UWA Staff Angry Over Job Cuts and Proposed Restructure

UNIVERSITY of WA staff have today been told the University needs to find a way to save $40 million.

It comes after an announcement last year that 300 staff jobs would be cut.

Vice Chancellor Paul Johnson told a packed staff meeting the Octagon Theatre that management had to save money in a competitive environment and was considering a proposal to change UWA’s academic structure from nine faculties and schools to four colleges.

The School of Indigenous Studies would sit outside the new college structure.

“We all have to face the reality that we live in a world of competition,” Professor Johnson told staff.

“I think I would rather work recognising the reality of the challenges the University faces.”

A UWA spokesman said the University today commenced a detailed consultation process with staff on various proposals about the future of UWA.

“The University is facing a number of financial challenges which led to the University Senate late last year endorsing a plan to restructure the University and embark on a process to find savings of $40 million,” the spokesman said.

“Staff are encouraged to consider the proposals and share their feedback and questions over the next few weeks.

“No decisions have been made about these proposals and no further comment will be made while the consultation process is underway.”