CQUni slashes Mackay jobs in COVID-19 cost cut

CQUniversity has slashed its staff due to economic difficulties caused by COVID-19

Professor Nick Klomp

CQUNIVERSITY has slashed 21 jobs from its Mackay campuses as part of sweeping resignations to counter the economic impacts of COVID-19.

This number, incorporating a mix of professional and academic staff, was part of a total of 182 staff requests for voluntary separation from its Queensland campuses.

More stories:

‘Absolutely gutted’: Reality of being unemployed in Mackay

Mackay region’s ‘decent’ jobs momentum put on hold

Why mining will heal Mackay quickly after COVID-19

Huge lines at Centrelink after mass COVID-19 job cuts

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp said the university would also close its Sunshine Coast, Yeppoon and Biloela sites this year.

However, it would not consider any forced staff separations until details of a sector-wide negotiation between Australian universities and the National Tertiary Education Union were finalised.

“COVID-19 has caused businesses of all kinds to rethink their operations to ensure their long-term sustainability, which is exactly what we are doing,” Professor Klomp said.

He said the Noosa, Yeppoon and Biloela delivery sites simply didn’t have the on-campus student numbers or future growth prospects post-COVID-19.

“While our on-campus activities in Yeppoon and Biloela are minimal, we have options in place for improved online delivery, and on-site training for local high school students studying VET courses,” Professor Klomp said.

Subscriber benefits:

How to make the most of your digital subscription

Daily puzzles and Sudoku another reason to stay subscribed

He said the cost reduction measures announced, as well as those already realised, would recover almost $28 million annually for the university.