Pell to Appoint St John's College Council

The Australian
November 21, 2012

www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/pell-to-appoint-st-johns-college-council/story-fn3dxiwe-1226521107589

ARCHBISHOP George Pell will be given the power to appoint fellows to the governing council of Sydney University's beleaguered St John's College, after a mass resignation in the wake of a scandal over student behaviour.

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell on Wednesday introduced an amendment bill to the 1857 laws that set up the Catholic residential college, saying the resignation of all but one of 18 governing fellows had left it in "limbo".

Disgusted by loutish behaviour at the college, and having lost confidence in the governing council, Cardinal Pell earlier this month asked the council's six priest fellows to resign.

The new bill will render all positions on the council vacant and give Cardinal Pell the power to appoint all 18 fellows for up to three years.

The appointments - there are six priests and 12 lay fellows on the governing council - must be made in consultation with the university's vice chancellor Michael Spence.

"The lack of a quorum means that the governance of the college is effectively in limbo," Mr O'Farrell told parliament.

"The Saint John's College Amendment Bill being introduced today has been prepared following a request for assistance from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney and the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney."

Mr O'Farrell conceded the bill would not address the wider issues surrounding the behaviour of St John's residents - some of whom have been accused of bullying, vandalism and misogyny.

The bill, which is supported by the Labor Opposition, passed through the state's lower house on Wednesday morning.

Greens MP John Kaye said the bill would do nothing to stop the culture of unacceptable behaviour at St John's.

"There is no attempt to address the sense of entitlement and arrogance that has led to a culture of harassment, vandalism and intimidation," Dr Kaye said in a statement.

"Premier Barry O'Farrell is ignoring community outrage and allowing the powerful St John's college alumni to perpetuate their privilege and appalling behaviour.

"While sweeping changes are needed, this bill merely tinkers with the edges."