6 July 2023
The Greens will move to refer the Government’s proposed merger of UniSA and the University of Adelaide to a Select Committee in the Upper House today.
“The State Government is rushing their merger plan at break-neck speed. Both the Premier and the Deputy Premier have admitted that they haven’t even seen the full business case for this massive merger despite committing nearly $450m of taxpayer money in support. It’s clear that the implications of this proposal to radically reshape two of SA’s key public institutions have not been considered by the Government and that an inquiry is urgently required,” said Greens Education Spokesperson Robert Simms MLC.
“There are also serious questions about the governance of the new institution and the impact a merger will have on staff jobs and student experience. An inquiry will ensure there is full scrutiny and consideration of these factors.”
The Select Committee will inquire and report on a range of matters relating to the merger, including costs, risks, and impacts on jobs and student experience.
Mr Simms will give notice of the motion in Parliament today, with a vote on the motion expected after the mid-winter break.