Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery

30 | Griffith University

Safety Science Innovation Lab academic, Dr Tristan Casey, helped
develop and implement a frontline safety leadership program with
Teys Australia, which has twice been recognised at the annual
National Safety Awards of Excellence: Best Safety Leadership
Program Award and the Pinnacle Award for Excellence in WHS.
The program is based on the LEAD model, co-created withresearchers from Curtin University and from The Universityof Queensland (UQ) and the model is a tripartite collaboration
between industry, academia, and state government, as Tristan
partnered with Teys Australia as part of his PhD research whileworking at the Office of Industrial Relations.

Griffith water science research leader appointment as‘Earth Commissioner’Top 30 most inspiring and influential women in robotics
internationally

Professor Stuart Bunn, Director of Griffith’s Australian Rivers Institute,is one of 19 leading scientists announced by international researchorganisation Future Earth to co-chair the Earth Commission. The
Earth Commission is a world-first holistic attempt to establish global
and regional scientific targets for a stable planet, including land, water,
oceans and biodiversity, alongside climate. The Earth Commission
will commence a high-level synthesis of scientific knowledge on
the biophysical processes that regulate Earth’s stability and targets
to ensure this stability, scheduled for completion by 2021. The 19
commissioners include leading scientists in both natural and social
sciences from 13 countries: Argentina, Australia (2), China (2), France,
Germany (2), Ghana, India, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands (2), the United
Kingdom, and the United States (4).

Professor Wendy Moyle, Director of Menzies Health Institute
Queensland Healthcare Practice and Survivorship Program, wasannounced as one of Robohub’s 2019 ‘30 Women in Robotics youneed to know about’ list. Professor Moyle‘s research is centred onbest practice in the care of older people and in particular, those withdementia. She recently completed the largest and most rigorous
trial of a social robot in dementia care. Within her social robotics
laboratory, she evaluates new and existing technologies, and works
internationally with engineers and IT specialists in the developmentof new technologies.

Queensland Award for Excellence in Experimental MusicDr Leah Barclay, Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre,
won the Queensland Award for Excellence in Experimental Musicat the 2019 APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association)
Art Music Awards for her Listening Underwater project. The
large‑scale acoustic ecology project drew on more than a decadeof Dr Barclay’s underwater recordings from freshwater and marine
ecosystems across the globe, from coastal mangroves in Mexico
to frozen rivers in Norway, the iconic Great Barrier Reef and thecoastline of Queensland including K’Gari (Fraser Island).

2019 Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Awards
An electronic road sign project Substation33 co-developed by
Griffith University and Logan City Council was awarded one of eight2019 Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Awards. Substation33
produced low-cost automatic flood warning signs made withrecycled e-waste, which were developed for Logan’s Flooded Roads
Smart Warning System to enhance commuter safety. Dr Jarrod
Trevathan, from Griffith’s School of Information and Communications
Technology and Institute for Integrated and Intelligent Systems,
accepted the award on behalf of Griffith. The resilience awards
recognise projects that have helped Queensland communities better
prepare for natural disasters and emergencies. Substation33 is asocial enterprise electronic waste recycling centre, based in Logan,that turns old laptops, computers and household appliances into
innovations such as electric bicycles, Bluetooth speakers and a solar
trailer to provide power to local festivals for free.
Honorary Research Fellowship at the University of Oxford
Vocational education and training expert, Professor Stephen Billett,
was awarded an Honorary Research Fellowship at the University of
Oxford where he will work on a collaborative study about professional
competencies. While at Oxford Professor Billett will deliver apresentation on a national study he conducted across 19 Australian
universities about how to enrich university students’ learning throughtheir workplace experiences. Professor Billett was also invited by
UNESCO to lead a workshop to assist the development and uptake of
workplace learning in the Southern Mediterranean area.

Dr Leah Barclay using hydrophones to record aquatic ecosystems

Former Griffith Pro Vice Chancellor (Health) to chairChildren’s Health Research Alliance
Research Professor in the School of Medicine at Griffith University,
Professor Allan Cripps AO was appointed the new chair of theChildren’s Health Research Alliance, which is a joint initiative ofChildren’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service and theChildren’s Hospital Foundation.

Annual Report 2019 | 31

Learning, teaching and the student experience
The University’s reputation as a sector leader in learning and teachinginnovation, and our deep commitment to delivering a remarkable
student experience remained central motivators in 2019. Within thecontext of a developing Strategic Plan 2020-2025, Griffith continued
the implementation of its Academic Plan (2017-2020) strategies andembraced a shifting landscape to pursue innovation and excellence inthe services it provides to students.
Implementing our Digital First strategy remained a priority, withaspirations to enhance the student experience with intuitive andintegrated digital technologies. The Digital campus remained our thirdlargest and fastest growing campus and we continued to grow ouronline presence, including MOOCs and micro-credentials. Griffith
Credentials launched in 2019, in partnership with Credly's Acclaim
platform, to offer students a digital version of their qualifications andcapabilities. Digital badges symbolise students' achievements in a waythat can be displayed, accessed, verified and shared online. More than
10,000 digital badges were issued during the year.
Our continued focus on producing work-ready graduates saw
a renewed investment in our innovation and entrepreneurshipecosystem. A new governance model enabled us to fully leverage
our outstanding curriculum-based innovation teaching as well as theoutstanding entrepreneurial activities of centres such as the Yunus
Social Business Centre. The physical manifestation of this renewal
are new innovation spaces on our campuses and the launch of the
Griffith Innovation Centre at COHORT on the Gold Coast.

Staffing and equity
Griffith Partners with Johnson & Johnson
for Women in STEM2D Program
Griffith University continued its partnership with global medical
and pharmaceutical organisation Johnson & Johnson in a program
designed to recruit, retain and engage women in undergraduate
degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics,
manufacturing and design (WiSTEM2D)—the first such partnershipin the Southern Hemisphere.
The Australian WiSTEM2D Griffith University Program is one of
20 institutions worldwide in partnership with Johnson & Johnsoncomprising research, student scholarships and student mentoring
opportunities. Social Marketing@Griffith Director Professor Sharyn
Rundle-Thiele conducted ground-breaking research investigating
the challenges and opportunities for women entering andcompleting undergraduate degrees in STEM2D fields. The first
paper to be published from this research will appear in the Journal ofSocial Marketing in 2020.

As a commitment to embracing a diverse and inclusive student cohort,
flexible course delivery options for students were extended throughexpansion of Trimester 3 offerings and new alternative admissions
pathways were introduced to increase opportunities for students who
do not meet standard entry requirements. There was ongoing emphasis
on fostering student safety, good mental health and wellbeing.
Griffith has an enviable record in producing the nation's highestawarded teachers, having claimed the Australian Teacher of theYear title a record four times. Associate Professor Kevin Larkin,from the School of Education and Professional Studies, was named
2018 Australian University Teacher of the Year for inspiring andmotivating pre-service teachers. The University's ongoing national
teaching award success speaks to the strong culture of teachinginnovation that continually motivates our teachers to innovate.
This section describes significant achievements in learning, teaching andinitiatives which keep the student at the centre of all our endeavours.

32 | Griffith University

Associate Professor Kevin Larkin, 2018 Australian University, Teacher of the Year

Griffith’s inspirational mathematics educator Associate
Professor Kevin Larkin was named 2018 Australian University
Teacher of the Year by Universities Australia. Associate
Professor Larkin inspires pre-service teachers to overcome
negative perceptions of mathematics, to learn to their fullpotential, and begin their careers with confidence in their ability
to teach maths. He said his overarching goal was to inspire thenext generation of creative, motivated and knowledgeable
teachers who recognise the importance of developing
numerate citizens. ‘The power of good teaching lies in its ability
to change people’s lives. Education is critical for everyone in oursociety—it gives them the skills to create a better Australia anda better world,’ he said.

Enrolments
Student Enrolments

2017

2018

2019*

Total Enrolments

47,26048,03749,595

Academic
CareerBachelor degree

35,18635,811

36,635Higher degree
coursework

5,476

6,327

7,383

Higher degree
research

1,964

1,914

1,839

Other postgraduate

2,735

2,213

2,069

Other

1,899

1,772

1,669

AttendanceType

Full-time

34,34134,75235,991Part-time

12,91913,285

13,604

CampusGold Coast campus

19,216

19,597

20,073Logan campus

1,931

1,891

1,841

Mt Gravatt campus

3,618

3,608

3,830

Nathan campus

12,486

12,33812,542South Bank
campus

3,170

3,195

3,338

Off shore

792

794

721

Online

5,009

5,304

5,956

Other campus

1,038

1,310

1,294

Domestic

38,961

39,48540,576

International

8,299

8,552

9,019

Enrolment
Type

Commencing

19,51820,06820,608Continuing

27,742

27,96928,987

GenderFemale27,62728,356

29,407

Male

19,596

19,612

20,079

Other

37

69

109

Arts, Educationand Law

13,647

13,702

14,380

Griffith Business
School

11,41011,412

11,076

Griffith Health

12,824

13,628

14,790

Griffith Sciences

7,449

7,592

7,996

Other

1,930

1,703

1,353

CitizenshipGroup

Overall enrolments grew in 2019, particularly in relation tocontinuing student load. Gold Coast remains the largest campus,
followed by Nathan and Online offerings, and Trimester 3 numbers
again increased in 2019.
Griffith Health is now the largest group in terms of enrolments, withthree of the four academic groups experiencing a rise in student demand.
After experiencing an improvement in 2018, international
enrolments again increased during the year. Health and Sciences
showed the most growth, particularly at the Gold Coast campus.

Ongoing implementation of the
Academic Plan 2017–2020
Implementing the Academic Plan 2017–2020 was the focus of
the University’s learning and teaching community in 2019, and on
supporting the development of the Strategic Plan 2020-2025.
Both provided a clear pathway for driving transformation in our
approaches to learning, teaching and the student experience. The
Academic Plan’s emphasis on preparing our students and graduates
for success in a period of profound change and technologicaldisruption guided further work on embedding initiatives that alignwith the needs of students, industry and the community. Progress
towards achieving the three high level goals of the Academic Plan
2017–2020 is outlined below.

Goal 1.0 Engaged and relevant
Goal 1 of the Academic Plan expresses a commitment to preparing
our students for their professional life following graduation andenhancing student employability through industry-engaged
programs that are relevant to students’ future career ambitions.
The Employability Committee has led the whole-of-institution
program for embedding employability in program curriculum andacross the student lifecycle. Industry representatives continued
to be engaged in curriculum planning to ensure our programs areindustry relevant and they develop the skills which our graduates
require for success.

*2019 figures are preliminary

Annual Report 2019 | 33

Learning, teaching and the student experience
Employability in the curriculum,on campus, and in the community
In 2019 the Griffith Employability Action Plan was adopted
to refresh the University’s focus on employability integrated
into program curriculum and across the student lifecycle.
The Employability in Program Curriculum initiative renovates
curriculum with identified evidence-based elements such as
career development learning, Work-integrated learning (WIL), andentrepreneurship and innovation. The initiative was introduced infour undergraduate programs and will be further scaled in 2020.
Growing the number and quality of internship and student placement
opportunities was a particular focus. This was achieved bybroadening sponsorship agreements to include WIL opportunities,
such as with Surfing Australia, Business South Bank and the Gold
Coast Suns, and building new relationships with industry partners,
or the reinvigorating of existing ones. Opportunities were also
released for students to undertake Work-integrated learning
experiences with major Griffith University suppliers as part of a“Social Procurement” arrangement.
Griffith’s Employability Awards (Sciences PLUS, Business Plus andGriffith Graduates of Influence), UniTemps, eCareerCoach, theGriffith Innovation Challenge and Griffith’s industry mentoring
program provided targeted elective and co-curricular employability
development opportunities. Griffith’s approaches to fostering
graduate employability were affirmed with a ‘gold star’ rating in aninternational employability benchmarking exercise conducted byHigher Education Services.

Griffith Graduates of Influence
The Griffith Graduates of Influence (GGoI) Employability Awardwas relaunched in 2019 to recognise student participation in core
employability learning and assessment in the program curriculum.
The new award allows students to advertise employability-related
skills developed through their degree via a Griffith online credential.
More than 1,000 undergraduate students were eligible for the
new GGoI Silver Program Award, based on selected program
participation. Participation will be scaled further in 2020 and beyond.

Community internship courses
The Community Internship course promotes student WIL
experiences with the not-for-profit sector. During 2019, our specificemphasis was on promoting and supporting work experience andvolunteering for students living with disabilities, to enhance theiremployability. The 587 students who enrolled across the year
contributed more than 30,000 volunteer hours to the not-for-profit
sector. Sixty per cent of students continued to volunteer following
their internship experience.

34 | Griffith University

Griffith global mobility
In 2019 Griffith welcomed approximately 1,000 study abroad andexchange students and facilitated more than 1,300 international
experiences for Griffith students.
Griffith was the most successful university nationally in the award
of New Colombo Plan 2020 prestigious scholarships, with nine
students receiving scholarships from a total pool of 125 scholarships.
These students will undertake study and internships in Singapore,
India, Indonesia, Japan, and Taiwan in 2020. The successful Griffith
recipients were Gabi Cooper (Education), Katharina Gutjahr-Holland(Health Science (Environmental Health)), Rachael Grant (Architectural
Design), Harry Rodgers (Business), Tanner Noakes (Commerce(Finance, Accounting & Tax)), Jessica Farrell (Laws/Business(Marketing)), Odin Lowsley (Design/Business), Julia Hill (Music) andAnna Stirling (Laws/Government and International Relations).

Student Investment FundThe Student Investment Fund provides finance students with accessto Queensland’s largest student managed investment fund, totalling$250,000 to analyse, evaluate and invest in socially responsible,
ASX listed companies. Using Griffith’s Trading Rooms, live data andreal money, students gain unparalleled practical experience, anddividends from these shares are used to fund student scholarships
for Griffith Business School students experiencing financial hardship.

Griffith Honours College
The Griffith Honours College (GHC) is an aspiration and excellence
program initiated to recruit, retain and nurture academically
gifted students for a life of leadership and active citizenship. The
experiences, capabilities and values GHC students gain position
them as highly sought-after individuals successful in employability,
postgraduate studies and prestigious external scholarships andinitiatives. Notable achievements in 2019 included:•	Caitlene Hillman named Griffith’s first Schwartzman Scholar—
one of only three Australian students to receive this prestigious
scholarship. Earlier in the year, Caitlene was named one of theTop 100 Graduates in the Australian Financial Review’s Future
Leaders awards.
•	Four Fulbright Scholarships awarded to Griffith staff, students
and alumni.
• Four Churchill Fellowships were awarded to Griffith alumni.
•	Nine New Colombo Plan Scholarship scholarships awarded,
the highest number received by any one university. Griffith
University students Grace Manahan and Zachary Look
were named as New Colombo Plan Alumni Ambassadors for
Queensland.
•	Five Griffith teams selected to compete in the Regional Finals of
the 10th Annual Hult Prize Competition.
•	GHC alumnus Michael Bidwell named Queensland Law Society
Equity Advocate of the Year.
•	Seven alumni and students received Golden Key International
Honour Society Grants and scholarships.

Innovation and entrepreneurship
Griffith expanded opportunities for students to develop innovationand entrepreneurship skills, both within their degrees and throughextracurricular activities. Griffith’s growing innovation andentrepreneurship ecosystem brings together students, staff,
researchers, industry and the community around problem solving,
design-thinking and new ventures that align with our values andcommitments as a university.
An Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advisory Group now drives the
University’s innovation and entrepreneurship strategy and positive
societal impact by optimising the creative and entrepreneurial
capacity of the Griffith community.

Caitlene Hillman, Griffith’s First Schwartzman Scholar

The 2019 launch of the Griffith Innovation Centre at COHORT on
the Gold Coast is a significant addition to Griffith’s innovation andentrepreneurship ecosystem. The Griffith Innovation Centre is ahighly adaptable teaching, prototyping and events space, linking
students from all disciplines, academic staff and industry to deliver
best practice innovation and entrepreneurship learning—both
within and outside curriculum—to students, staff and the wider
community. Connecting with industry and networking within the
Health and Knowledge Precinct and COHORT location will allow
students to work alongside and collaborate with the Gold Coast’s
most innovative companies through regular innovation events andmasterclasses.

Griffith Sports College
Griffith Sports College (GSC) is currently the leading elite athlete
university program in the country, making Griffith University thepreferred University of choice among elite athletes nation-wide.
Griffith’s elite athlete program supports 550+ (44% female, 56%male) student athletes. The support that the program offers athletes
has resulted in an 81% retention rate.
In addition to a thriving high-performance sports program, GSC
has strong relationships with the Queensland Academy of Sportand Australian Institute of Sport with cutting-edge researcharound the ‘digital athlete’ planned throughout 2019 for a2020 commencement. The ‘digital athlete’ is a digital twin of an
athlete allowing for prediction of injury, injury management andindividualised training prescription resulting in maximal performancefor each athlete in their chosen sport. This type of researchcollaboration is a game changer for sport.

Griffith was the mostsuccessful university
nationally in the awardingof New Colombo Plan 2020
prestigious scholarships.

Students at the Griffith Innovation Centre

Entrepreneurship in our academic programs
The Griffith Innovation Challenge course was introduced in 2019with students competing for opportunities by developing viablebusiness propositions and progressing through to a final pitch event.
Prizes up to a value of $10,000 were provided by industry partners.
Winning student teams have used the prizes to continue to explore
their business ideas, mentored by industry leaders, and by investing
the cash prize in their solutions.

Annual Report 2019 | 35

Learning, teaching and the student experience
Supporting extracurricular entrepreneurship
activities
Griffith offers and supports multiple opportunities for students
to extend their entrepreneurial skills through extra-curricularexperiences, on campus and in the community, such as the 3DS(the 3 Day Startup) syllabus, Hult Prize, student hackathons andother global, national and local innovation challenges and pitch
events. Griffith is the first university in the Asia-Pacific region to
run the internationally recognised 3DS workshop offered at morethan 170 institutions globally, including Harvard, Brown and Oxford
universities.

Yunus Social Business Centre Griffith University
The Yunus Social Business Centre (YSBC) was established in 2017 tocontribute to Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus’ philosophyof alleviating poverty through social business. It serves to educate
and provide seed funding to individuals to set up and start social
business ventures that are self-sustaining, and where profits will be
reinvested to generate sustainable social impact.
In applied research and knowledge sharing, the Centre started its
first demonstration project looking at how the circular economy
can focus not only on growing sustainability but can have realsocial impacts. The project has created eBikes from salvaged bikes
and reused and repurposed laptop batteries (from Griffith), andconstructed by young people in the Logan and Redland region
who have been disengaged from study and work. Commercial
research and consulting assignments were undertaken with industry
partners in areas as diverse as addressing homelessness, growing
sustainable businesses with people who have been excluded fromthe workforce, and redirecting the flow of investment into humanservices so we can more effectively achieve positive outcomes.
To support Innovation, the Centre scaled up the Fellows program.
Two of the Centre’s Fellows—Anna Gunther and Emma-Kate Rose—
collaborated to successfully complete the first equity crowdfunding
campaign for a social enterprise in Australia, raising more than $2m
for Food Connect, a social enterprise focused on regenerative foodsystems. Food Connect was awarded the inaugural Brisbane Lord
Mayor’s award for Outstanding Social Enterprise.

Entrepreneurship in the Logan community
Many community programs were run during 2019 under theumbrella of the YSBC. These include:
Advancing Regional Innovation Program (ARIP)—aconsortium between Griffith University, Redlands City Council,
Logan City Council and seven other partners across the region, it
has ignited more than 100 events across the region including the
Griffith Entrepreneurship Seminar Series (attracting more than
2,300 community participants) and the GLO@Logan Year 9 and 10
Entrepreneurial Innovation Challenge to solve topical environmentand health issues using technology.

36 | Griffith University

The Logan Social Enterprise Bus Tour—an opportunity
to convey regional achievements, inspire participants with
innovative ways to solve community issues through business,build capacity of the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem, andexplore a range of social enterprises across the region. Forty-five
purpose-led founders, social business and community leaders, andrepresentatives from government and academia came together in2019 to learn more about impact-led enterprises and entrepreneurs.
Representation on the Innov8 Logan leadership group—acommunity-led group consisting of regional entrepreneurs, local
business leaders, commercialisation businesses, social enterprises,
Griffith University representation and local residents. It aims
to inspire confidence in the Logan community to participate ininnovation activities and to build a visible, connected ecosystem
which uplifts and supports civic advancement and economic growthin the region.

Supporting student careers
Nearly 23,000 students were provided with careers support during
2019 through dedicated Careers and Employment advisors (24.51%
year on year increase from the previous year).

Unitemps Griffith
Unitemps Griffith is an employment agency based at the University,
providing paid work opportunities for students and graduatesand excellent recruitment solutions to industry. More than 1,560
candidates were placed in undergraduate, graduate and general
positions in 2019. Since Unitemps’ foundation in 2016, more than
4,100 students have been placed into 355,131 hours of employment
earning them $11.5 million.

Griffith Industry Mentoring Program
Griffith supported 400 online and face-to-face mentoring
relationships in 2019, an increase of 25% from 2018. New
Mentoring on the Move events hosted at Nathan and Gold Coast
campuses connected a further 80 students and an equal number ofindustry mentors for one-off coaching conversations.

Goal 2.0 Quality
Goal 2.0 of the Academic Plan articulates the University’s priority ofproviding students with exceptional learning and teaching experiences
and access to user-friendly, fit-for-purpose, accessible support.
In 2019, implementing the Griffith Learning and Teaching
Framework, benchmarking and implementing strengthened courseand program design standards contributed to meeting our quality
goals. Capturing the student voice remained significant to achieving
these aims.

Student course feedback and evaluation

Enhancing our physical and digital environment

Griffith employs a suite of surveys to capture student feedback
about their university experience spanning the student lifecycle,
from orientation through to post graduation. Information is used tobenchmark and improve quality in learning and teaching activities,
as well as day-to-day experiences such as food on campus andcomputing access.

Digital Tools in the Virtual Learning Environment

Preliminary 2019 results of Student Experience of Course (SEC)
surveys of all undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students
show 86.9% of Griffith courses achieved a mean score of 3.5 orhigher in student satisfaction (out of a possible 5), consistent with2018 outcomes.

Griffith continues to facilitate the adoption of digital technology inlearning and teaching, including e-Portfolios (PebblePad), tools to
support active and collaborative learning (VoiceThread), and ECHO360
Active Learning Platform which supports in-class polling. The Microsoft
365 suite is being progressively applied within Griffith courses with plansfor increased adoption in 2020. A total of seven Create Your Own digital
video studios became available for staff, redesigned learning spaces wereopened, and the Griffith Augmented and Virtual Reality Lab was launchedduring 2019 to accommodate innovative use of virtual learning tools.

National leadership

Quality and innovation – our teaching
programs
Griffith Learning and Teaching Framework
Griffith launched its evidence-informed Learning and Teaching
Framework to scaffold student learning and success and drive
the ongoing transformation of our learning and teaching practice.
The Framework provides the basis for new Course and Program
Design Standards that inform the design and alignment of learning
outcomes, learning activities and assessment tasks, as well as our
digital and physical learning environment. Our Griffith Standards
ensure that our students experience a high level of consistency andquality across the University.

Quality Assurance
Quality is assured via various approaches including our ongoingexternal, academic peer review and benchmarking collaboration
with other Innovative Research Universities (IRU). The IRU Academic
Calibration Process (ACP) demonstrates the appropriate standardsof learning outcomes and grades awarded by reporting on thecomparative quality and suitability of assessment design, learning
outcomes, and supporting material for courses.

Griffith provides strong leadership in the sector in the area ofTechnology Enhanced Learning (TEL) and teaching. Two major eventswere facilitated by Griffith in 2019 that attracted significant attention:
the AR + VR + MR + XR = #anewreality; and the ‘Microsoft Office +Teams in Learning and Teaching Summit’.

