CDU forecasts 100 jobs could be axed or reshuffled in bid to cut costs

ONE hundred jobs could be axed or reshuffled as Charles Darwin University looks to cut costs

One hundred jobs could be axed or reshuffled as Charles Darwin University looks to cut costs

ONE hundred jobs could be axed or reshuffled as Charles Darwin University looks to cut costs.

University executives are trying to avoid a financial crisis and address the institution’s $21 million deficit by the end of the year.

Over the past month draft consultation proposals outlining dramatic changes in staffing and the cutting of courses have been released.

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Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said the changes were vital for the university to remain afloat.

“We’re not in crisis situation yet. What I’ve said to staff is things have continued to move in the wrong direction and what we have to do now is stop it from getting to a crisis point,” Prof Maddocks said.

About 13 per cent of the university’s 1366 positions are expected to be affected.

“Staff are our greatest assets,” Prof Maddocks said.

“We don’t want to see the staff leave, but staff are our greatest costs.

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“There may be the option for us to deploy our staff to other areas.”

He said no area of the university would be exempt.

“We have staff who are passionate about what they do.
It’s tough when they recognise what they put their heart and soul into may not be sustainable,” he said.

“No one wants to see their job cut.” He said the university had been in contact with the Commonwealth Government over their financial woes.

Yesterday, Prof Maddocks and NT acting Education Minister Eva Lawler said the funding freeze instigated by the Commonwealth Government left funding at 2017 figures.

Deputy Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said it was “churlish” for the Gunner Government to blame the Commonwealth’s policy changes.

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“The Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Cities Deal specifically for the CDU and has implemented new arrangements (from 1 July) giving international students studying at regional universities access to an additional year in Australia on a post-study work visa,” she said. “It is up to the Gunner Government to do its part and promote these opportunities to increase enrolment, and make the work available here – something it has not done.”

The Territory branch of the National Tertiary Education Union has previously voiced its concerns over the staffing and course cuts.

President Darius Pfitzner said the proposed cuts to the nursing and midwifery college would adversely affect the health system in the Territory in years to come.