ANU axes arts faculty staff

Issue 

ANU axes arts faculty staff

By Will Williams

CANBERRA — An announcement was made in an ANU arts faculty meeting on May 11 that a further 12 staff would be axed from the faculty. The decision was made by the ANU council despite a student and staff picket, and a "sea of degrees" on the ANU chancellery lawns.

In the last two years, the faculty has lost 16% of its academics, 24% of its support staff and its Russian department. The new cut will leave it with only 87 staff. Contact hours have already been significantly reduced in various subjects.

The faculty's dean is blaming the cuts on federal government budget cuts. All universities have suffered from the Howard government's cuts, but this excuse cannot be used by the ANU administration. Doug Kelly, president of the ANU branch of the National Tertiary Education and Industry Union, has stated that university management is sitting on a nest egg of $40 million.

The ANU education department has organised a number of actions against the cuts. A student strike will take place on May 20, with a rally at 1pm in Union Court.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.