WHAT DOES UNI OF BALLARAT HAVE TO HIDE?
October 20, 2005
The University of Ballarat is showing contempt for its staff by refusing to release ballot results until a week after the ballot closes, NTEU Victorian Division Secretary Matthew McGowan said today.
“The NTEU has been trying to get information out of the university to satisfy concerns staff have brought to us about the ballot process.” He said. “The university has even refused to allow any scrutineer, or observer to be present at the close of the ballot.”
An NTEU representative was told earlier today by Secure Vote that the University was not allowing any scrutineers or observers at the close of the ballot. Secure Vote is the company contracted by the university to run the ballot process.
A Secure Vote representative, Mr Jonathan Taylor, had previously advised the NTEU that the ballot count only required the push of a button for the results to be known. “So why is the University delaying the release of these results until a week later? They should know the result within 30 minutes of the ballot closing.“ Mr McGowan said
“We understand that the formal declaration may take a little longer to announce, but the preliminary results will be known before 5pm.”
“Time is critical. For us to meet the November 30 deadline to have an agreement in place to protect the university’s funding, every day is important. Either the university doesn’t want an agreement and consequently, the funding, or there must be real concerns about the integrity of the process.”
“While we have not attacked the process to date because Secure Vote has a reputation for independence and integrity, our faith is being shaken by these developments.”
The NTEU expects that a majority of staff will vote “No” to the proposed agreement that is due to close at 4pm Friday October 21, 2005.
For further enquiries:
Mr Matthew McGowan, NTEU Victorian Division Secretary: (03) 9254 1930
Dr Jeremy Smith, NTEU University of Ballarat Branch President: (03) 5327 9163