Enhancing and celebrating good teaching
Celebrated teachers
The University has an enviable success rate at the national levelin the Awards for Australian University Teaching (AAUT) which
recognise quality teaching practice and outstanding contributions tostudent learning. Over the past nine years (2010–2018), Griffith has
won 19 Awards (12 for Teaching Excellence and seven for Programs
that Enhance Learning), 53 Citations for Outstanding Contributions
to Student Learning, and eight National Teaching Fellowships. Four
Griffith academics have been named the Australian University
Teacher of the Year. These results place Griffith first in Australia for
the University Teacher of the Year Awards, Citations and Fellowships
during this period. The 2018 AAUT round outcomes were announced
in February 2019.

Griffith Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL)
Framework
In 2019 Griffith developed a TEL Framework to support our
institutional readiness for technology enhanced learning. The
Griffith TEL Framework is a mechanism to collaboratively identify
digital priorities and implement actions in areas of strategy, quality,
systems, services, support and training. The Griffith TEL Framework
is a key enabler of our Digital First strategy.

Griffith is first in Australia
for the University Teacherof the Year Awards,
Citations and Fellowships.

Associate Professor Kevin Larkin is transforming mathematics education

Annual Report 2019 | 37

Learning, teaching and the student experience
In 2019, two Awards were conferred to Griffith staff:

Vice Chancellor’s Award
Associate
Professor Kevin Larkin (School of Education andProfessional Studies) received an AAUT Award for Teaching
Excellence in the Social and Behavioural Sciences category,for motivating and inspiring future teachers to overcome theiranxiety with mathematics.
•	The Go Health Go Griffith Program from Griffith Healthimplemented by Associate Professor Suzzanne Owen (Lead),
Associate Professor Helen Massa, Lyn Armit (Queensland
Health) and Education Queensland received an AAUT Award for
Programs and Teams that Enhance Learning. The program is aninnovative tripartite educational and Health career partnership,building educational aspiration for high school students fromdiverse backgrounds, and preparing them for university andcareer success.

The Vice Chancellor’s Award for the Griffith University Teacher of
the Year for 2019 was presented to Dr Leanne Kenway (School of
Medical Science). Dr Kenway teaches large, first year, anatomy andphysiology courses and uses active learning to successfully engage
her students in this large class setting.

•

The AAUT Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student
Learning recognise those who have made a significant contribution
to the quality of student learning in a specific area of responsibility
over a sustained period. The following Griffith academics wereawarded 2018 Citations:•	
A ssociate Professor Irene Bartlett, Queensland
Conservatorium•	
A ssociate Professor Sarah Cresswell, School of Environment
and Science – forensic chemistry•	
Dr Vinod Gopalan, School of Medicine and School of Medical
Science• Dr Diana Tolmie, Queensland Conservatorium

The Griffith University Education Leader of the Year recognises
significant contribution to the leadership of learning and teaching
and is awarded to the strongest recipient amongst the winnersof the Group Awards for Education Leadership. Professor Ruth
McPhail from the Department of Employment Relations and Human
Resources received the 2019 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Griffith
University Education Leader of the Year.
Professor Alf Lizzio, Dean and Director, Learning Futures,
received the Vice Chancellor’s Lifetime Learning and Teaching
Leadership Award. For over 25 years, Professor Lizzio has led
multiple initiatives that have enhanced the quality of learning andteaching and the student experience at Griffith. Professor Lizzio’s
work on enhancing the student experience, particularly in first year,
has had a significant influence on learning and teaching practice at
Griffith and other universities both nationally and internationally.

Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans and Dr Leanne Kenway

Griffith Awards for Excellence in Teaching
The Griffith Awards for Excellence in Teaching for 2019 (GAETs),presented at the Vice Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Awards,
recognised the following inspirational staff committed to enhancing
the quality of the student experience:
Queensland Citations Ceremony (From left to right): Professor Gemma Carey,
Dr Vinod Gopalan, Associate Professor Helen Massa, Associate Professor Irene
Bartlett, Professor Rob Ellis, Associate Professor Suzzanne Owen, Professor
Nicholas Buys, Associate Professor Kevin Larkin, Associate Professor Sarah
Cresswell, Dr Diana Tolmie, Lyn Armit (Queensland Health), Professor Debra
Henly, Kym Allardyce (Education Queensland), Professor Fran Sheldon.

38 | Griffith University•	
Dr Lisbeth Kitson (School of Education and Professional
Studies) Excellence in Teaching Award, Arts, Education and Law• Dr Tommy Soesmanto (Department of Accounting, Finance andEconomics) Excellence in Teaching Award, Griffith Business School• Dr Leanne Kenway (School of Medical Science) Excellence inTeaching Award, Griffith Health• Dr Ivan Gratchev (School of Engineering and Built
Environment) Excellence in Teaching Award, Griffith Sciences

•

•
•
•
•
•

 rofessor Ruth McPhail (Department of Employment
P
Relations and Human Resources) Educational Leadership Award,
Griffith Business SchoolDenise Hope and Associate Professor Gary Grant (School of
Pharmacy and Pharmacology) Active Learning Award, Griffith HealthMelanie Roberts (School of Allied Health Sciences) Active
Learning Award, Griffith HealthTim Newans (School of Allied Health Sciences) Excellence inTeaching Priority Area Award, Sessional Academic
Dr Lacey Schaefer (School of Criminology and Criminal Justice)
Griffith Excellence in Teaching Priority Area Award, Early Career
The Kungullanji Program (Griffith Graduate Research
School, Indigenous Research Unit and GUMURRII Student
Success Unit) Programs and Teams that Enhance Learning
Award. Program Lead: Jennifer Campbell (Griffith Graduate
Research School). Program Team: Bronwyn Wolski and Samantha
de Lore (Indigenous Research Unit), Leah Henderson and Eden
Little (Indigenous Research Unit/Kungullanji). Learning Assistance
Officers (GUMURRII Student Success Unit)

Higher Education Academy Fellowships
Higher Education Academy (HEA) Fellowships are globally
recognised as an indicator of educational excellence and impact.
HEA Fellowships are awarded at increasing levels of standing from
Associate Fellow (AFHEA), Fellow (FHEA), Senior Fellow (SFHEA)
and Principal Fellow (PFHEA). There are now more than 124,000
HEA Fellows globally, with this number increasing at a rate of
approximately 1,000 new Fellows per month.
More than 200 staff have been recognised as HEA fellows since
establishing the Griffith program two years ago, including: 59
AFHEA, 44 FHEA, 90 SFHEA and 9 PFHEA.
This is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the commitment of
the University to raising the profile of learning and teaching andcelebrating the achievements of our teachers. Partnering with
Advance HE has fostered an inclusive culture of learning and teachingleadership, excellence and innovation.

Vice Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Awards 20192019 Griffith Internationalisation Awards
The Griffith Internationalisation Awards reward and recognise academic
leadership in advancing the internationalisation agenda at Griffith:•	The Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD)
received the 2019 Most Outstanding Contribution to Overall
Internationalisation award for its partnership with Shanghai
Institute for Materia Medica over the past five years. This
relationship now includes a joint PhD program as well as
extensive research collaborations and has facilitated themobilisation of 78 Griffith staff and 50 PhD students to China
for partnership activities. It has also yielded a join laboratory andregular symposia.
•	The Community Internship Team received the 2019 Most
Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Short-term
Global Mobility Programs award for supporting students
to participate in academically supported volunteer work in
not-for-profit organisations around the world. More than 40
students per year participate, and the course is available as anelective in more than 70 of the University’s undergraduate andpostgraduate degrees.

Staff development
Leadership development
Griffith increased its investment in our leaders this year with
development opportunities for staff at various stages of leadershipmaturity. Participation levels reflected these increases with 1,557
leaders, managers and supervisors undertaking development tobuild focus and capability in leading a high-performance workforce,
representing a total of 50.5% of all training completed.

Some of Griffith’s new HEA Fellowship holders in 2019 acknowledged during
Celebrating Learning and Teaching in October.

Staff leaders actively participated in the annual senior leadershipconference exploring Griffith priorities and directions under thetheme of Griffith Beyond 50. Two follow-on Academic Leaders Foraengaged academic leaders in discussions about University strategies,
directions and priorities.

Annual Report 2019 | 39

Learning, teaching and the student experience
The new Vice Chancellor’s Remarkable Leader Speaker Series (withDr Kirstin Ferguson’s (then Acting Chair Australian Broadcasting
Corporation) presentation on International Women’s day on
Women Kind: Unlocking the power of women supporting womenand Professor Stan Grant’s presentation On Identity) and Executive
Master Classes that expose professional and academic executives tocontemporary leadership issues and evidence-based interventions
were launched for senior University leaders.
Gender equity in leadership was supported in part through ongoingcommitment to our Women in Leadership program and the Leneen
Forde Future Leaders program for women.
The Manager as Coach program continued its successful
implementation with programs and development events being
delivered to 145 academic and professional leaders and managers
and the Managing at Griffith program being delivered to 25 aspiringand early career managers.

Capability, performance and talent development
The expanded schedule of staff and leadership development events
resulted in more than 3,000 participants completing one of the 228
scheduled learning events in 2019. The development program focusedon areas including leadership, digital transformation, change support,
mentoring, job shadowing and career development, and coaching.

Three staff development programs were approved for digital
badging and inclusion into the existing system of credentials as partof the University’s Digital Badges Policy and since then, 177 staff
have had their commitment to continuing professional development
formally recognised.
Staff performance was supported through a refreshed and simplified
approach for academic and professional staff to align and record
performance objectives that align to Griffith’s new strategic plan.
Academic Supervisor Development continued in 2019 to support,aligning and embedding the focus of academic performance andcareer development towards more frequent, developmental andforward-looking performance conversations for academic staff.
A range of new or expanded career development activities wereaccessed by staff throughout the year including: a series of staff
career development workshops to support annual performance anddevelopment planning; the successful pilot of a new development
initiative (“Designing a fulfilling career”); and the launch of a new
digital resource (“The Career Hub”) that delivers information, advice
and resources for career planning and decision making which hasreceived 188 unique visitors in the two months since launching.
The success of the MATE Bystander Program was further embeddedin Corporate Services with 579 staff completing the program.

Staff diversity

A new series of programs (the Creativity, Innovation and Enterprising
Series) was introduced to build staff capability in collaboration,
innovation, creativity, problem solving and presentation skills using
Agile and Lean Start up concepts and digital tools. This series wasco-designed and piloted through a highly successful partnership
between the People and Wellbeing Learning and Development teams
and the Griffith Business School’s Department of Business Strategy
and Innovation. More than 150 academic and professional staff
participated in the series of workshops.

Strategy

A talent management program was piloted in Corporate Services
to identify and develop the careers and leadership capabilities of
40 high performing and high potential staff. A key element of thisprogram was the Velocity Program which involved developing rapid
collaboration, innovation, strategic thinking and pitching skills toresolve a real organisational issue.

With the recruitment of a First Peoples Employment Consultant in
2019, Griffith has launched several targeted initiatives such as theFirst Peoples Talent Pool and First Peoples Staff Network to recruitand retain our First Peoples staff.

Griffith’s Digital Capability Development Framework continued tobe embedded in staff performance, career and capability building
activities throughout the year. In addition to the formal and scheduled
development program, staff used Griffith’s Capability Development
Framework to assess their capabilities (420 self-assessmentscompleted) and used the curated digital library of learning resources
to undertake more than 1600 interactions with learning resources.
The Capability Development Framework achieved industry recognitionin March 2019 for its workplace innovation.

Griffith received significant recognition for its gender equity efforts
in 2019, including:40 | Griffith University

Several plans guide our staff equity, diversity and inclusion efforts at
Griffith. These include: the Griffith University Strategic Plan; Equity,
Diversity and Inclusion Plan; Our People Plan; Disability Action Plan;
Reconciliation Action Plan; Griffith SAGE Pilot of Athena SWAN
Action Plan; Pride Plan and associated Element and Group Plans.

First Peoples Employment

Gender Equity•	WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality•	a finalist in the Women in Technology Employer of Choice
Awards as Employer of Choice•	a finalist in the Australian HR Awards for Best Workplace
Diversity and Inclusion Program.

Our Women in Leadership, Leneen Forde program and women-only
promotion sessions continue to provide opportunities to progress
women in their career. As part of the Athena SWAN action plan,
Sciences and Health Groups have provided additional mentoring
and career development opportunities to new and promisingacademic women.
Other key initiatives from the action plan established in 2019 include:•	like-for-like pay equity reviews as part of our senior
remuneration processes•	financial support for women returning from parental leavethrough the Queensland Government’s Women’s Research
Assistance Program•	carers travel support scheme in the Sciences and HealthGroup to support carers to attend national and international
conferences•	improved communication for staff members going on
extended leave.
The Gender Equality Research Network was also established tosupport and showcase remarkable Griffith research on genderequality, women’s leadership, and gender inclusivity with the‘Gender Card’ podcast developed to mark International Day
for the Elimination of Violence again Women.

Safe and respectful campuses
Griffith continued to progress and finalise actions against
recommendations from the Change the Course: National Reporton Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at Australian Universities.
Activities and achievements in 2019 included: targeted training andawareness programs for staff and students; release of a new casemanagement system for disclosures and reports of sexual assault
and harassment, bullying and discrimination; second annual It’s On All
Of Us awareness week; and development of a new online consent
and respectful relationships module titled, Sex and Respect: It’s On
All Of Us.

Embedding equity, diversity and inclusion
Equity, diversity and inclusion were embedded as key capabilities
in the new Griffith Leadership Capability Framework and an equity,
diversity and inclusion award category was created in the Vice
Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Professional and Support Staff
Service. A new workplace equity, diversity and inclusion website
was launched to provide a central source of information for our
staff and a digital community of practice was established for
Equity Champions.

Gender and sexuality diversity and inclusion(LGBTIQ+ diversity and inclusion)
In November 2019 Griffith released an LGBTIQ+ inclusion
video featuring the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor(Engagement) and members of the Griffith community to promote
Griffith’s support of LGBTIQ+ inclusion.
Griffith also released workplace Affirmation/Transitioning Guidelines
to assist trans employees, their co-workers, managers, humanresources staff, and others who may be involved in the workplace
gender affirmation.
For the second year, pride flag raising events were held at all
campuses on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia,
Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and Griffith staff marchedwith other universities under the “University Unity” banner at theBrisbane Pride March.

Cultural and linguistic diversity
Griffith joined the Multicultural Queensland Ambassador programand commenced a pilot of the SBS Cultural Competency Program forstaff and students.

Disability inclusion
Griffith completed a review of the employee lifecycle from adisability inclusion perspective. This review highlighted opportunities
to further embed disability inclusion in our practice and will be used
for action planning into 2020.
Several new Initiatives were developed in 2019 which begin
addressing some of the identified areas, including:
I am more than my disability campaign: promoting the
success of remarkable students and graduates with disabilities
who defy expectation.
Transitioning to Your Professional Employment event:bringing together employees, traineeship opportunities,
government departments and employment services to share
information with students.

Annual Report 2019 | 41

Learning, teaching and the student experience
Targets
Griffith has several targets related to gender and Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander representation including: 45% women at
Associate Professor and Professor; 50% women at HEW 10 andabove and increase, by 5 per cent per annum, the number ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
At the 2019 census date (31 March), women represented 43.6%of those at Associate Professor and Professor levels and 45.7% ofstaff in senior administrative and professional roles (HEW 10 andabove). Griffith is approaching gender parity with academic women
representing 50.4% of all academic staff. In the 2019 promotion
round, 46% of staff promoted were women. By December 2019,the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
increased to 67. Griffith staff identified as having more than 103
different languages other than English and born in 114 countries
other than Australia.

Since its launch, 10,393 badges have been issued, and 64 typesof badges are available, including badges for the Griffith Graduateof Influence, Mental Health First Aid and Parents under Pressure. A
variety of credentials have been implemented including models in
partnership with industry (the Master of Professional Engineering
Leadership), models that are accredited by industry members(Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning), credentials embedded
within a course (Bachelor of Business – Tax Law credential) andcredentials that give the recipient specified or unspecified credit
in a program. Apart from these, there are a large number of cocurricular credentials. There are also a variety of credentials created inconjunction with the Professional Learning hub targeting professionals
including school teachers, social workers and therapists.
In 2020, Griffith credentials will continue to expand with a focus on
strategic partnerships with industry and recognising employability
skills that can be transferred seamlessly across work environments
and professions.

Goal 3.0 Student-centred

AMP partnership with Griffith

Our approach to learning and teaching delivery firmly positions
the student and their experience at the centre. In 2019 the DigitalFirst strategy has driven further transformation of our academic
programs and student support, motivated by a commitment toensure a remarkable student experience. We have continued to
strive for this goal by further investing in the development offlexible and accessible learning and support for all our students.
We are doing this by expanding online opportunities and resources
for students, providing enhanced academic support at scale
through digital solutions and by continuing to promote inclusivity
and increased participation of students from diverse and often
disadvantaged backgrounds. New and existing initiatives aredesigned with the student in mind, to support and scaffold theirsuccess and to meet their needs.

2019 saw the launch of the Bachelor of Applied Financial Advice, a
100% online undergraduate program, providing opportunities foreven those in regional Australia to access quality financial advice
education with a degree-long focus on work-integrated learning,
including internships and industry projects. 2020 will see theprogram offered in two intakes per year. The first two rounds of
AMP scholarships were awarded in 2019, with one of the awardees
commenting that without the financial support they would not havebeen able to continue their financial planning studies.

Flexible programs
Our trimester-based academic calendar provides students withadditional options to enter Griffith programs throughout the year,
and opportunities to accelerate their studies or spread theirstudy load across the three trimesters. Uptake of Trimester 3
continues to grow with a 16% increase in T3 student enrolments
in 2019—evidence that students appreciate the flexibility thatsuch a model offers.

Micro-credentials and digital badging
In April 2019, Griffith Credentials was officially launched.
The purpose of Griffith Credentials is to help recipients showcase
their accomplishments by providing them with a digital version of
their qualifications and capabilities. Digital credentials symbolise
achievements in a way that can be displayed, accessed, verified
and shared online.

42 | Griffith University

Griffith provided ongoing support to the AMP network in meeting
their education requirements with a team member presenting on
an expert panel around the country at professional developmentdays. The partnership commenced a program of thought-leadershipwith a commitment to funding research over three years and theappointment of a co-funded AMP-Griffith University Research
Fellow. The program focuses on developing a body of research
to promote understanding of the value of financial advice andfinancial advice as a profession.

Professional Learning Hub
Griffith embraces the changing world of work, and throughthe Professional Learning Hub, Griffith is committed tooffering professional development and executive education toorganisations. Griffith tailors its professional learning programs
to ensure that it meets the organisation’s requirements but also
brings forward cutting-edge research and the independence of
perspective expected from a leading university. Our professional
learning is offered locally and internationally and we issue ashareable Griffith credential to ensure a tangible recognition ofachievement for individuals.

Open Universities Australia (OUA)
In 2019, Griffith’s partnership with OUA continues to grow withnew programs in development, our adoption of the OUA marketplace
for lead generation, our trial of online proctoring with OUA, andGriffith becoming the first provider via OUA to trial offering PASS
(peer-assisted study sessions) in two pathway courses in the Bachelor
of Business. This trial attracted higher than national benchmarked
synchronous participations—together with a significant asynchronous
engagement via watching or downloading the sessions recordings.
Noticeably students who participated in PASS showed an increase ingrade and significant impact on retention.
In 2019, more than 14,000 students studied online with Griffith

Learning in the cloud
Digital campus and Griffith Online
Griffith Online continues to support innovation and transformationin online program delivery and grow online student enrolments.
In 2019, we continued to develop our Digital campus, our thirdlargest campus, and its range of offerings with the aim of offering aseamless service to students while reinforcing the Griffith attributes,
no matter how a student engages with us or where they live. The
online study mode continues to be our fastest growing mode ofstudy, with online students consistently providing feedback of highsatisfaction levels with their student experience, and high graduate
employment levels. In 2019, we heightened our focus on embedding
authentic and transferrable career development skills into our online
courses, designing and refreshing programs to enhance employabilityof graduates.
Our Digital campus also encompasses partnerships with EduGrowth,
FutureLearn, Pearson and OUA. We have a total of 102 programs
offered online across a range of modes from traditional online, toaccelerated online, to fully flexible programs where students canalternate between on campus and online study. Going forward
we are leveraging Griffith’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
to diversify provision of content, assessment, and opportunities
for collaboration to suit our varied student cohort—from live
webinars to text-based chat, fully-online invigilated exams, andcomprehensive self-paced resources. The approach we apply tooffering Digital campus services from learning design to support isa matrix of synchronous and asynchronous time and place viewed
through a lens of student efficiency and effectiveness.
In 2019, more than 14,000 students studied in online programswith Griffith. Online program enrolments have increased by 9 percent since 2018. Postgraduate program enrolments have increased
significantly by 21% and undergraduate program enrolments haveincreased by 5 per cent since 2018.

Griffith remained the second largest provider of online programs
through OUA in 2019. There are currently 60 Griffith online degrees
on the OUA Marketplace. Griffith OUA enrolments improved with
2-3 per cent growth compared to -4 per cent the previous year,and 23,891 enrolments in 2019 (Year to date) compared to23,262 enrolments in 2018.
Griffith worked with OUA to improve the administration processes
for incarcerated students and in the second half of 2019 conduced
an online exam delivery trial using ProtorU for an OUA course. The
trial aimed to increase exam attendance, provide flexibility about
when and where students take exams, and streamline processes.
Griffith delivered courses into five of the eleven OUA pathways
which facilitate online study for non-award students. This strategy
increased articulation into Griffith-OUA degrees during 2019.

FutureLearn
As of 2019, more than 75,000 individuals joined Griffith Massive
Open Online Courses (MOOCs) from more than 140 countries.
Another 25,000+ individuals have currently registered interest in
subsequent MOOC offerings.
Griffith delivered 32 runs of MOOCs on the FutureLearn platform
during 2019, including a series of three MOOCs developed forstaff called Teach Online. These form part of Griffith’s professional
development program to enhance the digital capability of oureducators and designers.
Our MOOCs supported wider university and social priorities,
forming part of for-credit courses, linking with research as well associal and government policy. We produced our Written in Bone: An
Introduction to Forensic and Bio-Archaeology MOOC as part of afive-year ARC Linkage Project grant in partnership with the Mithakapeople. Our Safer Healthcare for Australia’s First People’s MOOC
provided professional development on the Australian Government’s
five cultural capabilities for health and human service workers
working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Our mostpopular MOOC continues to be music psychology, called Why Does
Bohemian Rhapsody Feel So Good? with participation of more than
4,000 joiners in each run.

Annual Report 2019 | 43

Learning, teaching and the student experience
Retention and student success
Scholarships
In 2019 there were 813 Griffith scholarships awarded, an increaseof 68 compared with 2018. The Griffith Improvement prize which
was introduced in 2018 to retain flight risk students continues to be
successful with 98% of prize winners either completing their degree
or remaining enrolled at Griffith.

Student mentoring
Griffith employed and trained more than 400 students to mentor
and advise peers during welcome and orientation weeks, at peaktrimester milestones and on equity issues as part of widening
participation schemes. Griffith MATES offered specific support tointernational students. Academic mentoring was offered throughthe Library Writing Mentor Scheme, the Back on Academic Trackprogram and the Peer Assisted Study Scheme (PASS).
The PASS program has proven to be a highly effective retention
and student success initiative for Griffith, with benefits to bothparticipating students and peer mentors. PASS is a peer-led student
learning program offered in addition to scheduled lectures inwhich students work together to review key lecture content, test
their understanding of difficult concepts, gain confidence throughdiscussing course material and engage in cooperative problem
solving methods. The aim of the PASS program is to assist newstudents to adjust to their university experience. Based on theevidence2, which shows that students who participate in just one
PASS session can expect to receive a significant increase in their final
mark for that PASS course, the University continues to invest in andexpand the PASS program and in 2019, PASS was extended to online
students in OUA programs. Drawing on the exceptional pool ofstudent mentors at Griffith, who all complete a nationally accredited
training program, the scheme targeted additional courses in 2019,
and will continue to grow in 2020.

