NTEU calls on Deakin University to address department gender imbalance
A controversial restructure of Deakin’s IT department has left some concerned about an imbalance.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The National Tertiary Education Union has issued a please explain to Deakin University over concerns about a gender imbalance in a department that received a major overhaul recently.
Inside sources at Deakin claim 40 of the 100 female staff in the digital services and infrastructure, property, and precincts teams were made redundant or not rehired during a restructure in February this year.
They allege that, comparatively, only 26 of the 313 men from the department were shown the door.
Deakin University has not confirmed these numbers.
NTEU Victoria assistant secretary Ruth Jelley said the claims were “very concerning.”
“NTEU calls on Deakin University to explain what action it is taking to address the gendered impact of this restructure on staff at all levels within the department and commit to conducting a gender equity impact assessment on any future restructures across the university,” she said.
“Constant restructuring affects not only staff wellbeing and gender equity, but undermines the university’s strategic goals,” she said.
She also requested the organisation release results of the assessment to staff and the union.
However, a spokesman from Deakin said that all actions were “strictly merit based”.
“Deakin’s recruitment process is ongoing … focusing on the requirements of each role and the suitability of candidates,” he said.
He also said that the organisation placed great emphasis on fairness for all workers.
“Deakin continues to advance gender equity and improve employment outcomes for women throughout the university.”
“We have made sustained progress toward achieving workplace gender equality, and Deakin has a female-dominated workforce consisting of about 60 per cent women.”
The process was led by former Deakin chief information officer Peter Auhl, who resigned from the role.
He left following “discussions” with senior leaders at the university.
Prior to his departure, Mr Auhl sent out an email to all digital services and IPP staff to mark International Women’s Day.
In it, he said it was important to him to “commit to making a difference.”
“Change happens when we actively push for it,” he said.
“As we step into IWD 2025, I encourage you to reflect on the actions you take — big or small — to help drive gender equality forward.”
Mr Auhl did not respond when contacted for comment.
More Coverage
Originally published as NTEU calls on Deakin University to address department gender imbalance
‘Bad guys’ learn fate over violent hold-up that left boy, 5, haunted
A five-year-old boy who begged two thieves not to hurt his mother is traumatised by the incident, and still asks if the “bad guys” are after him, a court has heard.
Cats give update on injured stars as forgotten duo’s timeline clearer
Tom Stewart and Gryan Miers are both in the mix for selection, but two important defenders have been ruled out. Plus, a positive sign for Jack Martin and Cam Guthrie. See the full injury list.