Back to Vic Division

Media release: Swinburne University Community in Shock over Campus Closures

Posted 6 July 2012 by Justin Westgate (Vic Division)

In response to the unprecedented cuts to funding for Public TAFE by the Victorian Coalition Government, Swinburne University today announced the closure of its Lilydale Campus over the next 12 months and the movement of its Prahran programs to Hawthorn, Wantirna and Croydon ahead of the future closure of the Prahran campus.

“These announcements have come as a complete shock,” said Josh Cullinan, NTEU Industrial Officer at Swinburne University.”

“NTEU was aware serious action would need to be taken at Swinburne because Baillieu had stripped $35 Million in education funding from Swinburne.

“However, these closures show the nonsense rhetoric of Ted Baillieu, Peter Hall and the other Liberal and National politicians as callous and empty.”

“Today is a sad day for public education in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Students, staff and the wider community must direct their anger at a State Government out of touch and out of control.”

“Hundreds of staff will be cut, many of them casual and contract staff. Over 200 others will be lost from the sector as they access voluntary packages,” said Josh Cullinan.

 “NTEU will renew its energies to ensure the Baillieu Government is a one term Government. This is a gross act of community vandalism by the Baillieu Government. Liberal MPs near Lilydale and Prahran such as Christine Fyffe, David Hodgett and Clem Newton-Brown clearly do not care for or understand the value of our Swinburne University.”

For information and comment:
Josh Cullinan, NTEU Industrial Officer, Swinburne University, 0416 241 763