English language skills
Griffith’s English Language Enhancement Strategy (GELES)
continued to support international students who speak English
as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) across the whole oftheir student journey at Griffith. Components of the Strategy in2019 included the for-credit, undergraduate English Language
Enhancement Course (nearly 1,500 undergraduate enrolments),
the Postgraduate English Language Enhancement adjunct tutorial(offered in 22 postgraduate courses with large EAL/D student
cohorts), EnglishHELP consultations, and the Griffith Bridging English
course catering to domestic mature-aged students (130 student
completions in 2019).

44 | Griffith University

Building aspiration and widening tertiary
participation
Supporting students from equity backgrounds
In addition to an ongoing commitment to student welfare andwellbeing, the University continued to implement Higher Education
Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) funded strategies
to increase the participation, retention and success rates ofdomestic undergraduate students from equity backgrounds. The
funding Griffith received as part of the HEPPP program has beenused in a variety of ways, including to:•	support low socio-economic and other equity-backgroundstudents in local communities by demystifying higher education
and by assisting students to make informed decisions about
their post school options. Three evidenced-based widening
participation programs were delivered in 2019•	support Uni-Skills peer mentoring programs, and Peer Assisted
Study Sessions (PASS) in a broad range of threshold courses•	continue the Widening Tertiary Participation Program for
Pasifika Communities•	provide direct financial support to students, including
scholarships, bursaries and laptops offered each trimester, andfunding for extra-curricular opportunities and professional
development activities such as conference attendance•	develop career-focused skills such as Student Partners
Program, Peer Mentoring programs, and support for students
from refugee backgrounds near to graduation with specialised
employability workshops•	support learning projects that enhance current and prospective
student experience, for example supporting students fromrefugee backgrounds with support such as intensive academic
skills workshops (Heads Up program)•	develop an online financial literacy module (Budgeting 101)delivered to all students and staff through Learning@Griffith, ourlearning management system.

Student mental health and wellbeing
Griffith implemented the Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
strategy in 2019, supporting a holistic approach to mental health andwellbeing within the Griffith University community. A key deliverable
under the Strategy, the Online Health and Wellness Centre waslaunched in September 2019 to connect students to services
including urgent or crisis care, mental wellness, healthy living, social
activity, sense of safety and security, and support for specificconditions. The Centre guides students to information, assessment
tools, and treatment options for those who are developing orexperiencing mental health problems, while promoting mental andgeneral wellness more broadly through physical activity and social
connection. A Mental Health First Aid digital badge is now available
for students and staff who complete training.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
The University has a long-standing commitment to increasing thenumber of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students successfully
graduating from its programs. The GUMURRII Student Success
Unit provides extensive academic support across all campuses for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout the courseof their studies.

Support for students with disabilities
The Disability Action Plan 2018-2020 continues to guide Griffith’s
aspiration to improve access and participation for people withdisabilities. Support for students with disabilities is offered throughreasonable adjustments including through the long-standing Deaf
Student Support Program. Flexible online resources, emerging
support technologies are adopted in addition to face-to-faceservices, and we continue to adapt our communication strategies
to encourage student registration. In partnership with the National
Disability Coordinators Office, Griffith’s Specialist Employment
Program continues to support students with disabilities in their final
year of study to improve their employment outcomes.

In 2020, to continue to benefit a diverse student population, we will
expand our online offerings to include more MOOCs, micro‑credentials,
and “stackable”, more flexible learning experiences and qualifications
suited to worker-learners at all stages of their careers, as well as offer
more full degrees online. Partnering with industry in the co-design ofrelevant micro-credentials will be essential.
Nurturing our graduates of the future will see a continued emphasison employability, interdisciplinarity of degrees, extended innovationand entrepreneurship opportunities and more digital badge options
for students to demonstrate graduate capability.
Alternative entry pathways will be established or expanded in linewith our commitment to offer the opportunity of university study tostudents who do not meet standard entry requirements. In 2020, theHigher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) will
support evidence-based interventions for disadvantaged students
and fund specific support programs for First Peoples’ students andstudents from low-socio economic backgrounds.
Finally, our Safe Campuses initiatives and commitment to student
mental health and wellbeing remain top priorities for the year ahead.

Learning and teaching outlook
Looking to the year ahead, we face both continued challenges in thehigher education sector, particularly in relation to funding sources,
including performance-based funding, capped student numbers anda significant drop in the number of high school leavers in Queenslandin 2020. Both education and work requirements are shifting, andstudents now require different capabilities and capstone experiencesthat position them well for less traditional forms of work. Our
outlook remains focused on supporting student learning, providing
access to the highest quality education for as many students as
possible, while ensuring our graduates of the future are supported tosucceed at university and beyond.
We will continue to invest in our Digital campus and the digital
capabilities of teaching staff to successfully transition to the new
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in a way that transforms thestudent experience. Ongoing integration of Blackboard Ultra with
Office 365 and other technologies which form the VLE, support
the transformation of the pedagogy, curriculum and the student
experience. The Learning and Teaching Quality Framework andstandards for quality course and program design will continue toenhance the student experience through active, authentic andcollaborative learning focused on developing discipline knowledge
and employability skills.

Annual Report 2019 | 45

Financial summary
Highlights

KPI• Net Result $52.8m•	All financial sustainability Key Performance Indicators
within target•	Balance sheet remains robust•	Cash flows continue to demonstrate strong operating cash
generation•	Equity up $66.6m driven by Net Result and revaluation of
PPE and equity shareholdings

The University monitors its financial sustainability through five
Key Performance Indicators. The year on year performance against
target is summarised in the table below.
Year on Year
Performance
2018
Underlying EBITDA
Underlying EBITDA /Total Income (excluding
investment income)

12.8
%

2019
11.3
%

Asset sustainability
Annual capital
expenditure on PPE
and intangible assets/
Depreciation &Amortisation

2018

2019

Target

1.1

1.0

1.0

2019
target met?

Target10.0%

Debt to EBITDA
Total borrowings /Reported EBITDA

3.0

1.0

1.1

Borrowings remain within cap multiple. No additional borrowings
in 2019. Debt continued to reduce in 2019, due to scheduled
repayment.
Employee Cost
Employee costs/
total expenses(excluding depreciation,amortisation andborrowing costs)

64.2
%

64.6
%

Underlying EBITDA exceeded target (excludes one-off strategic
initiative expenditure)

Employee costs remain within target limit.

Liquidity
Current assets/
Current liabilities

Reported EBITDA

3.8

2019
target met?

Ratio remained in line with prior year due to consistent capital
expenditure and depreciation.

Financial sustainability –Key Performance Indicators

KPI

Year on Year
Performance

3.0
1.5

66.0
%

The five year trend in reported EBITDA is outlined in the table below:
14.0%

120

Exceeded target. Positive operating cash generation andgrowth in market value of invested funds increased current
assets, however recognition of contract liabilities under the
new revenue accounting standard contributed to significant
increase in current liabilities.

12.7%

13.0%

100
80

12.0%

11.0%

11.0%
10.0%

$m 60

9.5%

9.3%

9.0%

40
7.9%
20
0

$95.6
m

$83.3
m

$117.8
m

$90.5
m

$76.5
m

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

EBITDA $m

8.0%
7.0%
6.0%
5.0%

EBITDA %The difference between reported EBITDA of 7.9 per cent andunderlying EBITDA of 11.3% in 2019 is expenditure on strategic
one-off initiatives as well as strategic spend of prior year surpluses.

46 | Griffith University

Income statement

Five year overview

Net result and total comprehensive income
The University delivered a Net Result from continuing operationsof $52.8m in 2019, representing a $15.1m increase comparedto the prior year. The restrained funding environment continues
to adversely impact performance, however strong growth in themarket value of invested funds, accounted for through income,contributed to the overall increase in the Net Result. Expenditure
increased, albeit at a slower rate compared to the prior year, inpart driven by salary expenditure and further strategic investment
focused on long term sustainability.

For comparative purposes, a five year overview of total income
and expenses is illustrated below. This includes the impact of
unrealised gains and losses relating to investment funds accounted
for through income:
1050$52.8m1000$37.7m950$75.7m$m
900

Total comprehensive income was $114.3m (2018: $99.6 m), due togains on equity instruments and PPE revaluations as follows:
2019
$m

2018
$m

Diff
$m

Net result

52.8

37.7

15.1

Gain on equity
instruments – OCI

17.5

5.1

12.4

Gain on PPE revaluation

44.0

56.8

(12.8)

Total comprehensive
income

114.3

99.6

14.7

Ref

850
800

$37.3m$50.9m

2015

2016

2017

Income excluding fair value on
investment fund

2018

2019

IncomeExpenses(i)(ii)(i) Upward fair value movement of holding in Education Australia(ii) Gain relates to land, buildings and infrastructure following adesktop valuation.

Income and expenses from continuing
operations
Total income from continuing operations increased by $59.7m
to $1,030.9m. The 6.1 per cent increase was driven by strong
investment income performance and improved consultancy
income as government funding remained flat.
Total expenditure increased 4.8 per cent to $978.1m for the year,
representing additional spend of $44.6m compared to 2018.
Employee related expenses increased $32.9m (5.9 per cent) in2019 due to salary escalation and increased leave provisions.

Over the five year period, the compounded annual revenue growthis 3.8 per cent compared to growth in expenditure of 4.0 per cent.
The improved performance noted in 2017 was partially driven by
third trimester income, following its introduction that year.

Financial position
The University’s balance sheet remains robust with net assets
increasing by $66.6m to $2,208.5m. Current assets increased
by $65.0m, mainly due to positive cash generation from operating
activities and strong performance of the growth fund. Upward
movements in the fair value of shareholdings together withincreased valuations of land and buildings contributed to theoverall increase in non-current assets of $59.8m. Total liabilities
increased from $267.9m to $326.2m driven by the recognitionof contract liabilities in 2019 as deferred income under the newrevenue accounting standard.

Future direction
Operating conditions remain challenging, with capped government
funding coupled with ever increasing competition in both domestic
and international markets requiring a renewed focus on long term
financial sustainability and future growth opportunities. The impactof the COVID-19 virus continues to be assessed but does present a
short to medium term risk to the University’s international income.
The strategic plan for 2020 – 2025 outlines investment inteaching, research and a significant capital programme to ensure
the University is best placed to respond to the challenges aheadwhilst embracing future opportunities.

Annual Report 2019 | 47

Financial Statements
Contents

AssetsStatement of Comprehensive Income49

6. Cash and cash equivalents

66

7.

67

Statement of Financial Position50

8. Other financial assets

67

Statement of Changes in Equity

51

9. Property, plant and equipment

69

Statement of Cash Flows52

10.	Intangible assets and premium onleased property

72

11. Other non-financial assets

73

Notes to the Financial Statements
1. Summary of significant accounting policies

53

Income2. Renue and income

58

2.1	Australian Government financial
assistance including AustralianGovernment loan programs (HELP)

58

2.2	State and Local Government
financial assistance59

2.3 Fees and charges

59

2.4 Consultancy and contracts

59

2.5 Other income and revenue

59

2.6	Revenue and Income from continuing
operations
3. Investment income

Liabilities
12. Trade and other payables

73

13. Borrowings

73

14. Provisions

74

15. Other liabilities

75

Equity16. Reserves and retained earnings

76

Disclosure Notes
17. Financial risk management77

18. Key management personnel disclosures

8160

19. Remuneration of auditors

85

20. Contingencies

85

64

21. Commitments

85

22. Events occurring after the reporting period

85

23.	Reconciliation of net result after
income tax to net cash provided byoperating activities

86

24. Service concession arrangements

86

25. Fair value measurements

87

26. Related parties92

27.	Acquittal of Australian Government
financial assistance93

Expenses
4. Employee related expenses

65

5. Other expenses

66

48 | Griffith University

Receivables

Griffith University Certificate

100

Independent Auditor’s Report101Financial statements

Griffith
Financial
Statements 2019
for the year ended 31 December 2019
fortheUniversity
year ended
31 December
Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes

2019
$'000

2018
$'000

2.1
2.1
2.2

360,905
249,705
7,552
14,997
255,91345,396
17
51,392
44,9901,030,867

359,968
238,642
6,510
14,584
240,591
16,900824
45,41347,708971,140

587,515
66,045
22,5803,066
32
268
298,586
978,092554,650
66,21521,854
3,526
147
374
286,718
933,484

Net result before income tax
Income tax expense
Net result from continuing operations

52,77552,77537,65637,656

Net result after income tax for the period

52,77537,656

17,54944,044
114,368

5,111
56,79399,560

Revenue and income from continuing operations
Australian Government financial assistanceAustralian Government grants
HELP – Australian Government payments
State and Local Government financial assistance
HECS-HELP – Student payments
Fees and charges
Investment income
Royalties, trademarks and licences
Consultancy and contracts
Other income and revenue
Total income from continuing operations
Expenses from continuing operations
Employee related expenses
Depreciation and amortisation
Repairs and maintenance
Borrowing costs
Net losses on disposal of assets
Share of loss on investments accounted for using the equity method
Other expenses
Total expenses from continuing operations

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Gain on equity instruments designated at fair value through othercomprehensive income
Gain on revaluation of property, plant and equipment
Total comprehensive income attributable to the University

2.3
3
2.4
2.5

4
9,10

5

16
9

The above Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Annual Report 2019 | 49

2

Financial statements

fortheUniversity
year ended
31 December
Griffith
Financial
Statements 2019
for the year ended 31 December 2019
Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2019

AssetsCurrent assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Contract assets
Inventories
Other financial assets
Other non-financial assets
Total current assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets and premium on leased property
Other financial assets
Total non-current assets

Notes

2019
$'000

2018
$'000

6
7
2.6

386,349
24,814
12,7202,149
245,288
29,498700,818

373,841
27,802
2,222
211,527
20,405635,797

1,756,621
22,411
54,892
1,833,924

1,707,954
27,33938,797
1,774,090

2,534,742

2,409,887

12
13
14
15
2.6

35,435
11,661
89,561
41,15752,815
230,629

37,616
11,27583,80335,831
168,52513
14
2.6

70,052
17,846
7,667
95,56581,713
17,71799,430326,194

267,955

2,208,548

2,141,932

919,631
1,288,917
2,208,548

858,038
1,283,894
2,141,932

8
11

9
10
8

Total assets
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Provisions
Other liabilities
Contract liabilities
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Provisions
Contract liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
EquityReserves
Retained earnings
Total equity

16
16

The above Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

50 | Griffith University

3

Financial statements

for theUniversity
year ended
31 December
Griffith
Financial
Statements 2019
for the year ended 31 December 2019
Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes

Balance at 1 January 2018
Net result
Gain on revaluation of property, plant and equipment
Gain on revaluation of financial assets at fair value through othercomprehensive income
Balance at 31 December 2018
Balance at 1 January 2019
Retrospective changes
Balance as restated
Net result
Gain on revaluation of property, plant and equipment
Gain on revaluation of financial assets at fair value through othercomprehensive income
Balance at 31 December 2019

16

16

16

Reserves$’000

Retained
Earnings
$’000

Total
$’000

796,134
56,793

1,246,238
37,656-

2,042,372
37,656
56,7935,111
858,038

1,283,894

5,111
2,141,932

858,038
858,038
44,044

1,283,894(47,752)
1,236,142
52,775-2,141,932(47,752)
2,094,180
52,77544,044

17,549919,631

1,288,917

17,5492,208,548

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

Annual Report 2019 | 51

4

Financial statements

Griffith
Financial
Statements forthe year ended 31 December 2019
for theUniversity
year ended
31 December
2019Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2019
2019
$’000

2018
$’000

610,459
88
7,631
1,183
14,480355,531
2,739
9,971
14,309(923,216)(3,083)90,092606,484
(281)
6,622
685
14,584332,326
9,076
10,511
16,279(872,700)(3,554)
120,032

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Payments for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Proceeds from sale of financial assets
Payments for financial assets

656(68,373)
1,165
(42)

916
(70,885)(60,635)

Net cash used in investing activities(66,594)(130,604)

Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of borrowings(11,275)(14,348)

Net cash used in financing activities(11,275)(14,348)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

12,223373,841285(24,920)
397,889872

386,349

373,841

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Australian Government grants
OS-HELP (net)State Government grants
Local Government grants received
HECS-HELP – Student payments
Receipts from student fees and other customers
Dividends received
Interest received
GST recovered
Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)Interest and other costs of financeNet cash provided by operating activities

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year

27.6

23

6

The above Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

52 | Griffith University

5

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
1. Summary of significant accounting policies
Griffith University is constituted under the Griffith University Act 1998 (Qld) and is a statutory body within themeaning given in the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (Qld). The principal address of Griffith University is
Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland 4222.
The financial statements are parent entity financial statements consisting of Griffith University only. Consolidated
financial statements have not been prepared as the two subsidiaries’ (Griffith Innovation Centre and International
Water Centre Pty Ltd) financial statements are not considered material. The parent and ultimate parent entity is
Griffith University. The presentation currency is Australian Dollars.
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out under the
relevant notes. These policies have been consistently applied for all years reported unless otherwise stated.
(a) Basis of preparation
The annual financial statements represent the audited general purpose financial statements of Griffith University.
They have been prepared on an accrual basis and comply with Australian Accounting Standards and otherauthoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.
Griffith University applies Tier 1 reporting requirements.
Additionally, the statements have been prepared in accordance with the following statutory requirements:•
Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth) (Financial Statement Guidelines)•
Financial and Performance Management Standard 2019 (Qld)
Griffith University is a not-for-profit entity and these statements have been prepared on that basis. Some of theAustralian Accounting Standards requirements for not-for-profit entities are inconsistent with the IFRS
requirements.
(i) Date of authorisation for issue
The financial statements were authorised for issue by Griffith University at the date of signing the Griffith University
Certificate.
(ii) Historical cost convention
These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for debt and equity
financial assets that have been measured at fair value either through other comprehensive income or profit or loss,
and certain classes of property, plant and equipment.
(iii) Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Australian Accounting Standards requires the use ofcertain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process ofapplying the University’s accounting policies. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an
ongoing basis.
University management has made no judgement in the process of applying accounting policies that would have asignificant impact on the amounts disclosed in the financial report, other than the normal operational judgement
affecting depreciation, impairment, revaluation of assets and calculation of employee benefits.
(b) Comparative amounts
Where necessary, comparative information has been reclassified to enhance comparability in respect of changes
in presentation adopted in the current year.
(c) Rounding of amounts
Amounts in the financial report are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars.

Annual Report 2019 | 53

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)(d) Taxation
The activities of the University are exempt from Commonwealth taxation under the provisions of Division 50 of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA) except for Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
State taxes are payable where applicable, e.g. Payroll Tax.
In relation to any foreign operations, the University is subject to tax under the Tax Acts applicable in the relevant
countries. Tax in respect of these operations is brought to account in the year it is incurred.
(e) Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is
not recoverable from the taxation authority. In this case GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of theasset or as part of the expense. Receivables and payables are recorded at the GST inclusive amount. The net
amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the Australian Taxation Office is included with other receivables
or payables in the Statement of Financial Position.
Cash flows are included in the Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis and the GST component of cash flows
arising from financing or investing activities, which are recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority areclassified as operating cash flows.
Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, thetaxation authority.
(f) New Accounting Standards and Interpretations
The following standard has been issued but is not mandatory for 31 December 2019 reporting periods. The
University has elected not to early adopt this standard. The University’s assessment of the impact of this new
standard and interpretations is set out below:
AASB1059 Service Concession Arrangements: Grantors (application date 1 January 2020)
This standard prescribes the accounting treatment for arrangements from the grantor’s perspective, requiring
recognition of an asset based on certain criteria being met.
The University has a service concession arrangement with an external student accommodation provider at the Gold
Coast Campus without any investment or financial operating risk to the University. The University has priority rights
for its students to occupy the accommodation but has no obligation to guarantee any level of usage. It does notmeet the criteria of being under control of the University and therefore no asset will be recognised.
In addition, at the date of authorisation of the financial statements, the following IASB Standards and IFRICInterpretations were on issue but not yet effective, but for which Australian equivalent Standards and Interpretations
have not yet been issued:
Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards – 1 January 2020(g) Initial application of Australian Accounting Standards
The University has adopted AASB15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, AASB1058 Income for Not-for-Profit
Entities and AASB16 Leases in accordance with the transitional provisions applicable to each standard. The natureand effect of the changes as a result of adoption of these new accounting standards are described below.
The following interpretations and amending standards have also been adopted:
AASB2016-8
AASB2017-7
AASB2018-4
AASB2018-8

54 | Griffith University

Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Australian Implementation Guidancefor Non-for-Profit Entities
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Long-term Interests in Associates
and Joint Ventures
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Australian Implementation Guidancefor Not-for-Profit Public Sector Licensors
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Right-of-Use Assets of Not-for-Profit
Entities

