The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has labelled ANU’s plan to cut jobs as a kick in the guts for staff.
ANU management announced the redundancies today, claiming financial issues were behind the decision.
Under the proposal, The College of Health and Medicine would be disestablished despite the university spending almost $17 million on land for a new health precinct in July 2023.
There will be job losses stemming from that decision.
Quotes attributable to NTEU ANU Branch President Millan Pintos-Lopez:
“We’re concerned for the people whose roles have been identified as surplus and will work with our members to try to save jobs.
“This is another kick in the guts for ANU staff.”
“Today’s announcement is completely inconsistent with recent actions taken by ANU in relation to the College of Health and Medicine. In July 2023 ANU committed to a $16.75 million land purchase for a health precinct to house world-leading translational and research work.
“Only three weeks ago, the ANU announced the appointment of Christine Nixon to lead a review of gender equity and culture within the College. Two weeks ago, the Dean, Professor Russell Gruen, stepped down.
“Staff are right to feel let down by the chaos and confusion.”
Quotes attributable to NTEU ACT Division Secretary Dr Lachlan Clohesy:
“The perception of arbitrary decision making by the Vice Chancellor does not just refer to the College of Health and Medicine, but previous decisions this year including closing campus childcare centres, setting the police on student protestors, imposing the universally unpopular Recruitment Approval Committee, and more than doubling staff and student parking fees.
Communication and consultation has been poor throughout. Staff are sick of these pronouncements from the Chancelry tower, with little to no consultation, which have a huge effect on people’s lives.
“ANU’s financial situation has not been helped by the uncertainty around international student caps, and we repeat our call for the Education Minister, Jason Clare, to implement a transition plan to make up funding shortfalls due to Federal Government policy changes.”
Contact details:
Lachlan Clohesy 0418 493 355 / Matt Coughlan 0400 561 480
