24 August 2021
The decision of Adelaide University’s governing Council to back a proposal to merge faculties from 5 to 3 highlights the failed corporate university model, say the Greens.
“It’s appalling that these sorts of decisions are being led by Vice Chancellors who earn exorbitant salaries. It’s a slap in the face to staff who are facing the prospect of losing their jobs. That’s why tomorrow I’ll be moving a Private Members Bill to cap VC salaries to bring them more into line community expectations. That’s more money that can be invested in retaining staff positions and improving the educational experience of students,” said the Greens Spokesperson for Universities Robert Simms MLC.
“Additionally, this merger demonstrates what happens when University Councils are stripped of their student and staff representation. Staff and students have the on the ground knowledge to understand how these sorts of changes work in practice. It’s appalling that their numbers were slashed by the previous Labor government. The Marshall Government needs to remedy this and commit to giving staff and students a genuine seat at the table, particularly as the university sector faces so much uncertainty.”
“The Greens stand with the NTEU and student representatives in opposing the University’s merger plans which will only diminish the experience of students and create more stress and anxiety for staff.”
The Greens’ petition to cap VC salaries has so far received more than 1300 signatures.