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith
GriffithUniversity
UniversityFinancial
FinancialStatements
Statementsfor
forthetheyearyearended
ended31
31December
December2019
2019
Notes
Notestotothe
thefinancial
financialstatements
statementsfor
forthetheyearyearended
ended31
31December
December2019
2019
1.
1.Summary
Summaryof
ofsignificant
significantaccounting
accountingpolicies
policies(continued)(continued)(g)(g)Initial
Initialapplication
applicationof
ofAustralian
AustralianAccounting
AccountingStandards
Standards(continued)(continued)
AASB15
AASB15Revenue
Revenuefrom
fromContracts
Contractswith
withCustomers
Customersand
andAASB1058
AASB1058Income
Incomefor
forNot-for-Profit
Not-for-ProfitEntities
Entities
The
TheUniversity
Universityadopted
adoptedAASB15AASB15andandAASB1058
AASB1058using
usingthethemodified
modifiedretrospective
retrospectivemethod
methodofoftransition,transition,withwiththethedatedateofof initial
initial application
application ofof 11 January
January 2019.
2019. TheThe University
University has
has elected
elected not
not toto defer
defer thethe application
application ofof AASB15
AASB15 andand
AASB1058
AASB1058for
forresearchresearchgrants
grantstotoperiods
periodsbeginning
beginningon
onor
orafter
after11July
July2020
2020asaspermitted
permittedby
by AASBAASBAction
ActionAlert
AlertIssue
Issue
No.
No.200.
200.InInaccordance
accordancewith
withthetheprovisions
provisionsof
ofthisthistransitiontransitionapproach,approach,thetheUniversity
Universityrecognised
recognisedthe
thecumulative
cumulativeeffecteffectofofapplying
applyingthese
thesenew
newstandards
standardsas
asan
anadjustment
adjustmentto
toopening
openingretained
retainedearnings
earningsat
atthe
thedatedateofofinitial
initialapplication,
application,i.e.,
i.e.,
11January
January2019.
2019.Consequently,
Consequently,thethecomparative
comparativeinformation
informationpresented
presentedhas
hasnotnotbeenbeenrestatedrestatedand
andcontinues
continuesto
tobe
bereportedreportedunder
underthetheprevious
previousstandards
standardson
onrevenue
revenueand
andincome.
income.In
Inaddition,
addition,thetheUniversity
Universityhas
hasapplied
appliedthe
thepracticalpractical
expedientexpedient andand elected
elected toto apply
apply these
these standards
standards retrospectively
retrospectively only
only toto contracts
contracts andand transactionstransactions thatthat were
were notnotcompletedcompletedcontracts
contractsat
atthe
thedatedateofofinitial
initialapplication,
application,i.e.,
i.e.,asasatat11January
January2019.
2019.
didapply
applythethepracticalpracticalexpedient
expedientdescribed
describedininAs
AsthetheUniversity
Universityisisapplying
applyingthe
themodified
modifiedretrospective
retrospectiveapproach,approach,ititdid
AASB15.C5
AASB15.C5(c),(c),forforcontracts
contractsthat
thatwere
weremodified
modifiedbefore
beforethethebeginning
beginningof
ofthe
theearliest
earliestperiod
periodpresented.
presented.
The
TheUniversity
Universitydid
didnotnotretrospectively
retrospectivelyrestate
restatethe
thecontract
contractfor
forthosethosemodifications
modificationsininaccordance
accordancewith
withAASB15.20-21.
AASB15.20-21.
Instead,Instead, itit reflectedreflected thethe aggregate
aggregate effecteffect ofof all
all ofof thethe modifications
modifications thatthat occur
occur before
before thethe beginning
beginning ofof thethe earliest
earliest
periodperiodpresented
presentedwhen:
when:••Identifying
Identifyingthe
thesatisfied
satisfiedandandunsatisfied
unsatisfiedperformance
performanceobligations
obligations••Determining
Determiningthe
thetransaction
transactionpriceprice••Allocating
Allocatingthe
thetransaction
transactionpricepricetotothe
thesatisfied
satisfiedandandunsatisfied
unsatisfiedperformance
performanceobligation
obligation
The
The new
new accounting
accounting policies
policies forfor revenue
revenue andand otherother income
income forfor not-for-profit
not-for-profit inin accordance
accordance with
with AASB15AASB15 andand
AASB1058
AASB1058respectively
respectivelyare
areprovided
providedininnote
note2.6.
2.6.
Overview
Overviewof
ofAASB15
AASB15andandAASB1058
AASB1058
Under
Under thethe new
new income
income recognition
recognition model
model applicableapplicable toto not-for-profit
not-for-profit entities,
entities, thethe University
University shall
shall first
first determine
determinewhetherwhetherananenforceable
enforceableagreementagreementexists
existsandandwhether
whetherthe
thepromises
promisesto
totransfer
transfergoods
goodsororservices
servicesto
tothe
thecustomer
customerareare‘sufficiently‘sufficientlyspecific’.
specific’.
IfIf anan enforceable
enforceable agreementagreement exists
exists andand thethe promises
promises areare ‘sufficiently‘sufficiently specific’
specific’ (to(to aa transaction
transaction oror partpart ofof aatransaction),transaction),thetheUniversity
Universityapplies
appliesthethegeneralgeneralAASB15AASB15principles
principlesto
todetermine
determinethe
theappropriate
appropriaterevenue
revenuerecognition.
recognition.
IfIfthese
thesecriteria
criteriaare
arenotnotmet,met,thetheUniversity
Universityshall
shallconsider
considerwhether
whetherAASB1058
AASB1058applies.
applies.
The
Thenature
natureandandeffecteffectofofthe
thechanges
changesas
asaaresult
resultof
ofadoption
adoptionof
ofAASB15
AASB15andandAASB1058
AASB1058arearedescribed
describedas
asfollows:
follows:

AssetsAssets
Receivables
Receivables
Contract
Contractassets
assetsOther
Otherassets
assets
Total
Totalassets
assetsContract
Contractliabilities
liabilities
Other
Otherliabilities
liabilities
Total
Totalliabilities
liabilities
Total
Totaldecrease
decreasetotoequityequityRetained
Retainedearnings
earnings

Ref
Ref
11January
January2019
2019
adjustments
adjustments
$’000
$’000

2.6
2.6

2.6
2.6

16
16

-11,445
11,445-11,445
11,44554,31854,3184,879
4,879
59,19759,19747,75247,75247,75247,75247,75247,752

Annual Report 2019 | 55

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith
GriffithUniversity
UniversityFinancial
FinancialStatements
Statementsfor
forthetheyearyearended
ended31
31December
December2019
2019
Notes
Notestotothe
thefinancial
financialstatements
statementsfor
forthetheyearyearended
ended31
31December
December2019
2019
1.
1.Summary
Summaryof
ofsignificant
significantaccounting
accountingpolicies
policies(continued)(continued)(g)(g)Initial
Initialapplication
applicationof
ofAustralian
AustralianAccounting
AccountingStandards
Standards(continued)(continued)
Set
Setoutoutbelow
belowarearethetheamounts
amountsby
bywhichwhicheach
eachfinancial
financialstatement
statementline
lineitemitemisisaffectedaffectedas
asat
atand
andforforthetheyearyearendedended
31
31December
December2019
2019asasaaresult
resultof
ofthe
theadoption
adoptionof
ofAASB15
AASB15andandAASB1058.
AASB1058.The
Theadoption
adoptionof
ofAASB15
AASB15did
didnotnothavehaveaamaterialmaterialimpact
impacton
onotherothercomprehensive
comprehensiveincome
incomeororthe
the University’s
University’soperating,operating,investing
investing andand financing
financing cash
cashflows.
flows.
The
Thefirst
firstcolumn
columnshows
showsamounts
amountspreparedpreparedunder
underAASB15AASB15andandAASB1058
AASB1058andandthethesecondsecondcolumn
columnshows
showswhat
whatthetheamounts
amountswould
wouldhave
havebeen
beenhad
hadAASB15
AASB15andandAASB1058
AASB1058notnotbeenbeenadopted:
adopted:IncomeIncomeStatement
Statement

Revenue
Revenueand
andincomeincomefrom
fromcontinuing
continuingoperations
operations
Australian
AustralianGovernment
Governmentfinancial
financialassistanceassistanceAustralian
AustralianGovernment
Governmentgrants
grantsHELP
HELP––Australian
AustralianGovernment
Governmentpayments
payments
State
Stateand
andlocal
localgovernment
governmentfinancial
financialassistanceassistance
HECS-HELP
HECS-HELP––Student
Studentpayments
payments
Fees
Feesandandcharges
charges
Investment
Investmentincome
incomeRoyalties,
Royalties,trademarks
trademarksand
andlicences
licences
Consultancy
Consultancyand
andcontracts
contracts
Other
Otherincome
incomeandandrevenue
revenue
Total
Totalrevenue
revenueand
andincomeincomefrom
fromcontinuing
continuingoperations
operations

31
31December
December2019
2019
Amounts
Amountspreparedpreparedunder
under
Ref
Ref
AASB15/
AASB15/Previous
Previous
Increase/
Increase/adjustment
adjustment AASB1058
AASB1058
AAS
AAS
Decrease
Decrease
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000

2.1
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.2
2.2

360,905
360,905
249,705
249,705
7,552
7,552
14,997
14,997
255,913
255,91345,39645,39617
1751,392
51,392
44,99044,9901,030,867
1,030,867

360,818
360,818
251,146
251,1469,344
9,344
15,02815,028
256,956
256,956
45,39645,39617
1750,69750,69744,74744,747
1,034,149
1,034,149

87
87(1,441)(1,441)(1,792)(1,792)(31)(31)(1,043)(1,043)
--695
695
243
243
(3,282)(3,282)

Expenses
Expensesfrom
fromcontinuing
continuingoperations
operations
Total
Totalexpenses
expensesfrom
fromcontinuing
continuingoperations
operations

978,092
978,092
978,092
978,092

978,092
978,092
978,092
978,092---

Net
Netresultresultbefore
beforeincome
incometax
taxfrom
fromcontinuing
continuingoperations
operations

52,77552,77556,05756,057(3,282)(3,282)

IncomeIncometax
taxexpense
expenseNet
Netresultresultfrom
fromcontinuing
continuingoperations,operations,after
aftertax
tax-52,775
52,775-56,057
56,057-(3,282)(3,282)

24,814
24,814
12,72012,7202,497,208
2,497,208
2,534,742
2,534,742
60,48260,482
265,712265,712326,194
326,194

29,99429,994-2,497,208
2,497,208
2,527,202
2,527,202-267,620
267,620
267,620
267,620(5,180)(5,180)12,72012,720-7,5407,540
60,48260,482(1,908)(1,908)58,57458,574

919,631919,631
1,288,917
1,288,917
2,208,548
2,208,548

919,631919,631
1,339,951
1,339,951
2,259,582
2,259,582-(51,034)(51,034)(51,034)(51,034)

2.3
2.3
33
2.4
2.4
2.5
2.5

Statement
Statementof
offinancial
financialposition
position
AssetsAssets
Receivables
Receivables
Contract
Contractassets
assetsOther
Otherassets
assets
Total
Totalassets
assetsContract
Contractliabilities
liabilities
Other
Otherliabilities
liabilities
Total
Totalliabilities
liabilities
EquityEquityReserves
Reserves
Retained
Retainedearnings
earnings
Total
Totalequity
equity56 | Griffith University

77
2.6
2.6

2.6
2.6

16
16
16
16

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith
GriffithUniversity
UniversityFinancial
FinancialStatements
Statementsfor
forthetheyearyearended
ended31
31December
December2019
2019
Notes
Notestotothe
thefinancial
financialstatements
statementsfor
forthetheyearyearended
ended31
31December
December2019
2019
1.1.Summary
Summaryof
ofsignificant
significantaccounting
accountingpolicies
policies(continued)(continued)(g)(g)Initial
Initialapplication
applicationof
ofAustralian
AustralianAccounting
AccountingStandards
Standards(continued)(continued)
Thenature
natureofofthe
theadjustments
adjustmentsas
asatat11January
January2019
2019andandthethereasonsreasonsfor
forthethesignificant
significantchanges
changesininthe
thestatement
statementofof
Thefinancialposition
positionas
asatat31
31December
December2018
2018andandthetheincomeincomestatement
statementfor
forthetheyearyearended
ended31
31December
December2019
2019arearefinancialdescribedbelow:
below:
described
Coursefees
feesandandcharges
charges(i)(i)Course
Thesignificant
significantchanges
changesare
aredueduetotorevenue
revenuebeing
beingrecognised
recognisedover
overtimetimeasasand
andwhenwhenthethecourse
courseisisdelivereddeliveredtoto
The
studentsover
overthethetrimester.
trimester.Under
Underthetheprevious
previousstandards,
standards,revenue
revenuewas
wasrecognised
recognisedatataapoint
pointinintime
timeononcensus
censusstudents
datewhenwhenthetheUniversity
Universityhad
hadthetheright
righttotobe
becompensated,compensated,and
andthetheamountamountofofrevenue
revenueandandthethestagestageofofcompletion
completiondatetheservice
servicecan
canbebereliably
reliablymeasured.
measured.
ofofthe(ii)Consultancy
Consultancyand
andcontracts
contractsand
andAustralian
AustralianGovernment
Governmentgrants
grants(ii)
Forrevenue
revenuethat
thatisiswithin
withinthe
thescope
scopeofofAASB15,
AASB15,revenue
revenueisisrecognised
recognisedover
overtimetimeasasthe
theservice
serviceprovided
providedover
overthetheFor
periodperiodororatataapoint
pointinintime
timeififthetheservice
serviceisisnot
notprovided
providedover
overthetheperiod.
period.For
Forrevenue
revenuethat
thatisiswithin
withinthe
thescope
scopeofofAASB1058,
AASB1058, revenue
revenue isis recognised
recognised immediately
immediately upon
upon receipt.
receipt. Under
Under thethe previous
previous standards,
standards, revenue
revenue waswasrecognised
recognisedimmediately
immediatelywhen
whenthetheUniversity
Universityobtains
obtainscontrol
controlofofthe
theright
righttotoreceive
receivethe
thegrant,
grant,ititisisprobableprobablethatthat
economic
economicbenefits
benefitswill
willflow
flowtotothe
theUniversity,
University,and
andititcan
canbebereliably
reliablymeasured.
measured.Where
Whereititisisreciprocal
reciprocalininnature,
nature,revenuerevenuewas
wasprogressively
progressivelyrecognised
recognisedas
asititisisearned,
earned,according
accordingtotothe
theterms
termsofofthe
theagreements.
agreements.
(iii)(iii)Contract
Contractassets
assetsandandContract
Contractliabilities
liabilities
IfIfthetheUniversity
Universityperforms
performsby
bytransferringtransferringgoods
goodsororservices
servicestotoaacustomer
customerbefore
beforethethecustomer
customerpays
paysconsiderationconsideration
ororbefore
beforeaapayment
paymentisisdue,due,thethecontract
contractisispresented
presentedasasaacontract
contractasset.
asset. IfIfaacustomer
customerpays
paysconsideration,
consideration,ororthe
theUniversity
Universityhas
hasaaright
righttotoan
anamount
amountofofconsiderationconsiderationthat
thatisisunconditional,
unconditional,before
beforethe
theUniversity
Universitytransfers
transfersaagood
goodoror
serviceservicetotothe
thecustomer,
customer,thethecontract
contractisispresented
presentedasasaacontract
contractliability.
liability.
(iv)(iv)Retained
Retainedearnings
earnings
AASB15
AASB15waswasapplied
appliedretrospectively
retrospectivelywith
withthethecumulative
cumulativeeffecteffectofofinitially
initiallyapplying
applyingthe
thestandard
standardas
asan
anadjustment
adjustment
totothetheopening
openingbalancebalanceofofretained
retainedearnings.
earnings.
AASB16
AASB16Leases
LeasesThe
TheUniversity
Universityhas
hasadopted
adoptedAASB16
AASB16using
usingthethemodified
modifiedretrospective
retrospectivemethod
methodofoftransition,transition,withwiththethedatedateofofinitial
initialapplication
applicationofof11January
January2019.
2019.Under
Underthethemodified
modifiedapproach,approach,thetheUniversity
Universitycan
canchoose,choose,on
onaalease-by-lease
lease-by-leasebasis,
basis,
totomeasure
measurethe
therelated
relatedright-of-use
right-of-use(ROU)(ROU)asset
assetatateither:either:(i)(i)

its
itscarrying
carryingamountamountasasififAASB16
AASB16had
hadbeenbeenapplied
appliedsince
sincethethecommencement
commencementdate,date,butbutdiscounted
discounted
using
usingthethelessee’s
lessee’sincremental
incrementalborrowing
borrowingrate
rateatatthe
thedatedateofofinitial
initialapplication,
application,oror

(ii)
(ii)

an
anamount
amountequal
equaltotothe
theleaseleaseliability,
liability,adjusted
adjustedby
bythe
theamountamountofofany
anyprepaid
prepaidororaccrued
accruedlease
lease
payments
paymentsrelating
relatingtotothat
thatlease
leaserecognised
recognisedininthe
thestatement
statementofoffinancial
financialposition
positionimmediately
immediatelybefore
beforethethedatedateofofinitial
initialapplication.
application.

The
TheUniversity
Universityreviewed
reviewedits
itsleases
leasestotodetermine
determinethethemagnitude
magnitudeofofany
anypotential
potentialchanges.
changes.The
Themajority
majorityofofoperating
operatingleasesleasesarearemotor
motorvehicle
vehicleleases
leasesororshort-term
short-termstudiostudiorentals.
rentals.Based
Basedononthe
theimmateriality
immaterialityand
andshort-term
short-termnature
natureofof
these
theseleases,
leases,thetheUniversity
Universitydecided
decidednot
nottotorecognise
recogniseaaROU
ROUasset,
asset,lease
leaseliability
liabilityand
andcomputed
computedinterest
interestcharge
chargeandandinterest
interestexpense.
expense.
lesseestoto
The
TheUniversity
Universitynotes
notesthetheamendment
amendmentAASBAASB2018-8
2018-8which,which,asasaatemporary
temporarymeasure,measure,permits
permitsnot-for-profit
not-for-profitlessees
notnotmeasure
measureROU
ROUassets
assetsfor
forbelow
belowmarket
marketororpeppercorn
peppercornleases
leasesatatfair
fairvalue,
value,since
sincefurther
furtherguidance
guidanceisisexpected
expectedtoto
bebedeveloped
developedtotoassist
assistnot-for-profit
not-for-profitentities
entitiesininmeasuring
measuringROU
ROUassets
assetsatatfair
fairvalue.
value.The
TheUniversity
Universityhas
hastwotwoexisting
existing
land
landleases
leaseswith
withsignificantly
significantlybelow
belowmarket
marketlease
leasepayments.
payments.Initial
Initialestimatesestimatesindicate
indicateaarequired
required$62.0$62.0million
millionfair
fair
value
valuerecognition
recognitionofofROU
ROUassets
assetsandandan
anadditional
additional$0.7$0.7million
millionannual
annualamortisationamortisationcharges.
charges.

Annual Report 2019 | 57

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
2. Revenue and Income
2.1 Australian Government financial assistance including Australian Government loan programs (HELP)
2019
$’000

2018
$’000

27.1

279,823
4,927
527
3,480
288,757

281,540
5,104
260
3,177
290,08127.2

209,563
35,215
4,927
249,705

200,707
33,1794,756
238,64227.3

23,906
17,194
41,10023,184
17,31540,49927.5

10,635
3,232
13,867

10,285
3,401
13,686

Non-capital
National Health and Medical Research Council
Department of Health
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
Other
Total other Australian Government financial assistance

6,188
4,653
919
2,925
1,500
996
17,181

7,523
4,552
1,348
1,350
83
846
15,702

Total Australian Government financial assistance

610,610598,610Notes(a) Commonwealth Grant Scheme and Other Grants
Commonwealth Grant Scheme#1
Higher Education Participation and Partnership Program
Disability Performance Funding#2
Indigenous Student Success Program#3
Total Commonwealth Grant Scheme and Other Grants(b) Higher Education Loan Programs
HECS-HELP
FEE-HELP
SA-HELP
Total Higher Education Loan Programs(c) Education Research
Research Training Program
Research Support Program
Total Education Research Grants(d) Australian Research Council
Discovery
Linkages
Total ARC(e) Other Australian Government financial assistance

#1
#2
#3

Includes the basic CGS grant amount, Regional Loading, Enabling Loading, Medical Student Loading, AllocatedPlaces and Non Designated Courses.
Disability Performance Funding includes Additional Support for Students with Disabilities and Australian
Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training.
Indigenous Student Success Program has replaced the Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships Program andthe Indigenous Support Program as of 1 January 2017.

58 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
2019
$’000

2018
$’000

2,953
4,599
7,552

2,962
3,548
6,510

Course fees and charges
Fee-paying onshore overseas students
Fee-paying offshore overseas students
Continuing education
Fee-paying domestic postgraduate students
Fee-paying domestic undergraduate students
Fee-paying domestic non-award students
Other domestic course fees and charges
Total course fees and charges

190,134
3,757
11,949
8,062
143
945
14,530229,520

176,826
4,651
11,0738,482
3975
15,051
217,061

Other non-course fees and charges
Community services fees
Conferences and seminars
Parking fees and fines
Enrolment / reinstatement fees
Student accommodation
Student services and amenities fees from students
Other fees and charges
Total other non-course fees and charges
Total fees and charges

4,494
3,554
4,507
1,137
7,365
3,468
1,868
26,393
255,913

4,217
2,003
4,594
1,030
6,657
3,351
1,678
23,530240,591

29,121
22,271
51,392

29,351
16,06245,413

11,767
5,403
14,184
2,090
7,034
844
1,304
2,364
44,99012,824
5,119
14,351
2,182
7,143
688
1,239
4,162
47,708

2.2 State and Local Government financial assistanceNon-capital
Operating financial assistance
Research funds
Total State and Local Government financial assistance
2.3 Fees and charges

2.4 Consultancy and contracts
Consultancy
Contract research
Total consultancy and contracts
2.5 Other income and revenue
Donations and bequests
Scholarships and prizes
Sale of goods
Commercial rent
Recovery of expenditure
Non-government grants
Commission received
Other revenue
Total other income and revenue

Annual Report 2019 | 59

60 | Griffith University

Research: The University performs research activities in different fields such as health, engineering, education, and science. The University enters into many different types of research
agreements with different counterparties, such as with private sector customers and Government agencies that award research grants. Each grant agreement needs to be assessed as
to whether it is an enforceable arrangement and contains sufficiently specific promises to transfer outputs from the research to the customer (or at the direction of the customer).
Judgement is required in making this assessment. The University has concluded that some research agreements represent a contract with a customer whereas other research grants
are recognised as income when the University obtains control of the research funds.

Non-course fees and charges: These correspond to the complementary services provided by the University such as parking and accommodation services.

ii.

iii.

13

Education: The University has domestic and overseas students enrolled in a variety of programs for different qualification levels (from certificates to doctoral degrees). Whilst, the numberof domestic students is affected by national economic factors such as interest rates or unemployment, the overseas students are impacted by the changes in the immigration policies.

i.

Revenue and income streams: The streams are distinguishing the different activities performed by the University as well as acknowledge the different type of users of the programs andservices provided:

Source of funding: The University receives funds from the Australian Government as well as the State and Local Government to assist with education programs across a wide range of
disciplines, and at different education qualification levels. Apart from funds received from Government, the University also receives funds and fees from private organisations or individuals
that are used for the different programs led by the University or correspond to the education and research services provided by the University.

Revenue streams disclosed below are considered to be different in nature, amount, timing and uncertainty.

Basis for disaggregation

Note 2.6 Revenue and income from continuing operations

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Disaggregation

Australian Government
financial assistance,
including HELP
State and Local
Government financial
assistanceFees and charges
Consultancy andcontracts
Donations and bequest
Other revenue
Total revenue andincome-229,520-759,048

2.2

2.3
2.4

2.5
2.5

2.1

Coursefees andcharges(AASB 15)
529,528

Notes

The University derives revenue and income from:a)37,46819,281

4,320

Researchgoods andservices(AASB15)
13,867

26,393

26,393--33,22391,411

29,121

2,952

Source of Income
Non-course
Other
fees and(AASB15)
charges(AASB15)
26,115Note 2.6 Revenue and income from continuing operations (continued)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

44,3702,990

280

41,100Research
income(AASB1058)

11,767
11,767

-

-

-

Other
(AASB1058)

33,223914,320

255,913
48,402

7,272

569,510

Total Revenue
from contracts
with customers

11,76756,1372,990

280

41,100Total Incomeof not-forprofit entities

11,76733,223
970,457

255,913
51,392

7,552

610,610

Total
RevenueandIncomefor the year ended 31 December 201914

Financial statements

Annual Report 2019 | 61

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Note 2.6 Revenue and Income from continuing operations (continued)b)

Accounting policies and significant accounting judgements and estimates

The University’s revenue recognition on significant revenue streams is detailed below:•

Course fees and charges

The course fees and charges revenue relate to undergraduate programs, graduate and professional degree
programs and continuing education and executive programs.
The revenue is recognised:-Over time as and when the course is delivered to students over the academic period.

When the courses or trainings have been paid in advance by students or the University has received the government
funding in advance (e.g. before starting the academic period) the University recognises a liability until the services
are delivered.
The University does not have obligations to return or refund once census date of each academic period is passed.
There is no significant financing component, as the period from when the student pays, and the service is provided
is less than 12 months and the consideration is not variable.
•

Research

Revenue recognition for research funding is dependent upon the source of the funding and the nature of thetransaction. Management have judged that performance obligations are satisfied as performed and access toresearch findings is available to granting bodies, and this is consistent with expenses incurred.
The following specific research revenue recognition criteria have been applied:-

Funding received from the Australian Research Council (“ARC”): There is an enforceable contract byprovisions in the ARC funding agreement and corresponding legislation; and there are sufficiently specificperformance obligations in the promise of research activities in the form of the ‘mature research plan’ whichis contained within the proposal for the grant. It is within the scope of AASB15. The only exception is ARC
funded assets including Linkage, Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities. These contracts meet the criteriaof AASB1058 and are treated as transfers to enable an entity to acquire or construct a recognisable nonfinancial asset to be controlled by the entity.

-

Funding received from the National Health and Medical Research Council (“NHMRC”): There is anenforceable contract by provision in the NHMRC funding agreement and corresponding legislation. There
are sufficient specific performance obligations in the promise to undertake Research Activities as presented
in the grant proposal in the form of research services provided to the NHMRC. It is within the scope of
AASB15.

