The Adelaide University Transition Council has tabled the inaugural annual report for Australia’s newest public comprehensive university in State Parliament.
Chancellor, Pauline Carr says “This year has been one of progress and ambition, as we shape the future of higher education not only in South Australia but beyond through transformative curriculum design, reimagined research themes, and launching Adelaide University to the world.”
Adelaide University was formally established through legislation on 8 March 2024.
“The Adelaide University Transition Council provides a robust and contemporary governance framework to guide this significant undertaking and plays a key role in laying the institution’s foundations for sustainability and success,” Chancellor Carr said.
To guide Adelaide University through its formative years, Professor Nicola Phillips was appointed by the Council as the first Vice Chancellor following a comprehensive global search and will commence on 12 January 2026 shortly after the institution’s opening.
In selecting Professor Phillips, the Council was unanimous in its view that she brings all of the requisite expertise and attributes to successfully lead the new institution.
Adelaide University is committed to transparency regarding remuneration of the Vice Chancellor and Professor Phillips’ remuneration is comprised as follows:
| Remuneration | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base salary | $860,000 |
| Superannuation (as per superannuation guarantee legislation ) | $103,200 (12% of base salary) |
| Total fixed remuneration | $963,200 |
| At risk variable remuneration | Up to a maximum of 20% of base salary ($172,000) subject to the attainment of strategic stretch objectives as determined by Council |
| Range of potential total remuneration | Total annual remuneration will be in the range of $963,200 to a maximum of $1,135,200 |
Fair and reasonable remuneration for Professor Phillips was negotiated, consistent with the external independent remuneration advice procured by the Adelaide University Transition Council and commensurate with the skills and expertise required for the role and her experience.
This information will be updated annually alongside the release of the University’s future annual reports.
Adelaide University looks forward to commencing operations from January 2026 and building on the many significant achievements to date, including its debut at number 82 in the global top 100 universities, release of 400 uplifted programs with 1500 new courses for students, and the recent launch of the first Research Strategy that will contribute to nation-critical and globally relevant priorities at scale.
Click here to read the 2024 Adelaide University Annual Report.