Adelaide, SA university merger hits roadblock as Liberals, Greens demand release of business case

The Liberals and Greens are demanding the release of the business case for merging the universities of Adelaide and SA as the historic deal hits a sticking point.

A sticking point has emerged for the Adelaide and UniSA university merger as politicians demand access to the full business cases underpinning the historic decision to amalgamate.

Opposition Leader David Speirs and Greens co-leader Robert Simms, who has spearheaded moves for a parliamentary inquiry, are insisting the universities make their detailed analysis available for scrutiny.

But the universities of Adelaide and SA have declared releasing aspects of the extensive work might jeopardise their ability to attract lucrative overseas students, by giving competitors insight into commercial-in-confidence plans.

Mr Malinauskas on Monday said he wanted legislation establishing the merged Adelaide University to be passed by the end of the year, warning the universities needed certainty to continue recruiting students.

Chancellor of the University of SA Pauline Carr with Premier Peter Malinauskas and Chancellor of the University of Adelaide Catherine Branson, plus, back, UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd, Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, Deputy Premier Susan Close, and Uni of Adelaide Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Hoj. Picture: Emma Brasier

Mr Simms told The Advertiser he was concerned the “commercial-in-confidence” term was often used by governments and large institutions to hold back important information.

“I think the full business case and feasibility study should be presented to the committee, along with any analysis that supports the claims regarding academic ranking,” he said.

“Given the huge investment of public money and the fact that these are key public institutions, it’s only appropriate that the parliament have access to this information.

“The public surely has a right to know. The parliament shouldn’t be expected to sign up to this plan, site unseen.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas, talks to Uni SA PHD student Casper Liu, while on a visit to Uni SA’s Bradley Lab. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dean Martin

Mr Simms also said he was “alarmed” Premier Peter Malinauskas conceded he had not read the full business cases before earmarking substantial government funds to support the merger.

The Sunday Mail on Saturday night revealed the long-vaunted merger of the universities of Adelaide and South Australia had the green light after being backed by both councils and almost $450m in state government funds.

This was ahead of Premier Peter Malinauskas on Sunday morning announcing the government and universities had signed a heads of agreement to create the new Adelaide University after a feasibility study outlined “compelling” benefits.

Legislation enabling the merger to go ahead is expected to be put before state parliament in August, with Mr Malinauskas hoping to convince the Liberals to back the plan through the upper house.

But Mr Speirs said the merger needed a lot more analysis and a parliamentary committee should tease out every aspect.

“We have an open mind to supporting a merger if the business case stacks up, but it increasingly appears that Peter Malinauskas has handed over almost $500 million of taxpayer money without any analysis on behalf of taxpayers, other than his unshakeable confidence that he is right and anyone who disagrees with him is wrong,” he said.

“Peter Malinauskas must obtain the business case for the merger and release it publicly, along with the Government’s analysis that has informed their investment of nearly $500 million. If this deal is so good, and has so much benefit, they should be happy to do so.”

Mr Malinauskas said he was happy with a parliamentary inquiry but not if it was “about mindless politics or endless delay”.

“If the legislation doesn’t pass and it fails, all bets are off. This is our moment. This is our chance. And that should motivate everybody to think about it very carefully,” he said.