-

Funding received from the Department of Education – Research Block Grant (“RBG”): The University
received funding in relation to the Research Training Program (“RTP”) and Research Support Program(“RSP”) – There are no identified sufficiently specific performance obligations and other related amounts.
They are out of scope of AASB15. The income will be recognised according to AASB1058 immediately
when the University has the contractual right to receive the grant.

-

Funding received from non-government entities: Each research project is reviewed individually with regard
to the enforceability and sufficiently specific performance obligations criteria to determine whether AASB15
or AASB1058 applies.

The revenue is recognised:•Over time when the service is provided over the period; orAt a point in time when the service is within the scope of AASB15 and is not provided over the period; orAt a point in time when the service is within the scope of AASB1058

Non-course fees and charges

Non-course fees and charges revenue relates to student services and amenities fees, parking fees, community
service fees, conferences and seminars, enrolment / reinstatement fees and student accommodation fees.
The following specific non-course fees and charges revenue recognition criteria have been applied:-Student services and amenities fees: There is an enforceable contract by the provisions in the Student
Services and Amenities Act and by the agreement between the University and student to provide services
and amenities which form part of the University experience. There are sufficiently specific performanceobligations in the promise of providing certain services and amenities to the students who are enrolled. It is
within the scope of AASB15.

62 | Griffith University

15

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Note 2.6 Revenue and Income from continuing operations (continued)b)

Accounting policies and significant accounting judgements and estimates (continued)-

Student accommodation: There is an enforceable contract by the agreement between the University andstudent to provide accommodation facilities. Performance obligations are sufficiently specific according to
the agreement. It is within the scope of AASB15.

-

All other fees and charges: Most of them are enforceable and contain sufficiently specific performanceobligations. They are within the scope of AASB15.

Revenue is recognised:•Over time as and when the service is provided over the period; orAt a point in time when the service is within the scope of AASB15 and is not provided over the period;

Other

Other revenue that is within the scope of AASB15 mainly relates to sales of goods, commercial rent, recovery of
expenditure, commission received, non-government grants, and other revenue.
The following specific other revenue recognition criteria have been applied:-

Donations and bequests: If donations and bequests are mere gifts and create no material obligation, thensufficiently specific performance obligation criteria cannot be identified. It is out of scope of AASB15.
Revenue is recognised according to AASB1058. If donations and bequests are not mere gifts and a material
benefit is provided to the donor in return for the contribution made, then enforceability and sufficiently
specific performance obligation criteria are assessed to determine whether AASB15 or AASB1058 applies.

-

Other revenue: Most of these are enforceable and contain sufficiently specific performance obligations.
They are within the scope of AASB15.

Revenue is recognised:c)Over time as and when the service is provided over the period
At a point in time when the service is within the scope of AASB15 and is not provided over the period; orAt a point in time when the service is within the scope of AASB1058

Unsatisfied performance obligations

Remaining performance obligations represent services the University has promised to provide to customers undervarious agreements which are satisfied as the goods or services are provided over the contract term. In determining
the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations in the University’s contracts with customers,
the University has not included the effects of the time value of money, non-cash consideration, if any, or if theperformance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less. Further, theamounts disclosed below do not include variable consideration which has been constrained.
These unsatisfied performance obligations are expected to be satisfied within the following periods:
Within 1 year$000

From 1 to 5 years$000

After 5 years
$000

Total
$000

Course fees and charges
23,70923,709Research goods and services
17,0496,003
23,052
Other
20,101
1,664
21,765
As permitted under the transitional provisions in AASB15, the transaction price allocated to partially unsatisfied
performance obligations as of 31 December 2018 is not disclosed.

Annual Report 2019 | 63

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Note 2.6 Revenue and Income from continuing operations (continued)d)Assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers

The University has recognised the following assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers:
Note

Receivables
Receivables – current
Receivables – non-current

Closingbalance
$000

7

2019

Openingbalance$000

24,814
24,814-27,80227,802-Contract assets
Contract assets – current
Contract assets – non-current

12,72012,720-11,445
11,445-Australian Government unspent financial assistance
Other contract liabilities
Contract liabilities – current
Contract liabilities – non-current

15,66544,81752,815
7,667

15,30839,01049,0295,289

Revenue recognised in the reporting period that was included in the contract liability at the beginning of the period
was $44.5m.
Revenue recognised in the reporting period from performance obligations satisfied (or partially satisfied) in previous
periods (e.g. changes in transaction price) was nil.
•

Contract assets

The contract assets are associated with revenue that has been earned but not billed.
The classification of contract assets as current or non-current was made on the basis whether the revenue earned
is going to be billed within or beyond a 12-month period.
The impairment associated with the contract assets is disclosed in note 7 Receivables.
•

Contract liabilities

The contract liabilities are associated with revenue being billed but performance obligations are unsatisfied.
The classification of contract liabilities as non-current was made on the basis that the unsatisfied performanceobligations will be satisfied beyond the 12-month period.
Contract liabilities differ from the amounts disclosed in note 15 Other liabilities. The other liabilities include deferredincome or liabilities arising from unclaimed receipts and refundable deposits.

3. Investment income
Interest
Bank deposits
Dividends
Equity instruments designated at fair value through OCI
Total investment revenue
Other investment gains and losses:
Investment fund distributions
Net gain/(loss) arising on financial assets designated atfair value through profit or loss
Total other investment gain/(loss)
Total investment income

2019
$000

2018
$000

9,229

9,983

630
9,859

11,776
21,75910,714

9,630

24,82335,53745,396(14,489)(4,859)16,90017
64 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
3. Investment income (continued)
Interest revenue is recognised as it is earned. Dividend revenue is recognised when: (a) the University’s right toreceive the payment is established, which is generally when shareholders approve the dividend; (b) it is probablethat the economic benefits associated with the dividend will flow to the entity; and (c) the amount of the dividend canbe reliably measured.
2019
$’000

2018
$’000

Academic
Salaries
Contributions to funded superannuation and pension schemes
Payroll tax
Worker’s compensation
Long service leave
Annual leave
Total academic

222,032
39,026
13,462595
6,562
15,499297,176

213,240
33,75912,550755
5,541
14,374
280,219

Non-academic
Salaries
Contributions to funded superannuation and pension schemes
Payroll tax
Worker’s compensation
Long service leave
Annual leave
Total non-academic
Total employee related expenses

214,520
37,693
13,228590
6,411
17,897290,339
587,515

206,285
32,415
12,364756
5,427
17,184274,431554,650

4. Employee related expenses

Contributions to superannuation funds are recognised as an expense as they become payable.
Past service costs are recognised in profit or loss immediately.
The University incurs payroll tax at the rate determined by the State Government for payments made to and benefits
received by the employees.
The University pays premiums to WorkCover Queensland in respect of its obligations for employee compensation.
Workers’ compensation insurance is a consequence of employing staff, but is not counted in an employee’s total
remuneration package. It is not employee benefits and is recognised separately as employee related expenses.
Key executive management personnel are detailed in note 18.

Annual Report 2019 | 65

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

5. Other expenses
Scholarships and prizes
External grants and third party payments
Advertising, marketing and promotional expenses
Audit fees, bank charges, legal costs and insurance
Clinical and practical teaching fees
Commission and partnership organisation expenses
Computer expenses
Consultancy
Hospitality
Inventory used
Laboratory consumables
Non-capitalised equipment
Operating lease fees and other rental
Printing and stationery
Safety security and cleaning
Staff recruitment and benefits
Subscriptions and reference materials
Travel and conferences
Utilities
Other expenses
Total other expenses

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

53,31912,91515,7576,201
16,45722,712
7,433
23,902
2,832
5,048
9,471
14,3742,593
6,356
15,0183,508
18,62022,567
13,882
25,621
298,586

49,04913,220
16,4805,800
15,19026,797
7,198
21,284
2,979
5,632
9,612
13,4702,726
6,521
13,647
3,262
14,322
22,44014,54422,545
286,71838
10,931
375,380
386,349

39
20,716353,086
373,841

6. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash on hand
Cash at bank
Cash deposits at call
Total cash and cash equivalents(a) Cash at bank and on hand
Cash on hand is non-interest bearing, while cash at bank is subject to a floating interest rate of 1.20% at balancedate (2018: 1.95%).
(b) Cash deposits at call
The funds on call are invested with the Queensland Treasury Corporation in a Capital Guaranteed Cash Fund andare subject to a variable interest rate of approximately 1.50% at balance date (2018: 2.26%).
For Statement of Cash Flows presentation purposes, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits
held at call with financial institutions and other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of threemonths or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant riskof changes in value.

66 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

7. Receivables
Current
Student fees receivables
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Less: Allowance for expected credit losses
Total receivables

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

3,692
13,402
8,276
25,370(556)
24,814

5,785
8,786
14,97329,544(1,742)27,802

Trade receivables are held to collect contractual cash flows and give rise to cash flows representing solely payments
of principal and interest. These are classified and measured as debt instruments at amortised cost. Trade receivables
are due for settlement no more than 30 days from the date of recognition.
Contract assets
As at 31 December 2019, the University has contract assets of $12.7m. Refer to note 2.6(d) for further detail.
(a) Impaired student fees receivable and contract assets
For student fees receivable and contract assets the University applies a simplified approach in calculating expectedcredit losses. Therefore, the University does not track changes in credit risk, but instead recognises a loss allowancebased on lifetime expected credit losses at each reporting date. The University has established a provision matrix
that is based on its historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors andthe economic environment.
8. Other financial assets
Current
Other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Queensland Investment Corporation Investment Funds
Other financial assets at fair value through othercomprehensive income
Total current other financial assets
Non-current
Other financial assets at fair value through othercomprehensive income
Unit trust investments
Shares in corporations-listed
Shares in corporations-unlisted
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Total non-current other financial assets
Total other financial assets

244,978

211,302310
245,288

225
211,527269
47,506
7,117
54,892300,180269
1,012
30,131
7,385
38,797250,324

Annual Report 2019 | 67

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
8. Other financial assets (continued)
The University accounts for Queensland Investment Corporation investment funds and shares in listed corporations
at fair value at balance date. Shares in unlisted corporations are recognised at fair value unless there is insufficient
information to determine a fair value, in which case amortised cost is used for measurement.
(i) Initial recognition and measurement
The University classifies its investments into the following categories:•••

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income, orFinancial assets at amortised cost.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
These include financial assets held for trading, financial assets designated upon initial recognition at fair value
through profit or loss, or financial assets mandatorily required to be measured at fair value.
The Queensland Investment Corporation investment funds are not considered to meet the definition of equity under
AASB132 Financial Instruments: Presentation and are measured at fair value through profit and loss. Refer to note
3 Investment Income for further detail.
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Upon initial recognition, the University elects to irrevocably classify equity investments designated at fair value
through other comprehensive income when they meet the definition of equity under AASB132 Financial Instruments:
Presentation and are not held for trading. The classification is determined on an instrument-by-instrument basis. The
University elected to irrevocably classify its unlisted and listed equity investments under this category as they are
considered strategic in nature. Dividends received on these investments are recognised as income.
Financial assets at amortised cost
The University measures financial assets at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are met:••

The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order tocollect contractual cash flows; andThe contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely
payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

(ii) Subsequent measurement
Financial assets at amortised cost are subsequently measured using the effective interest rate (EIR) method and are
subject to impairment. Gains or losses are recognised in the income statement when the asset is derecognised,
modified or impaired.
Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are subsequently measured at fairvalue. Gains or losses on these financial assets are never recycled to profit or loss. Dividends are recognised as
investment income in the income statement when the right of payment has been established. Equity instruments
designated at fair value through other comprehensive income are not subject to impairment assessment.
(iii) Derecognition
Financial assets are primarily derecognised when:••

The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired or
The University has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset; and either (a) the University
has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the University has neithertransferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the assets, but has transferred control of
the asset.

68 | Griffith University

15,640
15,64053,073(80,358)
15,64042,92542,92542,925

256,841
256,841

250,600
6,241
256,841

250,600
250,600

237,890
12,710250,600

237,890
237,890

48,471
48,471

48,471
55,736(61,282)
42,925

$’000

$’000

2,032,339(722,733)
1,309,606

1,241,776
36,23470,983(39,387)
1,309,606

1,913,416(671,640)
1,241,776

1,218,581
31,46530,939(39,209)1,241,776

1,886,397(667,816)
1,218,581

Buildings

Land

Constructionin progress$’000* Plant and equipment includes all operational assets.
** Other plant and equipment includes non-operational assets such as artworks.

At 31 December 2019
Cost
Valuation
Accumulated depreciation
Net book amountYear ended 31 December 2019
Opening net book amount
Revaluation surplus
Additions
WIP transfers
Disposals: Cost
Disposals: Accumulated depreciation
Depreciation charge
Closing net book amountAt 31 December 2018
Cost
Valuation
Accumulated depreciation
Net book amountYear ended 31 December 2018
Opening net book amount
Revaluation surplus
Additions
WIP transfers
Disposals: Cost
Disposals: Accumulated depreciation
Depreciation charge
Closing net book amountAt 1 January 2018
Cost
Valuation
Accumulated depreciation
Net book amount

9. Property, plant and equipment

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

166,329(64,420)
101,909

101,594
1,646
2,459(3,790)101,909161,227(59,633)
101,594

68,753
12,41023,511(3,080)101,594

125,392(56,639)
68,753$’000

Infrastructure

194,459(133,130)
61,32960,066
10,185
6,916(11,045)
10,357(15,150)
61,329188,404(128,338)
60,06659,285
10,301
6,832(13,268)
12,206(15,290)
60,066

184,539(125,254)
59,285

Plant andequipment*
$’000

228
228

654
(426)
228

654
654

642
12
654

642
642

$’000

Library

11,068
11,068

10,339349
380
11,068

10,33910,339

9,983
196
160
10,339

9,983
9,983

Other plant andequipment**
$’000

22

210,0992,466,805(920,283)
1,756,621

1,707,954
44,04463,638(11,045)
10,357(58,327)
1,756,621

231,329
2,336,236(859,611)
1,707,954

1,643,605
56,793
66,197(13,268)
12,206(57,579)
1,707,954

233,0102,260,304(849,709)
1,643,605

Total
$’000

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Annual Report 2019 | 69

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 20199. Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Valuations of land, buildings and other assets(i) Acquisition
All assets acquired during the accounting period have been initially recognised at cost. Cost is the value of assets given as
consideration including costs incurred in preparing the assets ready for use.
Expenditure on existing infrastructure and buildings has been added to the value of the existing assets where the expenditureis deemed to increase the useful life of the asset as opposed to expenditure which maintains the useful life of the asset.
Items or components which form an integral part of an asset are recognised as a single asset (functional asset). The
recognition threshold is applied to the aggregate cost of each functional asset.
The asset recognition threshold is $5,000 for all property, plant and equipment, except infrastructure and buildings, which
are capitalised when the cost exceeds $10,000 and land and artworks where the cost is $1 or greater.
(ii) Revaluation
Land, buildings, infrastructure, artworks and heritage library collections are valued at fair value in accordance with the
Queensland Treasury’s Guidelines “Non-current Asset Policies for the Queensland Public Sector”.
Artworks and heritage library collections are comprehensively revalued at five year intervals. Independent comprehensive
revaluations are performed on land, buildings and infrastructure every three years, or whenever a material variation in theseassets is expected to have occurred. In the intervening years a University specialist performs revaluations of artworks, while
desktop valuations are performed on heritage library collections, land, buildings and infrastructure by independent valuers.
Increases in the carrying amounts arising on revaluation of land and buildings and infrastructure are recognised, net of tax,
in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity under the heading of revaluation surplus. To the extent that theincrease reverses a decrease previously recognised in profit or loss, the increase is first recognised in profit or loss.
Decreases that reverse previous increases of the same asset class are recognised in other comprehensive income to theextent of the remaining asset revaluation surplus attributable to the asset class. All other decreases are charged to theincome statement.
Land, buildings and infrastructure are shown at fair value, based on periodic, but at least triennial, valuations by external
independent valuers, less subsequent depreciation for buildings and infrastructure. On revaluation, accumulated
depreciation is restated proportionately with the change in the gross carrying amount of the asset, so that the carrying
amount of the asset after the revaluation equals its revalued amount.
All other property, plant and equipment, except as stated above, is stated at historical cost less depreciation.
(a) Buildings and infrastructure
Building and infrastructure assets were subject to a desktop revaluation as at 30 September 2019 by Jones Lang LaSalle(JLL) Australia, licensed property valuers, with 2019 being their inaugural year. The desktop valuation included applying
indexation to the existing gross replacement cost derived from the previous valuation. In determining the indexation rates
the valuers gave consideration to key construction guides and databases prepared by the Australian Institute of Quantity
Surveyors (AIQS) and Rawlinson’s (Australian Construction Handbook), economic and market conditions and other relevant
sources. The gross value was established utilising the current replacement value of a new asset with similar service potential
and includes allowances for preliminaries and professional fees and any restrictions placed on certain assets. The
accumulated depreciation has been restated to reflect the consumed or expired service potential, thus reporting the
University’s building and infrastructure assets at fair value in accordance with the requirements of AASB 116 Property, Plant
and Equipment. The resultant change in the property, plant and equipment revaluation surplus is reported as part of note 16
Reserves and retained earnings.
(b) LandIn 2019, land was subject to a desktop revaluation by JLL Australia, licensed property valuers. The valuation was carriedout on a market value basis and represents the estimated amount each property might reasonably be expected to realise inan exchange between willing and knowledgeable parties in an arm’s length transaction, accounting for any restrictions inuse, detailed further in note 25 Fair value measurements. The resultant change in the property, plant and equipment
revaluation surplus is reported as part of note 16 Reserves and retained earnings.

70 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 20199. Property, plant and equipment (continued)(c) Library collection
Books contained in the Heritage Library Collection underwent a comprehensive revaluation in 2019 by Harbeck Rare Books
Pty Ltd, a registered valuer under the Cultural Gifts Program of the Australian Government.
(d) Art collection (Queensland College of Art)
All artworks contained in the collection underwent a comprehensive valuation review during 2019 by Ross Searle &Associates, a registered valuer under the Cultural Gifts Program of the Australian Government. The valuation was performedin accordance with the requirements defined in AASB13 Fair Value Measurement.
(iii) Repairs and maintenanceAny repairs and maintenance expenditure above a threshold of $10,000 subsequent to the original acquisition or completionof a building or infrastructure that either extends the life or increases the service potential is deemed to be capital in nature.
All other repairs and maintenance expenditure is charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income during the financial
period in which they are incurred.
(iv) Impairment of assets
Assets are tested at least annually for impairment, or when significant events or circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income for theamount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, unless the asset is measured at a revalued
amount. Impairment losses on assets previously revalued are off-set against the property, plant and equipment revaluation
surplus to the extent available.
(v) Depreciation
Land, art and library collections are not depreciated. All other asset categories are depreciated over their estimated useful
economic lives to the University using the straight-line method. The residual value and useful life of each asset category isreviewed annually, and adjusted if appropriate.
For each class of depreciable asset, the following useful lives, applicable to both reported periods, are used for depreciation
calculation purposes:
Buildings – variable, based on periodic assessments of condition – 10 to 100 years
Infrastructure – variable, based on periodic assessments of condition – 10 to 100 years
Plant and equipment – up to 10 years
Vehicles – 1.5 to 7 years(vi) Derecognition of property, plant and equipment
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised when disposed of or when no future economic benefits are
expected to arise from the continued use of the asset.
Gains and losses on disposal are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains or losses arerecognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. When revalued assets are disposed, amounts included in theproperty, plant and equipment revaluation surplus relating to that asset are transferred to retained earnings.
Non-current assets pledged as security
There are no non-current assets pledged as security by the University or its controlled entities.

Annual Report 2019 | 71

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2019
10. Intangible assets and premium on leased property
Development
costs
$’000

Licences

Subtotal$’000

Premium onleased property
$’000

$’000

At 1 January 2018
Cost
Accumulated amortisation

49,561(25,790)

Net book amount

Total
$’000

5,001
(4,994)54,562(30,784)

7,500(1,192)62,062(31,976)

23,771

7

23,7786,308

30,086

Year ended 31 December 2018
Opening net book amount
Additions: Internal development
Amortisation charge

23,771
4,417(8,449)

7
1,472
(118)

23,7785,889(8,567)

6,308
(69)

30,086
5,889(8,636)

Closing net book amount

19,7391,361

21,1006,239

27,339At 31 December 2018
Cost
Accumulated amortisation

53,978(34,239)6,473(5,112)60,451(39,351)

7,500(1,261)

67,951(40,612)Net book amount

19,7391,361

21,1006,239

27,339Year ended 31 December 2019
Opening net book amount
Additions: Internal development
Disposals: Cost
Disposals: Accumulated amortisation
Amortisation charge

19,7392,790(8,539)8,539(7,568)

1,361
(647)
647
(82)

21,1002,790(9,186)
9,186(7,650)

6,239
(68)

27,3392,790(9,186)
9,186(7,718)

Closing net book amount

14,961

1,279

16,2406,171

22,411

At 31 December 2019
Cost
Accumulated amortisation

48,229(33,268)

5,826(4,547)54,055(37,815)

7,500(1,329)61,555(39,144)

Net book amount

14,961

1,279

16,2406,171

22,411(i) Research
Research costs incurred in obtaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding, are recognised in theStatement of Comprehensive Income as an expense when they are incurred.
(ii) Development
Expenditure on development activities, including software, being the application of research findings or other knowledge toa plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products or services before the start of commercial
production or use, is capitalised if the product or service is technically and commercially feasible, adequate resources areavailable to complete development and the costs on completion of the asset exceed the capitalisation threshold of $100,000.
The expenditure capitalised comprises all directly attributable costs, including costs of materials, services, direct labour andan appropriate portion of overheads.
Other development expenditure is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as an expense as incurred.
Capitalised development expenditure is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses recognised.
Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost over the period of the expected benefit, which
varies from 1 to 5 years.
(iii) Licences
Licences have a finite useful life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation
is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of licences over their estimated useful lives which varies
from 5 to 20 years.
(iv) Premium on leased property
The University is leasing certain land and buildings at the Southbank campus under a long-term lease arrangement expiringin 2110. The lease premium is being amortised over the period of the lease.

72 | Griffith University

25

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201911. Other non-financial assets
Current
Prepayments
Total other non-financial assets

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

29,49829,49820,405
20,405The University recognises a prepayment as an asset when payments for goods or services have been made in advanceof the University obtaining a right to access those goods or services.
12. Trade and other payables
Current
Trade payables
Accrued expenditureFunds held on behalf of other bodies
Payroll accruals
OS-HELP Liability to Australian Government
Total trade and other payables

13,13915,300
1,758
3,452
1,786
35,43515,0306,348
2,025
12,515
1,698
37,616

Trade and other payables, including accruals not yet billed, represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the
University prior to the end of the reporting period. These amounts are unsecured and are usually settled within 30 daysof recognition.
13. Borrowings`

Current
Unsecured
Queensland Treasury Corporation loans
Total current unsecured borrowings

11,661
11,661

11,275
11,275

Non-current
Unsecured
Queensland Treasury Corporation loans
Total non-current unsecured borrowings
Total borrowings

70,05270,052
81,71381,71381,71392,988Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred and are subsequently measured atamortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised in theStatement of Comprehensive Income over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the University has an unconditional right to defer settlement of theliability for at least 12 months after the end of the reporting period.
For detailed information on the University borrowings see note 17(c) Financial risk management, Liquidity risk and note
25 Fair value measurements. The carrying amount of all borrowings is held in Australian dollars. None of the University’sborrowings are readily traded on organised markets in standardised form. The University does not have any assets
pledged as security for interest-bearing liabilities.

