2 July 2023
The Greens have warned a proposed merger between the universities of Adelaide and South Australia could result in jobs cuts and say they will move to refer the plan to a Parliamentary Committee.
Quotes attributable to Robert Simms MLC
“A merger such as this would inevitably result in bad outcomes for staff and students – job cuts and a poorer student experience with less course offerings. Bigger isn’t always better.”
“The Malinauskas Government are lurching forward with this merger plan at break-neck speed, without consideration of the implications. There are serious questions here about the business case, the level of government investment, the governance of the new institution and the impact of any proposal on staff and students. That’s why the Greens will be moving to refer any merger bill to a Select Committee in the Upper House to ensure there is appropriate scrutiny and consideration of these factors.”
“The idea that the Upper House should simply waive through reforms of these key public institutions is absurd. The Government had planned for a Commission of Inquiry, now it seems they are expecting the parliament to sign up to a merger, site unseen,” said Robert Simms.“
Just this month the NTEU released the results of a survey of 1100 University staff, which found that only 25% support the establishment of the new university and 95% indicated that they have not been appropriately consulted by the SA Government. They have a right to have their concerns heard by the Parliament.”