MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY MUST GUARANTEE A FUTURE FOR ITS REGIONAL CAMPUSES
October 1 2004
Melbourne University management must immediately guarantee the future of its six regional and outer suburban campuses, following media reports today that the University is considering axing some of them, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) said on Friday.
“The NTEU is very worried by media reports this morning that Melbourne University is considering plans to amalgamate or close some of its six regional or outer suburban campuses because of concerns over their long-term viability,” said Mathew McGowan, NTEU Victorian Secretary.
“This is by no means the only example of a major Victorian university seeking to shed aspects of their operations that are considered unprofitable, despite their social importance.”
“If today’s reports are true, it is clear proof that regional communities are the hardest hit by the Howard Government’s reforms to higher education.”
“These changes have resulted in the partial deregulation of many of our public universities, and made profit more important for universities than educational or community obligations.”
“For the sake of staff, students and the local communities concerned, Melbourne University must immediately come clean on its plans in this area.”
A memo from University management leaked to The Age newspaper this morning, casts doubts over the long-term viability of the University’s Dookie campus near Shepparton and Gilbert Chandler campus at Werribee.
These are two of six regional and outer suburban campuses operated by the University, which between them employ nearly 200 staff and provide a range of agricultural science, vet science and rural business higher education and TAFE courses.
“University campuses play a major role in attracting and keeping skilled people in our regions and generate significant local economic returns.”
“Any decision by Melbourne University to cut back or amalgamate any of its campuses will result in job loses, reduce opportunities for regional kids to access higher education, and see substantial economic impacts on the communities in which these institutions are based,” said McGowan.
“Such a decision would also exacerbate the skills shortage already hitting many parts of the State.”
“It would be step backwards for the University, that would further curtail its engagement with regional Victoria,” said McGowan.
For information and comment
Mathew McGowan, NTEU Victorian Division Secretary: 0417 054 110
Andrew Nette, NTEU Policy and Research Coordinator: 0438 026277