Annual Report 2019 | 73

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201913. Borrowings (continued)

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

10,00010,00010,00010,000

775
775

797
797

9,225
9,225

9,203
9,203

(a) Financing arrangements
Unrestricted access was available at balance date to the following lines of credit:
Credit standby arrangements
Total facilities
Corporate cards
Total credit standby arrangements
Used at balance date
Corporate cards
Total used at balance dateUnused at balance date
Corporate cards
Total unused at balance date(b) Risk exposures
In 2016, all of the University’s borrowings were converted to fixed interest rates. Therefore, at balance date there is nointerest rate risk exposure.
14. Provisions
Current provisions expected to be settled within 12 months
Employee benefits
Long service leave
Annual leave
Severance pay
Subtotal

7,583
34,816454
42,8538,436
32,832322
41,590Current provisions expected to be settled after more than 12 months
Employee benefits
Long service leave
Annual leave
Subtotal
Total current provisions

43,9552,753
46,70889,561

37,527
4,686
42,21383,803

Non-current provisions
Employee benefits
Long service leave
Total non-current provisions
Total provisions

17,846
17,846
107,407

17,717
17,717
101,52074 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201914. Provisions (continued)
Provisions are recorded when the University has a present obligation, either legal or constructive as a result of a past
event. They are recognised at the amount expected at reporting date for which the obligation will be settled in a future
period. Where the settlement of the obligation is expected after twelve or more months, the obligation is discounted tothe present value using an appropriate discount rate.
Employee benefits(i) Short-term obligations
Liabilities for short-term employee benefits due and expected to be settled wholly before twelve months after the end of
the reporting period are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position at the current pay rates.
Prior history indicates that on average, sick leave taken each reporting period is less than the entitlement accrued. Thisis expected to continue in future periods. Accordingly, it is unlikely that existing accumulated entitlements will be used by
employees and no liability for unused sick leave entitlements is recognised. As sick leave is non-vesting, an expense isrecognised for this leave as it is taken.
(ii) Other long-term obligations
The liability for other long-term employee benefits are those that are not expected to be settled wholly before twelve
months after the end of the annual reporting period. Other long-term employee benefits include annual leave and longservice leave liabilities.
Other long-term obligations are measured at the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect ofservices provided by employees up to the reporting date. Consideration is given to expected future salary levels,
experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields
at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible,
the estimated future cash outflows.
Regardless of the expected timing of settlements, provisions made in respect of employee benefits are classified as acurrent liability, unless there is an unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after
the reporting date, in which case it will be reported as a non-current liability.
(iii) Retirement benefit obligations
Contributions made by the University to employee superannuation funds are charged as expenses when incurred andthe University’s legal or constructive obligation is limited to these contributions.
(iv) Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated before the normal retirement date, or when an
employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The University recognises termination benefits
when it is demonstrably committed to either terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed
formal plan without possibility of withdrawal or providing termination benefits as a result of a formally accepted offer ofvoluntary redundancy. Benefits falling due within twelve months are valued at their nominal amounts and amounts fallingdue more than twelve months after the reporting date are discounted to their net present values.

15. Other liabilities
Current
Unearned revenue
Other liabilities
Australian Government unspent financial assistance
Total current other liabilities

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

39,782
1,375
41,15733,624
1,464
743
35,831

In 2019, any Australian Government unspent financial assistance amounts that are part of the contract liabilities in scopeof AASB15 are now disclosed in note 2.6. For comparative purposes, all Australian Government unspent financial
assistance amounts (including amounts that are now classified as contract liabilities) are presented in this note.
Annual Report 2019 | 75

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2019
2019
$’000

2018
$’000

Property, plant and equipment revaluation surplus
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Total reserves

872,01147,620919,631

827,967
30,071
858,038

Property, plant and equipment revaluation surplus
Balance 1 January
Revaluation of land
Revaluation of buildings
Revaluation of infrastructure
Revaluation of other assets
Balance 31 December

827,967
6,241
36,2341,646(77)872,011771,174
12,71031,465
12,410208
827,967

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Balance 1 January
Revaluation
Balance 31 December

30,071
17,54947,62024,9605,111
30,071

1,283,894(47,752)
52,775
1,288,917

1,246,238
37,656
1,283,894

Notes
16. Reserves and retained earnings(a) Reserves

Movements in retained earnings were as follows:
Retained earnings at 1 January
Retrospective changes
Operating result for the year
Retained earnings at 31 December

1(g)(b) Nature and purpose of reserves
Transfers to and from the property, plant and equipment revaluation surplus and financial assets at fair value throughother comprehensive income result from fluctuations in the fair value of assets held.

76 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201917. Financial risk management
Objectives and Policies
The University’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks including market risk (including foreign exchange risk,
price risk and interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. These risks are managed by the University as described below.
The University’s financial instruments consist mainly of cash funds, equity instruments, accounts receivable and payable,
and borrowings.
Risk management is carried out by Finance under policies approved by the University Council.
(a) Market risk(i) Foreign exchange risk
The University’s direct financial exposure to foreign exchange risk lies in its purchase of goods and services in foreign
currency.
The University has approval to hedge foreign currency transactions to mitigate foreign exchange risk. The University also
holds bank accounts in Hong Kong dollars and United States dollars. Management does not consider the financial impactof foreign exchange risk to be material for further disclosure and analysis.
(ii) Price risk
The University’s exposure to price risk lies in managed funds administered by Queensland Investment Corporation andthe shareholdings in Education Australia Limited. The remainder of the University shareholdings and investments are notsubject to price risk as they are not publicly traded. Shares in Navitas Ltd were disposed in 2019.
The University mitigates this risk by constant review of investment holdings to determine appropriate action.
The management and operation of the University's investment portfolio is governed by the Griffith University Act 1998 (Qld)and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (Qld).
The University's investment strategy seeks to achieve compliance with statutory and legislative requirements, to preserveand improve the value of the University's investment assets over time, and to earn a return commensurate with the termof the University's investments and the credit worthiness of the underlying counterparties.
Outlined in the following table is the University’s sensitivity analysis to price risk. The University has chosen a fluctuationof 10% (2018: 10%) to outline this sensitivity. The decision not to change the sensitivity relates to the University’s
management study of current market data.
(iii) Interest rate risk
The University’s exposure to interest rate risk arises predominantly from assets and liabilities bearing variable interest
rates. Where possible to mitigate this risk, the University holds fixed rate assets and liabilities to maturity.
Outlined in the table below is the University’s sensitivity analysis to interest rate risk. Interest rate risk lies in balances inbank accounts earning interest and Queensland Treasury Corporation managed funds. At balance date, the University’sborrowings from QTC were under fixed interest rates and therefore are not considered to be exposed to interest rate risk.
The University has chosen a fluctuation of 1% (2018: 1%) to outline this sensitivity. The decision not to change thesensitivity relates to the University’s management study of current market data.

Annual Report 2019 | 77

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201917. Financial risk management (continued)(a) Market risk (continued)
Interest rate risk
-1%

31 December 2019
Financial assets
Cash and cash
equivalents#1
Other financial
assets#2
Receivables
Contract assets
Financial liabilities
Trade and otherpayablesBorrowings
Other liabilities#3
Total (decrease)/
Increase

Price risk

+1%

-10%

Carrying
AmountResultEquityResultEquityResultEquityResultEquity

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

386,349(3,862)(3,862)

3,862

3,862

-

-

-

-

300,180

-

-

-

-

(28,536)(28,536)

28,53628,536

24,814
12,720

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

35,435

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

81,713
1,375(3,862)(3,862)

3,862

3,862

(28,536)(28,536)

28,53628,536

Interest rate risk
-1%

31 December 2018
Financial assets
Cash and cash
equivalents#1
Other financial
assets#2
Receivables
Financial liabilities
Trade and otherpayablesBorrowings
Other liabilities#3
Total (decrease)/
Increase+10%

Price risk

+1%

-10%

+10%

Carrying
AmountResultEquityResultEquityResultEquityResultEquity

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

373,841(3,720)(3,720)

3,720

3,720

-

-

-

-

250,324

-

-

-

-

(23,546)(23,546)

23,54623,54627,802

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

37,616

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

92,9881,464(3,720)(3,720)

3,720

3,720

(23,546)(23,546)

23,54623,546#1 Within cash and cash equivalents, $0.2 million (2018: $1.8 million) has no interest rate risk exposure.
#2 Within other financial assets, $14.8 million (2018: $15.1 million) has no price risk exposure.
#3 Within other liabilities, $39.8 million (2018: $34.4 million) is not considered to be a financial liability.

78 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201917. Financial risk management (continued)(b) Credit risk
The risk to the University that one party of a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the otherparty to incur a financial loss is considered minimal. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, deposits andmanaged funds with financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to students and customers, including outstanding
receivables and committed transactions.
Griffith University is a statutory authority with category 3 investment power which is the broadest category of investment
powers under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (Qld).
Where the University is supplying goods or services to customers, the University’s policy is for the relevant department
to assess the credit quality of the customer, taking into account its financial position, past experience and other factors.
Where a customer fails a credit check and the University department determines that other research or relationshipfactors override the financial risk, any bad debt risk is borne by that department.
There are no significant concentrations of credit risk, whether through exposure to individual customers, specificindustry sectors and/or regions.
The credit risk on financial assets of the University, which have been recognised on the Statement of Financial Position,other than investments in shares, is generally the carrying amount, net of any allowances for impairment.
Credit risk is managed by the individual groups within the University who are able to obtain a credit information request
on a potential client if the risk signifies such action is required.
The carrying amount of financial assets disclosed at note 25 Fair value measurements represents the University’s
maximum exposure to credit risk.
Ageing of past due but not impaired as well as impaired financial assets have not been disclosed based on immaterialbalances and historically low levels of write-offs.
(c) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk lies in the ability of the University to meet cash flow obligations as and when they fall due.
The University manages this risk by the use of policies and procedures which enable efficient cash management. The
University also has well established budgeting processes and tools which detail expected future cash outlays and theability of the University to meet future commitments.
The aim of the University’s investment policy is to maximise the investment return on available funds for an agreed
level of risk in order to support the purpose and mission of the University, provide funds and capital growth to support
the University’s short-term commitments and growth objectives, and support a reasonable level of funding stability fromyear to year.
The table below details the University’s liquidity risk in relation to loans at 31 December 2019.
Source of loan
QTC
QTC
QTC
QTC
Total balance of loans

Original loan$’000
66,093
10,00040,00015,500Year loan drawn
down
2014
2014
2015
2015

Expected remaining
loan term
5 years
15 years
6 years
16 years

Loan balance$’000
35,5408,132
24,864
13,177
81,713

Annual Report 2019 | 79

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201917. Financial risk management (continued)(c) Liquidity risk (continued)
The following tables summarise the maturity of the University’s financial assets and financial liabilities:
31 December 2019

Financial assets
Cash on hand and at bank
Cash deposits at callReceivables
Contract assets
Other financial assets
Total financial assets
Financial liabilities
PayablesBorrowings
Other financial liabilities
Total financial liabilities
31 December 2018

Financial assets
Cash on hand and at bank
Cash deposits at callReceivables
Other financial assets
Total financial assets
Financial liabilities
PayablesBorrowings
Other financial liabilities
Total financial liabilities

80 | Griffith University

Averageinterest
rate%

Variableinterest
rate
$’000

Less than
1 year$’000

1 to 5
years
$’000

5+
years
$’000

1.62%
2.10%
-

10,032
375,380
385,412

-

-

-

937
24,814
12,720300,180
338,651

10,969375,380
24,814
12,720300,180
724,063

3.63%
-

-

14,35814,35857,43257,432

22,863
22,86335,435
1,375
36,81035,43594,653
1,375
131,463

Averageinterest
rate%

Variableinterest
rate
$’000

Less than
1 year$’000

1 to 5
years
$’000

1.95%
2.48%
-

13,880353,086
366,966

-

-

3.62%
-

-

14,35814,35857,43257,432

Noninterest
$’000

5+
years
$’000

Total
$’000

Non
interest
$’000

Total
$’000

-

6,875
27,802
250,324
285,001

20,755353,086
27,802
250,324
651,967

37,221
37,221

37,616
1,464
39,08037,616109,0111,464
148,091

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201918. Key management personnel disclosures(a) Names of responsible persons and executive officers
Responsible persons
The following persons were Council members during the financial year 2019:
Chancellor

Mr Henry Smerdon AM

Deputy Chancellor

Ms Rachel Hunter

Pro Chancellor

Ms Rhonda White AO

Vice Chancellor and President

Professor Carolyn Evans* (commenced 4 February 2019)

Members appointed by theGovernor-in-Council

Mr Clinton Dines
Ms Amelia Evans
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Ms Rachel Hunter
Ms Olivia Loadwick
Ms Ann Robilotta-Glenister OAM
Ms Rhonda White AO

Elected academic staff

Professor Liz Jones*
Professor Gary Rogers*

Elected student members

Mr Vincent Tawiah* (concluded term on 27 October 2019)
Mr Ryan Kungl (concluded term on 27 October 2019)
Mr Srinath Chithravelu Poochan (commenced 28 October 2019)
Mr Liam Baker (commenced 28 October 2019)

Elected general staff

Dr Naveen Sharma*

Council appointed members

Dr Robert Anderson OAM (concluded term on 31 December 2019)
Ms Sandra Anderson (concluded term on 31 December 2019)
The Honourable Rob Borbidge AO
Mr Craig Bassingthwaighte*Council members who also serve as staff members.
Executive officers
The following persons had responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the University during the year:
Vice Chancellor and President
Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor
Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement)
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) - Acting
Vice President (Corporate Services)

Professor Carolyn Evans (commenced 4 February 2019)
Professor Neville Pankhurst (retired 5 September 2019)
Professor Debra Henly (appointed 11 May 2019)
Professor Martin Betts
Professor Andrea Bishop (appointed 13 May 2019)
Mr Peter Bryant

Annual Report 2019 | 81

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201918. Key management personnel disclosures (continued)(b) Remuneration of council members and executives
Other than the Chancellor, Council members are not remunerated for their services as Council members. Staff
members who serve as Council members are remunerated only for their substantive role within the University. They
are not remunerated for their role as Council members. The remuneration of Council members appears in the tablebelow except for the Vice Chancellor and President whose remuneration is included in the remuneration of executive
officers.

Remuneration of council members$0 to $14,999$15,000 to $29,999$30,000 to $44,999$45,000 to $59,999$60,000 to $74,999$150,000 to $164,999$165,000 to $179,999$210,000 to $224,999$270,000 to $284,999$285,000 to $299,999
Remuneration of executive officers$315,000 to $329,999$550,000 to $564,999$565,000 to $579,999$580,000 to $594,999$610,000 to $624,999$670,000 to $685,999$850,000 to $864,999$1,060,000 to $1,074,999

2019
Number2018
Number

14
1
1
1
1
1

12
1
1
1
1
1
-

2
1
2
1
-

2
1
1
1

Remuneration paid or payable to Council members and executives in connection with the management of the University’s
affairs was $4,069,316 for 2019 (2018: $4,137,495).

82 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201918. Key management personnel disclosures (continued)(c) Key executive management personnel disclosures
The following persons have responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the University during
the year.
Position

Responsibilities

Vice Chancellor andPresident

The Vice Chancellor and President is the Chief
Executive Officer of the University and is
responsible to the Council of the University. The
position is responsible for articulating a clear
strategic direction for the University, providing
academic
andadministrative
leadership,
maintaining a focus on quality, engendering acollegial community amongst staff and students,
fostering effective relationships with stakeholders
and ensuring sound financial management andstewardship of resources.
The Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor provides
strategic leadership to the University. The position
is responsible for academic planning, learning andteaching, students, academic staffing, andacademic policies relevant to the above matters.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) is
responsible for the overall strategic leadership andmanagement of the University’s research portfolio
including research commercialisation and theHigher Degree Research (HDR) candidate cohort,
as well as providing visionary leadership in
stewarding the University towards fully achieving
its research potential.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement)
provides strategic leadership in: the external
representation of the University and its
development and advancement agenda; domestic
student recruitment for undergraduate andpostgraduate coursework programs; student andstaff equity policy development and programs andthe University’s development and alumni,
marketing and communications activities andfunctions.
The
DeputyVice
Chancellor(Engagement) is also Head of Nathan and SouthBank Campuses.
The Vice President (Corporate Services) provides
strategic leadership of the corporate andadministrative services that underpin the
successful operation of the University and foradvising the Vice Chancellor and President onpolicy, strategy and tactics to support and enhance
the University’s mission.

Senior Deputy Vice
Chancellor

Deputy Vice
Chancellor(Research)

Deputy Vice
Chancellor(Engagement)

Vice President(Corporate Services)

Incumbents
Contract
Date appointed toclassification
position
andappointment
authority
VC - Council
4 February 2019

SDVC Council

11 May 2019

DVC (R) Council

13 May 2019

DVC (E) Council

10 February 2014

VP (CS) Council

13 November 2017

Annual Report 2019 | 83

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201918. Key management personnel disclosures (continued)

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

2,770
69
88
407
3,334

2,952
78
106
289
3,425

(d) Key executive management personnel remuneration expenses
Short term employee benefits:
Monetary expenses
Non-monetary benefits
Long term employee expenses
Post employment expenses
Total expenses

Remuneration expenses for key executive management personnel comprise the following components:
•

•
•
•
•

Short term employee expenses which include:- monetary expenses – consisting of salaries, allowances and leave entitlements earned and expensed
for the entire year or for that part of the year during which the employee occupied the specified position.
- non-monetary benefits – consisting of provision of vehicle together with fringe benefits tax applicableto the benefit.
Long term employee expenses include amounts expensed in respect of long service leave entitlements
earned.
Post employment expenses include amounts expensed in respect of employer superannuation obligations.
Termination benefits are not provided for within individual contracts of employment. Contracts of employment
provide only for notice periods or payment in lieu of notice on termination, regardless of the reason for
termination.
Performance bonuses are not paid under the contracts in place.

(e) Loans to key management personnel
There were no loans to key management personnel during the financial year (2018: none).
(f) Other transactions with key management personnel
There were no other transactions with key management personnel during the financial year (2018: none).

84 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201919. Remuneration of auditors
Audit of the Financial Statements
Fees paid to Queensland Audit Office
Total

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

225
225

215
215

20. Contingencies
Contingent assets
The University has a number of outstanding insurance claims, which are currently being assessed by the University’s
insurers. The University believes that it would be misleading to estimate the final amounts recoverable, if any, in
respect of the outstanding claims as at 31 December 2019.
Contingent liabilities
Management is not aware of any contingent liabilities existing at balance date.
21. Commitments(a) Capital commitments
Capital expenditure contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities is as follows:
Property, plant and equipment
Within one year
Between one and five years
Later than five years
Total property, plant and equipment commitments

9,516
399
9,915

45,78645,786(b) Other expenditure commitments
Commitments for expenditure in existence at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, payable:
Within one year
Later than one year but not later than five years
Later than five years
Total other expenditure commitments

49,768964
50,73254,566
3,600
58,166

22. Events occurring after the reporting period
The recent COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent travel restrictions from mainland China will impact income in 2020.
At the date of signing the financial statements, given the evolving circumstances the total impact cannot be reliably
estimated. However, management consider the University to have sufficient reserves to mitigate the potential impact.
This is considered a non-adjusting event for financial reporting and disclosure purposes. No further issues have been
identified.

Annual Report 2019 | 85

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201923. Reconciliation of net result after income tax to net cash provided by operating activities

Net result for the period
Depreciation and amortisation
Net loss on disposal of non-current assets
Net foreign exchange differences
Fair value losses / (gains) on other financial assets at fair value throughprofit or loss
Opening retained earnings adjustment
Share of loss of associates and joint venture partnership not received as
dividends and distributions
Donated art
Decrease/(Increase) in receivables(Increase) in contract assets
Decrease in inventories(Increase) in other financial assets(Increase) in other non-financial assets
Increase in other liabilities
Increase/(Decrease) in payables
Increase in contract liabilities
Increase in allowances for employee entitlements(Decrease) in allowance for impairment
Net cash provided by operating activities

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

52,77566,04532(285)

37,656
66,215147(871)(24,823)(47,752)

14,523
-

268
(336)
4,174
(12,720)73(8,875)(9,093)
5,326
99
60,482
5,888(1,186)90,092

268
(103)
(547)
330
(886)
(3,218)
5,698(3,973)5,140(347)
120,032

24. Service concession arrangements
In 2006, Griffith University entered into a Student Accommodation Agreement with Campus Living Accommodation
Company Limited to build and operate student accommodation at its cost on University land leased to Campus Living
Funds Management Limited. The purpose of this arrangement was to facilitate the provision of student accommodationon the Gold Coast campus without any investment or financial operating risk to the University. The University has
priority rights for its students to occupy the accommodation but has no obligation to guarantee any level of usage.
The expiry date of both the Student Accommodation Agreement and the land lease is 31 December 2042.
The student accommodation will transfer to University ownership at the end of the lease period at no cost to the
University.
The asset’s current fair value is $35.6 million (2018: $35.6 million) (valuation by JLL effective 30 September 2019).
Management believe this current fair value is the most reliable measurement of cost rather than an estimate of thevalue at the end of the arrangement, being 31 December 2042. The asset has not been recognised in these financial
statements as it does not meet the criteria of being under control of the University.

86 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201925. Fair value measurements(a) Fair value measurements
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement or fordisclosure purposes.
Due to the short-term nature of the current receivables, the carrying value approximates their fair value and based on
credit history it is expected that the receivables that are neither past due nor impaired will be received when due.
The carrying amounts and aggregate fair values of financial assets and liabilities at balance date are:Carrying amount
2019
2018
$’000
$’000

Fair value
2019
2018
$’000
$’000

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Contract assets
Other financial assets
Total financial assets

386,349
24,814
12,720300,180
724,063

373,841
27,802
250,324
651,967

386,349
24,814
12,720300,180
724,063

373,841
27,802
250,324
651,967

Financial liabilities
PayablesBorrowings
Total financial liabilities

35,43581,713
117,148

37,61692,988130,604

35,43487,802
123,236

37,616
96,217
133,833

The University measures and recognises the following assets at fair value on a recurring basis:• Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss
• Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income• Land and buildings, Infrastructure, Artworks and Library assets through other comprehensive income
The University does not measure and recognise any liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis.
(b) Fair value hierarchy
The University categorises assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a hierarchy based on the level of inputs usedin measurement, as follows:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Inputs other than quoted prices within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either
directly or indirectly
Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs)(i) Recognised fair value measurements
Fair value measurements recognised in the Statement of Financial Position are categorised into the following levels at
31 December 2019.
Fair value measurements at 31 December 2019
Recurring fair value measurements
Financial assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit & loss
Financial assets at fair value through othercomprehensive income
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Total financial assets
Non-financial assets
Infrastructure
Land and buildings
Artworks and library assets
Total non-financial assets

Notes

Total
$’000

Level 1$’000

Level 2$’000

Level 3$’0008244,978

244,978--8
8

48,085
7,117
300,180310
245,288-

47,775
7,117
54,89299
9101,909
1,566,447
11,296
1,679,652--

101,909
1,566,447
11,296
1,679,652

Annual Report 2019 | 8740

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201925. Fair value measurements (continued)(b) Fair value hierarchy (continued)(i) Recognised fair value measurements (continued)
Fair value measurements at 31 December 2018
Recurring fair value measurements
Financial assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit & loss
Other financial assets at fair value through othercomprehensive income
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Total financial assets
Non-financial assets
Infrastructure
Land and buildings
Artworks and library assets
Total non-financial assets

Notes

Total
$’000

Level 1$’000

Level 2$’000

Level 3$’0008211,302211,302--8
8

31,637
7,385
250,324

1,237
212,539-

30,4007,385
37,78599
9101,594
1,492,376
10,993
1,604,963--

101,594
1,492,376
10,993
1,604,963

The University’s policy is to recognise transfers into and transfers out of fair value hierarchy levels as at the end of thereporting period.
There were no transfers between levels 1 and 2 for recurring fair value measurements during the year.
(ii) Disclosed fair values
The University has a limited number of assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value, but for which the fairvalues are disclosed in the notes.
The fair value of assets or liabilities traded in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives, and trading securities)
is based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities at the balance sheet date (level 1). This is the mostrepresentative of fair value in the circumstances.
The carrying value less impairment allowance of trade receivables and payables is a reasonable approximation of theirfair values due to the short-term nature of trade receivables and payables. The fair value of financial liabilities fordisclosure purposes is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rate thatis available to the University for similar financial instruments (level 3).
The fair value of non-current borrowings disclosed in (a) is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at
the current market interest rates that are available to the University for similar financial instruments. For the period ended
31 December 2019, the borrowing rates were determined to be between 3.28% and 3.97% depending on the type ofborrowing (2018: between 3.28% and 3.97%). The fair value of current borrowings approximates the carrying amount,as the impact of discounting is not significant (level 2).
Derivative contracts classified as held for trading are adjusted to fair value by comparing the contracted rate to the current
market rate for a contract with the same remaining period to maturity.
(c) Valuation techniques used to derive level 2 and level 3 fair values(i) Recurring fair value measurements
The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives)is determined using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data where
it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an
instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.
If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3. Thisis the case for unlisted equity securities.

