URGENT UPDATE: Tensions are escalating at the Australian National University (ANU) as senior leaders from the Research School of Social Sciences demand the dean cease all forced redundancies within the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS). Staff are expressing outrage following the university’s unexpected decision to halt involuntary redundancies in other departments, igniting fears of inequity and damage to their college’s future.
The ANU’s announcement on August 20, 2023, reveals a significant cost-saving of $59.9 million, achieved through a combination of 139 voluntary83 involuntary redundancies. While other university areas will proceed without formal changes, CASS remains under threat as restructuring proposals continue to loom ahead of the planned changes for 2025.
In a letter addressed to university officials, RSSS executive staff criticized the decision to impose redundancies solely on CASS, labeling it “unfair and inequitable.” They argue that the ongoing pressure to cut jobs is not justified, especially as other departments are exempt from such measures. The letter states,
“To persist with involuntary redundancies predominantly in CASS is inequitable, arbitrary, and damaging.”
Despite earlier commitments to freeze involuntary layoffs across the university, ANU officials confirm that the proposed restructuring plans affecting CASS will push forward. This has sparked widespread outrage among students, staff, and supporters, leading to rallies organized by the National Tertiary Education Union against job cuts and the broader Renew ANU initiative.
The ANU chief financial officer, Michael Lonergan, stated that all university sectors must reduce their budgets for 2024 and 2025, regardless of whether they face formal change proposals. He noted, “When we issued budgets for this year, everyone received a budget reduction.” This has raised questions about the fairness of the budget cuts, particularly for CASS.
Staff behind the letter emphasize that if other areas can meet budgetary targets without compulsory redundancies, continuing layoffs in CASS is indefensible. “It appears that maximal savings from CASS are being used to negate the need for savings elsewhere,” they assert.
The current situation poses a significant risk to the integrity of social sciences education at ANU. Faculty members are urging immediate action from the college dean to halt the change plans, as they believe alternative cost-saving measures can be implemented without further layoffs.
As the college faces potential upheaval, the academic community is closely monitoring the developments. The outcome of the university’s decisions could have lasting implications on the quality of education and research in the arts and social sciences at ANU.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.
