Adelaide University deputy vice-chancellor Paula Ward resigns after controversial ‘four-day weekend’ WFH comment

A deputy vice-chancellor at a major university has resigned after sparking uproar in an all-staff town hall meeting with a comment about “four-day weekends”. Take our poll.

Adelaide University deputy vice-chancellor Paula Ward has resigned weeks after she sparked strong backlash from staff by claiming those who worked from home on Friday and Monday were getting “four-day weekends”.

In late October, Ms Ward addressed more than 1000 university workers in an all-staff “town hall” meeting, saying stricter work from home rules would be introduced to prevent staff getting four-day weekends by working remotely on Friday and Monday.

The Advertiser understands the online comments went into overdrive as a large number of outraged workers, who were attending the meeting remotely, described the remarks as disgraceful.

Paula Ward has resigned from her role as Adelaide University's deputy vice-chancellor – people and culture.

Ms Ward, who oversaw the university’s human resources function, briefly left the meeting before returning and apologising to attendees.

NTEU SA secretary Andrew Miller said “the roof exploded” after her comment because it showed that “the head of HR does not trust the professionalism of staff”.

“It showed she fundamentally … isn’t sensitive to their flexible work arrangements and their patterns of work, because a lot of staff have caring responsibilities, children and other factors that have so far been accommodated in a progressive workplace,” he said.

“The deputy vice-chancellor promptly realised the error and apologised, but the damage was done.”

Staff repeatedly raised the comment last week at a second town hall meeting, where Ms Ward was notably absent.

Ms Ward last year started in the position, which was a key role in merging the universities of Adelaide and South Australia.

The combined university, Adelaide University, is set to open on January 1, 2026, backed by more than $450m in state taxpayer funds.

Adelaide University has been created by a merger of the universities of Adelaide and South Australia.

Adelaide University would not confirm why Ms Ward resigned but a spokesman said it recognised the contribution Ms Ward had made to the new institution’s establishment.

“We thank her for the hard work and dedication she has displayed in her role as Adelaide University’s deputy vice-chancellor – people and culture,” he said.

“Merging two universities with a combined community of nearly 500,000 staff, students and alumni was never going to be easy, but staff retention during the merger process has among the highest either foundation institution has ever seen.”

Chandra Kunwar, who runs Adelaide Commercial Cleaning Service, said work from home was not an option for some, especially in his industry.
“In my point of view, I would say work should be done on site – in a shop, workplace or office,” he said.

“That makes it quicker, easier and then we can work in a peaceful environment. I really don’t prefer working from home.”

Ram Tamang and Bishnu Hari Aryal from Adelaide Commercial Cleaning Services in Ascot Park.. Picture: Ben Clark

Mr Kunwar has been running his business for six years, employing 26 staff and subcontractors.

He said connections with customers were “stronger” when meeting them in person.

A government spokesman said the university merger was “on track” and Adelaide University would begin teaching in the new year as scheduled.

The Advertiser was unable to reach Ms Ward for comment.

Originally published as Adelaide University deputy vice-chancellor Paula Ward resigns after controversial ‘four-day weekend’ WFH comment