88 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201925. Fair value measurements (continued)(c) Valuation techniques used to derive level 2 and level 3 fair values (continued)(i) Recurring fair value measurements (continued)
Land, buildings and infrastructure (classified as property, plant and equipment) are valued independently on acomprehensive basis every three years, with desktop valuations undertaken in the intervening years. At the end of eachreporting period, the University updates its assessment of the fair value of each property, taking into account the mostrecent independent valuations. The University determines the property’s value within a range of reasonable fair value
estimates.
The best evidence of fair value in current prices is an active market for similar properties. Where such information is notavailable the University considers information from a variety of sources, including:•••current prices in an active market for properties of different nature or recent prices of similar properties in lessactive markets, adjusted to reflect those differences
discounted cash flow projections based on reliable estimates of future cash flows
capitalised income projections based on a property’s estimated net market income, and a capitalisation rate
derived from an analysis of market evidence

All resulting fair value estimates for properties are included in level 3. Sale prices of comparable land in close proximity
are adjusted for differences in key attributes such as property size and zoning differences. The most significant input into
this valuation approach is price per square metre.
Land types that are commonly traded in the property market would be considered to have level 2 valuation inputs, but
due to the characteristics of the University’s land assets the valuers have assigned level 3 valuation inputs. Most of theland parcels are exceptionally large and would be considered an anomaly in the general market place.
There are no directly comparable sales of land parcels of this size or development potential, which is highly subjective
and could fall within a large range of uses and densities. These were subsequently valued at the level 3 valuation input
hierarchy by using the professional judgement of a registered valuer who adjusted the price per square metre of sales
from sites not in close proximity which provided only a low level of comparability.
Specialised buildings were valued using the current replacement cost approach using professionally qualified registeredvaluers. The approach estimated the replacement cost for each building by its individual components with different useful
lives and taking into account a range of factors. While the unit rates based on square metres could be supported frommarket evidence (level 2) other inputs (such as estimates of useful life and asset condition) required extensive
professional judgement and impacted significantly on the final determination of fair value. As such these assets wereclassified as having been valued using level 3 valuation inputs.
All road and water network infrastructure assets were valued using level 3 valuation inputs using the current replacement
cost approach.
During the year there were a number of new projects completed where the actual cost was recorded and the impact ofdepreciation at year end was negligible. While these could be classified as valued at level 2, given the low proportion of
the total portfolio that these represented and the likelihood that in future valuations they would be valued at level 3,
management have adopted a policy that all road and water network infrastructure assets are valued at level 3.
(ii) Non-recurring fair value measurements
The University did not measure any financial assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis as at the end of the reporting
period.

Annual Report 2019 | 89

90 | Griffith University

36,234
1,309,606(268)
17,37454,891-

32,839(268)
5,214
37,785

Level 3 fair value measurements 2018
Opening balance
Acquisitions
Depreciation
Disposals
Total (losses)
Recognised in Statement of Comprehensive Income
Recognised in other comprehensive income
Closing balance
1,218,581
30,939(39,209)
31,465
1,241,776

237,890
12,710250,600

6,241
256,841-

1,241,776
70,983(39,387)

37,785
-

-

$’000

$’000

Level 3 fair value measurements 2019
Opening balance
Acquisitions
Depreciation
Disposals
Total (losses)
Recognised in Statement of Comprehensive Income
Recognised in other comprehensive income
Closing balance
250,600-

Land

Buildings

Unlisted equity
securities$’000

The following table is a reconciliation of level 3 items for the periods ended 31 December 2019 and 2018.

(d) Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (level 3)

25. Fair value measurements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

68,75323,511(3,080)12,410101,594

1,646
101,909-

101,594
2,459(3,790)$’000

Infrastructure

10,625160
208
10,993(77)
11,296-

10,993380-

Artworks andLibrary
$’000

-

43

1,568,688
54,610(42,289)(268)
62,007
1,642,748(268)
61,4181,734,543

1,642,748
73,822(43,177)

$’000

Total

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201925. Fair value measurements (continued)(d) Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) (continued)(i) Valuation inputs and relationships to fair value
The following table summarises the quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in level 3 fairvalue measurements. See (c) for the valuation techniques adopted.
Description

Buildings

Fair value at
31 December
2019
$’000
1,309,606

Land

256,841

Infrastructure

101,909

Unobservable inputs*

Replacement cost
rate
Asset condition
Price per square
metre
Unit cost rate
Asset condition

Range of inputs(probability
weighted average)
Lower
Upper
(2.50)%
2.50%

Relationship of unobservable
inputs to fair value
Lower $’000(32,740)

Upper $’000
32,740(2.50)%

2.50%(6,421)6,421(2.50)%

2.50%(2,548)2,548* There were no significant inter-relationships between unobservable inputs that materially affect fair value.
(ii) Valuation processes
The University engages external, independent and qualified valuers to determine the fair value of the University’s land,buildings and infrastructure on a regular basis. An annual assessment is undertaken to determine whether the carrying
amount of the assets is materially different from the fair value. If any variation is considered material a revaluation isundertaken either by comprehensive revaluation or by applying an interim revaluation using appropriate indices.
The main level 3 inputs used are derived and evaluated as follows:
Cost for land restricted in use (non-saleable) – estimated cost to replace the existing land if the University had to acquire
it on the open market in competition with other market participants. Due to the restricted nature and unique characteristicsof this land there was insufficient market evidence of directly comparable sales. Reference was made to sales of landwith a limited level of comparability at distant locations and adjusted by the valuer using professional judgement to takeaccount of the differing characteristics. These were evaluated for reasonableness against the price per square metre forother restricted in use land held by the University.
Replacement cost rate – given the specialised nature of the assets and limited market based evidence of value, current
replacement cost approach has been adopted to estimate the fair value of buildings. The replacement cost involves
estimating a price per square metre replacement cost. This replacement cost rate is determined having regard to recent
construction data, consideration of building size, material, type, and structure to derive the unit rate, and Rawlinson's cost
data and cost indices for different regions in Queensland. The Rawlinson's cost data selected is then subject to review
by engineers and valuers taking into account site specifics.
Unit cost rate – Unit rates are developed by summing each component which goes into producing a unit (be it metres,square metres, tonnes, etc.) of an infrastructure asset. The major components of any asset are the raw materials, plant,
labour and intangible overheads. The raw cost of material, as well as plant and labour hire rates, are established either
through communicating directly with suppliers and obtaining quoted prices, by using cost guides such as the Rawlinsons’Construction Handbook and through reviewing prices supplied by the University.
Asset condition – asset condition assessments are used in estimating the remaining useful lives of buildings andinfrastructure. Where the condition was able to be determined from the valuer’s inspection, or where detailed condition
reports have been prepared, the remaining life is dependent on the recorded condition, using a sliding scale. Where
detailed condition is not available but the age of the asset is known, the remaining life is estimated using the current ageof the assets, adjusted for obsolescence after visual inspection. Where neither the condition nor the age are known,
assumptions are made as to the age and condition of the assets in collaboration with the University, in order to obtain acurrent replacement cost which reasonably reflects the value of the asset.
The nature of road and water network infrastructure is that there is a very large number of assets which comprise the
network and as a result it is not considered reasonable and cost effective to inspect every asset for the purposes ofcompleting a valuation. As a consequence reliance is placed on the accuracy of data held in the asset management
system and its associated internal controls. This includes regular planned inspections and updates to the system following
maintenance activities and renewal treatments. Likewise, especially for water network infrastructure, a large portion of
the portfolio is located underground and may only be inspected on an irregular basis.

Annual Report 2019 | 91

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith
Griffith
University
University
Financial
Financial
Statements
Statements
for forthethe
year
year
ended
ended
31 December
31 December
2019
2019
Notes
Notes
to theto thefinancialfinancialstatements
statements
for forthethefinancialfinancial
year
year
ended
ended
31 December
31 December
2019
2019
26. 26.
RelatedRelatedpartiesparties(a) (a)ParentParententities
entities
TheTheultimate
ultimateparentparententityentitywithinwithinthe theGroup
Group
is Griffith
is Griffith
University,
University,
an entity
an entity
constituted
constituted
under
under
the the
Griffith
Griffith
University
University
ActAct
1998
1998
(QLD)
(QLD)
(b) (b)
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries
Interests
Interests
in subsidiaries
in subsidiaries
areareset setout out
below:
below:Name
Name
of Entityof Entity
International
International
Water
Water
CentreCentrePtyPtyLtd Ltd
Griffith
Griffith
Innovation
Innovation
CentreCentreLtd Ltd

CountryCountry
of ofIncorporation
Incorporation
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

2019
2019

2018
2018

% %
100100100100% %100100100100

2019
2019
$’000
$’000

2018
2018
$’000
$’000

35235215015050250293 93
45 45
138138

(397)
(397)
(957)
(957)
(1,354)(1,354)

(411)
(411)
(615)
(615)
(1,026)(1,026)(c) (c)
KeyKeymanagement
management
personnel
personnel
Disclosures
Disclosuresrelating
relating
to directors
to directors
andandspecified
specifiedexecutives
executives
areareset setout out
in notein note18 18(d) (d)Transactions
Transactions
with
with
relatedrelatedpartiesparties

Revenue
RevenueSale
Saleof goodsof goods
andandservices
services
Scholarships
Scholarships
providedprovidedby subsidiaryby subsidiary
Expenditure
Expenditure
GrantsGrantsandandfunding
funding
TuitionTuitionfeesfeescollected
collected
for subsidiaryfor subsidiary

TheThetransactionstransactions
withwiththe theabove
above
relatedrelatedparty,
party,
International
International
Water
Water
CentreCentrePtyPtyLtd,Ltd,
were
were
conducted
conducted
as as
arm’s
arm’s
lengthlengtharrangements
arrangements
andandwithinwithinstandard
standardcommercial
commercial
terms.
terms.
(e) (e)Transactions
Transactions
with
with
relatedrelatedpartiespartiesof keyof keymanagement
management
personnel
personnel
Transactions
Transactions
withwith
entities
entities
relatedrelatedto keyto keymanagement
management
personnel
personnel
occur
occur
on on
terms
terms
andandconditions
conditions
which
which
areare
no no
more
more
favourable
favourable
thanthan
those
those
available,
available,or which
or which
might
might
reasonably
reasonably
be expected
be expected
to be
to available,
be available,
on similar
on similartransactionstransactions
to nonto nonrelated
relatedentities
entitieson anon arm’s
an arm’s
lengthlengthbasis.
basis.

92 | Griffith University

279,823

Revenue and income for theperiod#1-

281,540

281,540-

281,540(3,926)285,466

2018
$’000

2019
$’000

214

3,470

3,684

204

3,480

-

3,480

2018
$’000

204

3,245

3,449

272

3,177

-

3,177

Indigenous Student Success
Program
2019
$’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2018
$’000

-

-

-

-

223

223

223

Australian Maths and Science
Partnership Program
2019
$’000

247

4,715

4,962

35

4,927

-

4,927

2018
$’000

46

35

5,148

5,183

79

5,104

-

5,104

Higher Education Participation
and Partnership Program

Includes the basic CGS grant amount, CGS-Regional loading, CGS-Enabling Loading, CGS – Medical student Loading, and CGS – Special Advances from Future Years.

-

279,823

Less expenses including accrued
expenses

Surplus for reporting period

279,823

Total revenue and income
including accrued revenue-(1,386)

Net adjustments

Surplus from the previous year

281,209

Financial assistance received in
cash during the reporting period(total cash received from theAustralian Government for the
program)

2019
$’000

Commonwealth Grant Scheme#1

27.1 Education – CGS and other Education grants

27. Acquittal of Australian Government financial assistance

Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Annual Report 2019 | 93

94 | Griffith University

#2

2018
$’000

(504)

497

(7)

(267)

260

-

260

2019
$’000

190

64

254

254

-

-

-

2018
$’000

Promotion of Excellence inLearning and Teaching

254

215

469

40

288,706

288,746(11)

288,757

469(1,386)

290,143

-

-

2019
$’000

Total

Disability Performance Funding includes Additional Support for Students with Disabilities and Australia Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training.

(611)

634

Less expenses including accrued expenses(Deficit)/surplus for reporting period

23

(504)

527

-

527

Total revenue and income including accrued
revenue(Deficit)/surplus from the previous year

Revenue and income for the period

Net adjustments

Financial assistance received in cash during thereporting period (total cash received from theAustralian Government for the programs)

2019
$’000

Disability Performance Funding#2

27.1 Education – CGS and other Education grants (continued)

27. Acquittal of Australian Government financial assistance (continued)

Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

47

(11)

290,868

290,857776

290,081(3,926)

294,007

2018
$’000

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

208,053
202,407

Cash available-for-period

Revenue and income earned#3#3(1,568)200,707

199,139203,274(4,135)539

485

34,59735,082

34,543

2019$’000

FEE-HELP

(887)

539

33,17933,71834,605

2018
$’000
204

291

4,824

5,115

4,911

2019
$’000

SA-HELP

12

204

4,756

4,960

4,948

2018
$’000
(825)

6,422

241,828

248,250

249,075

2019
$’000

Total

48

(825)

238,642

237,817242,827(5,010)

2018
$’000

The 2019 amounts exclude the cumulative effect of initially applying AASB15 as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings: HECS-HELP of $7.2 million,
FEE-HELP of $0.6 million and SA-HELP of $0.1 million.

5,646

209,621

Financial assistance received in cash
during the reporting period

Cash (receivable) / payable at end ofyear(1,568)Cash payable at beginning of year

HECS-HELP(Australian Government
payments only)
2019
2018
$’000
$’000

27.2 Higher Education Loan Programs (excl OS-HELP)

27. Acquittal of Australian Government financial assistance (continued)

Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Annual Report 2019 | 95

96 | Griffith University

#4

2018
$’000

524

23,51524,039855

23,184-23,184

2019
$’000

139

17,434

17,573379

17,194-

17,194

2018
$’000

379

17,651

18,030715

17,315-

17,315

Research Support Program
2019
$’000

199

41,80442,003903

41,100-41,100

Total
2018
$’000

903

41,16642,0691,570

40,499-40,49949

The reported surpluses for Research Training Program of $0.1 million and Research Support Program of $0.1 million for 2019 are expected to be rolled over for future useby the University.

60

24,370Less expenses including accrued expenses

Surplus for reporting period

24,430524

23,906-23,906

Total revenue including accrued revenue

Surplus from the previous year

Revenue for the period

Net adjustments

Financial assistance received in cash during thereporting period (total cash received from theAustralian Government for the program)

2019
$’000

Research Training Program

27.3 Department of Education and Training Research#4

27. Acquittal of Australian Government financial assistance (continued)

Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

#5

15,0617,361
222,424

Total domestic
students
$’000
1,303
536
107
1,946

Total overseas
students$’000

Please refer to the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines for expenditure definitions for the Research Training Program.

Research Training Program Fees offsets
Research Training Program Stipends
Research Training Program Allowances
Total for all types of support

27.4 Total Higher Education Provider Research Training Program expenditure#5

27. Acquittal of Australian Government financial assistance (continued)

Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201950

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Annual Report 2019 | 97

98 | Griffith University

Surplus for reporting period

Total revenue including accrued
revenueLess expenses including accrued
expenses

Surplus from the previous year

Revenue for the period

Net adjustments

Financial assistance received in cash
during the reporting period (total cash
received from the AustralianGovernment for the program)

27.5 Australian Research Council Grants

5,907

10,640

10,130
6,412

16,547

6,262

10,285-

10,2852018$'000

16,542

5,907

10,635

763

9,872

2019
$'000

Discovery

27. Acquittal of Australian Government financial assistance (continued)

2,561

2,669

5,230

1,998

3,232

(13)

3,245

2019
$'000

Linkages

Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

1,998

3,611

5,609

2,208

3,401

-

3,401

2018
$'000

8,973

12,79921,772

7,905

13,867750

13,117

2019
$'000

Total

7,905

14,251

22,156

8,470

13,686-

13,686

2018
$'000

51

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Griffith University Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 201927. Acquittal of Australian Government financial assistance (continued)
27.6 OS–HELP

Cash received during the reporting period
Cash spent during the reporting period
Net cash received
Cash surplus from the previous period
Cash surplus for reporting period

27.7 Student Services and Amenities Fee

Unspent revenue from previous period
SA-HELP Revenue Earned#6
Student Services and Amenities Fees direct from Students
Total revenue expendable in period
Student Services expenses during period
Unspent / (overspent) Student Services Revenue
#6

Notes

2.3

2019
$'000

2018
$'000

4,474
(4,386)
88
1,698
1,786

4,085
(4,366)
(281)
1,979
1,698

2019
$'000

2018
$'000

149
4,824
3,468
8,441
7,686
755

(273)
4,756
3,351
7,834
7,685
149

The 2019 amount excludes the cumulative effect of initially applying AASB15 as an adjustment to the opening
balance of retained earnings for SA-HELP of $0.1 million.

Annual Report 2019 | 99

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019100 | Griffith University

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORTTo the Council of Griffith University

Report on the audit of the financial report
OpinionI have audited the accompanying financial report of Griffith University.
In my opinion, the financial report:a)gives a true and fair view of the entity's financial position as at 31 December 2019, andits financial performance and cash flows for the year then endedb)complies with the Financial Accountability Act 2009, the Financial and Performance
Management Standard 2019, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
Act 2012, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulation 2013 andAustralian Accounting Standards.

The financial report comprises the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2019,the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement ofcash flows for the year then ended, notes to the financial statements including summaries ofsignificant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the certificate given by
the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and President, and Chief Financial Officer.
Basis for opinion
I conducted my audit in accordance with the Auditor-General of Queensland AuditingStandards, which incorporate the Australian Auditing Standards. My responsibilities underthose standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the
Financial Report section of my report.
I am independent of the entity in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of
the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 and with the ethicalrequirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Codeof Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to my audit of thefinancial report in Australia. I have also fulfilled my other ethical responsibilities inaccordance with the Code and the Auditor-General of Queensland Auditing Standards.
I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide abasis for my opinion.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in my professional judgement, were of mostsignificance in my audit of the financial report of the current period. I addressed thesematters in the context of my audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming my
opinion thereon, and I do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Annual Report 2019 | 101

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Specialised buildings ($1.3 billion) – Note 9
Key audit matter

How my audit addressed the key audit matter

Specialised buildings were material to Griffith
University at balance date and were
measured at fair value using the current
replacement cost method. The University
performs comprehensive revaluation of all of
its buildings every three years, or whenever amaterial variation is expected to haveoccurred, with desktop valuations conductedin the intervening period. A comprehensive
valuation was conducted in 2018 by avaluation specialist with indexation appliedfor 2019 balances.
The current replacement cost method
comprises: gross replacement cost, less accumulated depreciation.
The University derived the gross replacement
cost of its buildings at balance date throughusing unit prices that required significant
judgements for:
 identifying the components of buildings
with separately identifiable replacementcosts
 developing a unit rate for each of thesecomponents, including: estimating the current cost for amodern substitute (including locality
factors and on-costs), expressed as arate per unit (e.g. $/square metre) identifying whether the existingbuilding contains obsolescence or lessutility compared to the modern
substitute, and if so estimating theadjustment to the unit rate required toreflect this difference.
The measurement of accumulated
depreciation involved significant judgements
for forecasting the remaining useful lives ofbuilding components.
The significant judgements required for gross
replacement cost and useful lives are alsosignificant for calculating annual depreciation
expense.

My audit procedures included, but were not limitedto:102 | Griffith University

In a previous year when a comprehensive
valuation was conducted:
 Assessing the competence, capability andobjectivity of the valuation specialist Assessing the adequacy of management’s
review of the valuation process Obtaining an understanding of the methodology
used and assessing the design, integrity andappropriateness using common industry
practices On a sample basis, evaluating the relevance,completeness, and accuracy of source data
used to derive unit rates for the: Modern substitute Adjustment for excess quality or
obsolescence.
In the current year when indexation was applied: Evaluating the reasonableness of the indicesused against other publicly available information
about movements in values for replacement
costs of similar assets
 Assessing the ongoing reasonableness of theasset useful lives by:
 Reviewing management’s annual
assessment of useful lives
 Assessing the appropriateness of useful
lives where assets were disposed of prior to
the end of their useful lives
 Reviewing assets with an inconsistent
relationship between condition andremaining life Performing reasonableness tests to confirm
depreciation is calculated in accordance with
the University’s accounting policies andindustry standards.

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Other information
Other information comprises the information included in the Griffith University’s annual reportfor the year ended 31 December 2019 but does not include the financial report and myauditor’s report thereon.
Those charged with governance are responsible for the other information.
My opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly I do
not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with my audit of the financial report, my responsibility is to read the otherinformation and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent
with the financial report or my knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to bematerially misstated.
If, based on the work I have performed, I conclude that there is a material misstatement of
this other information, I am required to report that fact.
I have nothing to report in this regard.
Responsibilities of the entity for the financial report
The Council is responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fairview in accordance with the Financial Accountability Act 2009, the Financial and
Performance Management Standard 2019, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits
Commission Act 2012, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulation2013 and Australian Accounting Standards, and for such internal control as the Council
determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free frommaterial misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
The Council is also responsible for assessing the entity's ability to continue as a going
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going
concern basis of accounting unless it is intended to abolish the entity or to otherwise cease
operations.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report
My objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as awhole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue anauditor’s report that includes my opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance,
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian AuditingStandards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise
from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of
this financial report.
As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, I exercise
professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. I also:

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether
due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks,and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my
opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher
than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentionalomissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Annual Report 2019 | 103

Financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2019Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control.

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness ofaccounting estimates and related disclosures made by the entity.

Conclude on the appropriateness of the entity's use of the going concern basis ofaccounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty
exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the entity's
ability to continue as a going concern. If I conclude that a material uncertainty exists, I
am required to draw attention in my auditor’s report to the related disclosures in thefinancial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify my opinion. I base myconclusions on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of my auditor’s report.
However, future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease to continue as agoing concern.



Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including
the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions
and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

I communicate with the those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, theplanned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant
deficiencies in internal control that I identify during my audit.
From the matters communicated with the those charged with governance, I determine thosematters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial report of the current period
and are therefore the key audit matters. I describe these matters in my auditor’s report
unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremelyrare circumstances, I determine that a matter should not be communicated in my reportbecause the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweighthe public interest benefits of such communication.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
In accordance with s.40 of the Auditor-General Act 2009, for the year ended
31 December 2019:a)

I received all the information and explanations I required.

b)

In my opinion, the prescribed requirements in relation to the establishment and keepingof accounts were complied with in all material respects.
24 February 2020

Michelle Reardon
as delegate of the Auditor-General

104 | Griffith University

Queensland Audit Office
BrisbaneAppendix 1: Indicators and targets
Student load
Target: To meet student load targets set in the planning process.
Definition: University student load (EFTSL) is projected via the University Budget process on a triennial basis and includes both domestic
and international student enrolments.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Actual results

31,902

33,103

33,83333,723

34,79135,32936,277

Future targets

2020
35,706

Comments: Student numbers during 2019 tracked higher than previous year’s actuals with both commencing and continuing students
driving increased enrolments. The Gold Coast campus continues to expand and remains the largest of the University campuses, with Online
offerings experiencing the largest growth in percentage terms.
Most academic groups increased enrolments during the year, with international student demand improving, especially in Sciences and Healthdisciplines. Trimester 3 student load continued to grow, increasing by 18% in its third year of implementation.

International student load
Target: To maintain international student load between 20% and 25% from a broad range of countries.
Definition: An international student is a student who is not an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or the holder of a permanent visa.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Actual results

21%

20%

19%

19%

18%

18%

18%

Future targets

2020
20-25%

Comments: The university proportion of international student load remained at just below the lower range of the University target during
2019. Although most academic groups experienced an increase in overseas student enrolments, a commensurate rise in domestic load
prevented any improvement in this indicator.
Within the academic groups, most increases were evident within IT and Engineering disciplines in the Sciences, with Human Services,
Medical and Nursing programs also experiencing strong demand within the Health group. While China remains the primary source ofoverseas students (over 2,000 EFTSL), enrolments from India grew by almost 30% during 2019.

Annual Report 2019 | 105

Indicators and targets
Bachelors degree retention
Target: By 2020, Griffith will exceed the national average for student retention.
Definition: The retention rate is the proportion of all commencing (both domestic and international) non-graduating bachelors degree
students enrolled in year one (the base year) who re-enrol in any Griffith program in the following year. Therefore 2019 represents the2018 non-graduate bachelor students returning in 2019.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019*

Actual results

79.2%

78.1%

78.8%

77.5%

78.3%

77.1%

77.6%

Future targets
National average

2020
81.6%

82.4%

81.2%

80.9%

80.9%

81.6%

81.5%

* Data is preliminary only at time of publication.
Comments: Preliminary data indicates a 0.5 per cent increase in 2018 first year bachelor degree students re-enrolling into 2019. National
data for 2019 is not yet available to determine performance by the sector as a whole.
The Academic Plan 2017-2020 includes a range of strategies to address student retention and success, including those that focus onproviding greater flexibility of programs and allowing students more options to delay their choice of study.

Student satisfaction
Target: To be ranked in the top quartile of universities for student satisfaction with the overall quality of their educational experience.
Definition: The percentage of students who rated the overall quality of their educational experience positively, based on the question‘Overall, how would you rate the quality of your entire educational experience this year?’ in the Student Experience Survey (SES). First andlater year students receive the SES.
Year
Actual results

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

84.2%

77.3%

80.6%

82.1%

2018 top quartile (target)
National average

2020
81.6%

79.9%

78.5%

79.2%

Comments: The Student Experience Survey (SES) forms part of the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) suite of surveys,
and is the largest survey of first and later year students across Australia. National data for 2019 is not yet available to determine whether
the sector as a whole experienced a similar level of improvement.
All academic groups improved in this indicator in 2019, with Tourism, Hospitality, Personal Services, Sport and Recreation, as well as
Pharmacy and Rehabilitation disciplines experiencing the highest student satisfaction ratings.

106 | Griffith University

Teaching quality
Target: To be ranked in the top quartile of universities for teaching quality.
Definition: The percentage of students who rated the quality of teaching they have experienced positively. This indicator is based on the
average of a student’s responses to 11 questions from the Student Experience Survey (SES). First and later year students receive the SES.
Year

2014

2015

Actual results

2016

2017

2018

2019

84.7%

80.5%

82.3%

84.1%

2018 top quartile (target)

83.4%

National average

81.2%

80.1%

2020
83.4%

81.2%

Comments: The Teaching Quality indicator reports on the average of student responses to a grouping of 11 questions administeredthrough the SES. Similar to the Student Satisfaction indicator, the University again improved, maintaining performance above the mostrecently available national average.
Domestic students reported greater satisfaction with teaching than international students, and female students recorded slightly higher
results than males for the 2019 year. Commencing student outcomes were 85.5%, higher than later year students (81.9%). Each of theseresults reflected those experienced in the previous year.

Student experience of courses
Target: To increase the proportion of courses with Student Experience of Courses (SEC) mean satisfaction scores of 3.5 and above to morethan 95% in all Academic Groups by 2020.
Definition: The SEC measure shows student satisfaction with the overall quality of the course taken. Satisfaction is deemed as a score of 4
or 5 in the 5-point Likert scale where 4 = agree, and 5 = strongly agree.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019*

Actual results

86.0%

87.4%

88.0%

88.0%

86.0%

87.2%

86.9%

Future targets

92.1%

2020
95.1%

* Data is preliminary only at time of publication and relates only to T1 and T2 outcomes.
Comments: Griffith delivers a standardised survey to students as part of its commitment to quality in Learning and Teaching. Feedback
is drawn from a student’s experience with courses (SEC) and is managed through an online system with all undergraduate and coursework
postgraduate students invited to participate. The survey gives students the opportunity to provide valuable feedback, which can enhancecourse design and teaching practices.
Achieving an outcome of 95.1% in this indicator by 2020 represents an aspirational target and outlines the University’s commitment toimproving the student experience. 2019 Trimester 2 performance was slightly lower than Trimester 1, while Nathan was again the best
performing of the major campuses during the year, recording a result of 90.5%.

Annual Report 2019 | 107

Indicators and targets
Graduate employment
Target: To exceed the national average for full-time graduate employment by 2020.
Definition: Graduate employment is the proportion of all domestic bachelor graduates who reported in the Graduate Outcomes Surveythat they were employed full-time four months after completing their program, as a percentage of those graduates who were available
for full-time employment. The results in any given year pertain to student cohorts from the previous year. The 2019 results are based on
students who graduated in 2018.
Year

2013

2014

2015

Actual results

2016

2017

2018

2019

62.6%

65.7%

66.8%

64.6%

Future targets

2020
72.7%

National average

71.2%

72.2%

73.3%

72.6%

Comments: The Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) is a national survey administered to graduates approximately four months after
completion of their program. Griffith declined in this indicator in 2019, with a fall in employment rates experienced by the sector as a whole.
The most significant declines in employment outcomes were seen within Teacher education (-28%) and Architecture and Built Environment(-25%). Conversely, improvement was experienced in Engineering (+7 per cent) and Pharmacy (+7 per cent).

Employer satisfaction of graduates
Target: To exceed the national average for employer satisfaction of graduates.
Definition: Graduate employment is the percentage of supervisors who reported overall satisfaction with their graduate in the Employer
Satisfaction Survey. This is based on the number of employers who gave the response they were ‘likely to consider’ or ‘very likely to consider’
to the following question: ‘Based on your experience with this graduate, how likely are you to consider hiring another graduate from thesame course and institution, if you had a relevant vacancy?
Year

2013

2014

Actual results

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

84.7%

85.5%

82.1%

73.8%

Future targets
National average

2020
84.9%

84.3%

83.6%

84.8%

* 2019 data not available at time of publication
Comments: The Employer Satisfaction Survey (ESS) is the first national instrument that directly links the experiences of graduates tothe views of their direct supervisors. The survey asks employed graduates who participated in the Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) tonominate the contact details of their supervisor who is then invited to complete the ESS.
The survey provides information about the quality of education provided at Australian institutions by asking supervisors to provide feedback
about the generic skills, technical skills and work readiness of the graduate employed in their workplace. ESS response rates are smaller
than those for the SES and GOS, but are large enough to provide comparisons nationally at the broad field of education and institution level.
Employer responses totalled less than 150 for Griffith in 2019, which may have impacted survey outcomes. The most recent national data is
not yet available to determine if the decline experienced reflected the performance of the sector as a whole.

108 | Griffith University

Flexibility of study
Target: By 2020, 70% of commencing undergraduate students will enter programs that offer courses in all three trimesters.
Definition: The proportion of commencing undergraduate students undertaking programs that have both first and second year course
offerings in all three trimesters.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

Actual results

2017

2018

2019

49.3%

56.4%

67.6%

Future targets

2020
70.0%

Comments: The introduction of trimesters has allowed Griffith to respond to student demand for greater flexibility in how and when they
undertake their studies. Some students may wish to accelerate and graduate in the shortest possible time, but increasingly students needto balance work, study and family commitments. The opportunity to reduce study load each trimester, but still graduate within a reasonable
time period, is attractive to many students.
67.6% of 2019 commencing students were given the flexibility of both first and second year course offerings in each of their threetrimesters. Within the Griffith Business School, 100% of 2019 commencing undergraduates received these options. Flexible programs are
more likely to improve student success, as students are better informed about degree choices, and more able to respond to changes in theirpersonal circumstances by varying their study load.

Research income
Target: To increase external research income by 7.5 per cent per annum.
Definition: External research income as reported in the annual Australian Government Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC).
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019*

Actual results$’000

58,80963,82868,88773,93773,025

79,12688,35585,44391,852Future targets
$’000

2020

98,741

Note: As HDR income no longer formed part of the HERDC collection from 2017 onwards, this income source has been removed from previous
years’ data.
* 2019 data is preliminary only at time of publication.
Comments: Category 3 income (Industry and Other Funds) increased by 40% during 2018, from $18.9m in 2017 to $26.5m in 2018.
Category 1 income rose slightly, while funding from other Public Sector sources (Category 2) and CRCs (Category 4) declined. The large
increase in Industry funding was sufficient to allow previous year performance to be exceeded, rising from $73m to $79m.
Griffith Sciences experienced the main increase in HERDC eligible income throughout the year, improving from $26.1m in 2017 to $31.3m
in 2018. Each of the other academic groups experienced performance similar to 2017.
The 2019 HERDC collection will be finalised for government submission by 30 June 2020.

Annual Report 2019 | 109

Indicators and targets
Publication points
Target: As a minimum, maintain the current level of University research output.
Definition: Research output is calculated as ‘publication points’. From 2015 it was no longer a requirement for publication points to becollected and reported in the annual Australian Government Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC). HERDC specifications
have been retained to collect and report within Griffith on research outputs from 2015 onwards.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Actual results

2,387

2,307

2,333

2,356

2,265

2,420

Future targets

2,356

2019*

2020

2,356

2,356

* 2019 data not finalised at time of publication.
Comments: Research outputs no longer form part of Commonwealth Research Block Grant funding, however remain the base for every
other aspect of research performance. Publication of research outputs, including creative works, allows evaluation of institutional andindividual research performance, and provides the intellectual capital for the translation of outputs into outcomes. Outputs continue to be
the keystone for the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment. The university seeks to maintain an approximately constant levelof research output at current values, with an emphasis on continual improvement in quality.

Higher Degree by Research completions
Target: HDR completions to be maintained above 400 per year by 2020.
Definition: HDR completions are taken from the annual Higher Education Student Data Collection.

Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019*

Actual results

199

230

244

354

356

332

355

371

386

Future targets

2020
401

* Data preliminary only at time of publication.
Comments: Following a decline in 2018, the number of HDR candidate completions improved across the University in 2019. Similar
numbers were experienced across the Health Group (100), the Sciences (111) and Arts, Education and Law (107), with the Griffith Business
School graduating 38 HDR candidates during the year.
The Nathan and Gold Coast campuses provided 130 and 146 completions respectively, with the Doctor of Philosophy comprising almost
84% of all completions. In 2019, 58 Research Masters candidates reached completion.

110 | Griffith University

Research benefit
Target: To maintain income from contract and commercial research, technology transfer and enterprise at greater than 25% of the research
income total.
Definition: The proportion of consultancy and commercial research, technology transfer and enterprise income as a proportion of external
research income as reported in the annual Australian Government Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC).
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Actual results

19.8%

23.3%

23.5%

24.8%

29.7%

34.0%

Future targets

2019*

2020

30%

30%

* Data not available at the time of publication.
Comments: Griffith commissioned $27.04m of new commercial engagements during 2018, the second largest commissioned revenue
figure Griffith has recorded ($37.8m for 2017). The 2018 income figure represents 34% of total research revenue for 2018, exceeding the
University target.
The overall number of transactions increased by 15.7% from 2017, with 38% of research-active staff participating in enterprise activities
during 2018.
Griffith continues to shape research capabilities and innovations that provide meaningful solutions to partners and collaborators and thatdeliver socio-economic impact.

Innovation and commercialisation
Target: To directly engage at least 30% of academic and relevant professional staff in innovation and commercialisation activities.
Definition: The number of staff with a research profile engaged in innovation and commercialisation activities as a proportion of the total
number of staff with a research profile.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Actual results

26.3%

38.1%

27.5%

28.9%

36.0%

38.0%

38.2%

30.0%

30.0%

Future targets

2020
30.0%

Comments: The number of staff members engaging in innovation and commercialisation activities was maintained in 2019, continuing thehigh proportion of income attributed to contract and commercial research, technology transfer and enterprise.
Diversified research income streams into the University have increased in importance as Commonwealth Category 1 income funding pools
remain restricted, and due to the change in Commonwealth Research Block Grant Funding no longer discriminating between Category 1
and 2,3,4 income. Maximising the translation of research outputs into outcomes requires a shift in cultural perspective whereby researchers
identify potential outcomes and end-users of research, so that research can be designed with an increased likelihood of achievingtranslatable goals.

Annual Report 2019 | 111

Indicators and targets
Citation impact
Target: To achieve relative citation impact higher than the Australian average.
Definition: The three year rolling average of relative citation impact. Source: InCites.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Actual results

1.45

1.47

1.41

1.48

1.50

1.64

1.49

Future targets
National average

2020
1.64

1.38

1.39

1.40

1.39

1.41

1.47

1.48

Comments: This indicator is based on the Field Normalised Citation Impact of Griffith University research for the three-year period from 20172019. The University’s citation impact for that period is 1.49 times the world average (1.00) and greater than the Australian university average
impact of 1.48. The KPI data for citation impact is obtained from the Clarivate Analytics Incites (as at December 2019) based on its allocation of
Griffith University articles by Field ensuring that each article is benchmarked against others from the same field or subject category.
Griffith continues to exceed the national average in this indicator, with future years’ targets to be established as updated national
benchmarking becomes available.

Research intensive female staff
Target: 50% of research intensive staff to be female.
Definition: The proportion of female research intensive academic staff as a percentage of total research intensive academic staff FTE.
Research intensive staff are those defined as research only appointments with a research component of 80% or more, as well as teaching
and research staff with a research component greater than 40%.
Year
Actual results
Future targets

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

42.6%

42.8%

45.0%

44.8%

47.3%
47.4%

2020
50.0%

Comments: Staff members defined as research intensive accounted for 47.3% of FTE across the University as at the 31 March 2019 staff
census date. Sciences employed the majority of research intensive staff across the four academic groups.
Gender mix differs widely across the groups, with females comprising 62.0% of Arts, Education and Law research intensive staff. Healthdisciplines were similar at 62.3%, and the Griffith Business School was lower at 48.5%. In 2019 34.5% of Sciences, research intensive staff
were female, highlighting the differences between the disciplines.
The Research and Innovation Plan 2017-2020 acknowledges the need to increase the proportion of females in research-related roles andresearch leadership positions. In addition to providing support for the University’s engagement in the Athena Swan Charter, it outlines more
broad strategies to assist the groups in attracting, retaining and research mentoring of female academic staff.

112 | Griffith University

Female staff level D & E
Target: At least 45% of level D and E academic staff to be female.
Definition: The proportion of female full-time/fractional full-time academic staff FTE level D and E as a percentage of total level D and E
academic staff FTE.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Actual results

35.1%

35.4%

37.5%

39.7%

40.4%

40.6%

43.6%

41.9%

43.5%

Future targets

2020
45.0%

Comments: The proportion of female Level D and E academic staff across the University reached 43.6% as at the 31 March 2019 staff
census date. Health employs the largest number of Level D and E female academic staff—predominantly in Nursing and Midwifery, andPsychology—while Arts, Education and Law remains the largest academic group in percentage terms (57.5%). Challenges still exist within
the Sciences disciplines, with females comprising only 19.5% of senior staff. A four-year action plan has been developed to further address
gender inequity in STEMM and support greater diversity and inclusion.

Female staff level 10 and above
Target: At least 50% of all University’s Senior Administrators (HEW Level 10 and above) to be female.
Definition: The proportion of female full-time/fractional full-time general staff FTE HEW Level 10 and above as a percentage of total HEW
Level 10 and above general staff FTE.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Actual results

44.6%

46.6%

45.2%

44.5%

43.8%

44.5%

46.5%

45.9%

47.9%

Future targets

2020
50.0%

Comments: While more females than males are employed as general staff within the University, they comprise just under half of senioradministrators. Corporate Services employs the majority of Level 10 and above general staff, with approximately one third being female.
The Our People Plan 2017-2020 details the University’s strategies to recruit, retain, develop, engage and value academic and professional
staff. Female representation in senior professional appointments is an important aspect of this key supporting plan and is encouraged
through the Women in Leadership and Leneen Forde Future Leaders programs. The need for staff to balance their work, family and external
commitments is well recognised within the University and staff with family and carer responsibilities are supported through a range ofprovisions such as parenting facilities, flexible work arrangements and leave options.

Annual Report 2019 | 113

Indicators and targets
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
Target: To increase by 5 per cent per annum the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in academic and general staff positions.
Definition: The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander full-time/fractional full-time staff.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Actual results

43

55

54

52

56

55

64

59

62

Future targets

2020
65

Comments: Griffith was the equal fifth largest employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in Australia in 2018, the year of themost recent national data. GUMURRII currently employs just under half of the professional staff within the University, while 80% of academic
staff work within the Arts, Education and Law, and Health groups. Of the 64 staff employed, 47 are female.
The University through its Equity Committee aims to improve access to continuing employment, improve participation in a wide range ofwork areas, improve representation at all levels of employment, and provide career development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people at Griffith.

Sustainability
Target: To grow the quantum and proportion of income from philanthropy.
Definition: The quantum of donations and bequests as a proportion of total income from continuing operations as reported in the University
annual financial statements.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Donations $’000

2,515

4,653

4,667

8,243

8,144

11,756

11,680

Bequests $’000

10

681

1,840

544

51

1,019

9

Total $’000

2,525

5,334

6,507

8,787

8,195

12,775

11,68910,00011,000Future targets

2020

12,100Comments: Outcomes in this indicator show annual philanthropic income as reported in the University’s financial statements, and the various
components have been separated to best illustrate the mix of funds received. Bequests by their nature do not represent a smooth income
source, evident when comparing 2018 receipts ($1.02M) to those received in 2019 ($0.09M). Bequests contribute significantly to endowments
which provide for scholarships and prizes for Griffith students while most donations raised during 2019 were used to support research.

114 | Griffith University

Asia student experience
Target: To increase by 5 per cent per annum the number of Griffith domestic students undertaking a study experience in Asia, including exchanges.
Definition: Students undertaking Student Exchange or Short Term Global Experience programs offered by Griffith, partner universities or
third party providers.
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Actual results

457

564

553

567

567

571

Future targets

595

2019*

2020

625

656

* Data not available at time of publication.
Comments: Griffith was awarded more New Colombo Plan Scholarships than any other university in 2019, with nine students receiving theprestigious scholarship.
The New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program is an Australian Government initiative providing opportunities for Australian undergraduate
students to undertake semester-based study and internships or mentorships in the Indo-Pacific.
Griffith students from Gold Coast, Nathan and South Bank campuses will travel overseas in 2020 and 2021 to countries like Japan and Taiwan,
spending time learning a local language and immersing themselves in local culture while learning from experts in their chosen fields.

Asia research collaboration
Target: To maintain publications co-authored with an Asian institutional partner at greater than 15% of the annual publication total.
Definition: The proportion of publications co-authored with scholars based in Asia and published under the Griffith by-line as a percentage of
total Griffith publications. Source: Scopus
Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Actual Results

11.6%

14.8%

17.2%

20.3%

22.7%

22.9%

Future Targets

20.0%

2019*

2020

20.0%

20.0%

* Data not finalised at time of publication.
Comments: Since 2013, the University has monitored published research outputs produced in collaboration with partners in Asia. Most
recently available data shows growth of 116% in co-published outputs with Asia since 2012 and a quadrupling of co-authored outputs
since 2009.
China has consistently been Griffith’s leading Asian partner, followed by Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and India. Since 2014 China has replaced
the USA as our outright largest partner, with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, our main Chinese collaborator in recent years.

Annual Report 2019 | 115

Glossary
3MT®

Three-minute Thesis competition

AAUT
Awards for Australian University Teaching
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
ACIAR	ACOLA
Australian Council of Learned Academies
AFR
Australian Financial Review
AIEC
Australian International Education Conference
AM
Member of the Order of Australia
AO
Officer of the Order of Australia
ARC
Australian Research Council
ARCHE
Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution
ASSBI	Australasian Society for Study of Brain Impairment
CCC
Crime and Corruption Commission
CERFS	Coastal Engineering Research Field Station
CQD	Centre for Quantum Dynamics
CRC
Cooperative Research Centre
CYO
Create Your Own
DAP
DUniv

Disability Action Plan
Doctor of the University (Honorary)

EAL

English as an additional language

IAR
IRU

Information Asset Register
Indigenous Research Unit

KPI

Key Performance Indicator

LIEF

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities

MBA
MD
MOOC

Master of Business Administration
Doctor of Medicine
Massive Open Online Course

NHMRC

National Health and Medical Research Council

OAM
OUA

Medal of the Order of Australia
Open Universities Australia

PELE
Postgraduate English Language Enhancement
PDCE	Professional Development andCommunity Engagement
PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
PNG
Papua New Guinea
PuP
Parents Under Pressure

ESS	Employer Satisfaction Survey

QAO
Queensland Audit Office
QCS
Queensland Corrective Services
QILT
Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching
QMNC
Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre
QS	Queensland World University Rankings Since 2004,
Quacquarelli Symonds Limited has produced world
university rankings for students and academics

FTE

RICF

EBITDA	
Earnings Before Interest Tax
Depreciation and Amortisation
EFTSL

Equivalent Full-Time Student Load

EI	Engagement and Impact assessment
ERA

Excellence in Research for Australia

Full-Time Equivalent

GAET
Griffith Awards for Excellence in Teaching
GGRS
Griffith Graduate Research School
GHC
Griffith Honours College
GOS
Graduate Outcomes Survey
GRIDD	Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery
GSC
Griffith Sports College
GUMURRII	Griffith University Murri and IslanderStudent Support Unit
HDR
Higher Degree by Research
HEA
Higher Education Academy
HEPPP	Higher Education Participation andPartnerships Program
HERDC
Higher Education Research Data Collection

116 | Griffith University

Research Infrastructure Co-Investment Fund

SEC
Student Experience of Courses
SES	Student Experience Survey
STEMM	Science, technology, engineering, mathematics
and medicine disciplines
TEQSA

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency

WIL

Work-integrated learning

Campus locations
Gold Coast
Parklands Drive
Southport Qld 4222
Telephone: +61 7 5552 8800

Logan
University Drive
Meadowbrook Qld 4131
Telephone: +61 7 3735 7111

Mt Gravatt
Messines Ridge Road
Mt Gravatt Qld 4122
Telephone: +61 7 3735 7111

Nathan170 Kessels Road
Nathan Qld 4111
Telephone: +61 7 3735 7111

South Bank
Queensland College of Art
Griffith Film School
Griffith Graduate School
226 Grey Street
South Bank Qld 4101
Telephone: +61 7 3735 3112
Queensland Conservatorium
140 Grey Street
South Bank Qld 4101
Telephone: +61 7 3735 7111

Digitalgriffith.edu.au/about-griffith/campuses-facilities/digitalgriffith.edu.au
20192020