National Tertiary Education Union wants Deakin University to investigate restructure

The National Tertiary Education Union have questioned the legitimacy of a restructure led by Peter Auhl that saw his former colleagues appointed to high-ranking positions.

Former Deakin University chief information and infrastructure officer Peter Auhl resigned from the role “after discussions” with his employer. Picture: EQi Consulting.

The National Tertiary Education Union is calling on Deakin University to investigate a restructuring process overseen by a former high-ranking employee that allegedly caused the departure of dozens of staff.

The Geelong Advertiser revealed a fortnight ago that Peter Auhl’s tenure as chief information and infrastructure officer had come to an abrupt end after only 12 months.

Deputy vice chancellor Kerrie Parker informed Deakin’s senior leadership team in an internal email that “after discussions, Peter Auhl has decided that now is the right time for him to move on, and he has made the decision to resign”.

In the role, Mr Auhl led a controversial overhaul of the university’s 300-strong digital services team.

While the university insisted there were “no net job losses” from the restructure, sources within the department said anywhere between 40 and 100 employees were forced out.

The removal of existing roles and creation of new ones meant many staff were allegedly rejected when they reapplied for spots.

The NTEU is now urging Deakin to scrutinise the validity of the restructure process.

Peter Auhl was in the high-ranking role for only 12 months before he departed. Picture: EQi Consulting

Three of Mr Auhl’s former colleagues were externally hired in late 2024 and early 2025 to fill high-ranking positions within his department.

Before becoming Deakin’s senior director of operations and infrastructure in February, Gary Murphy worked with Mr Auhl at Central Coast Council.

Mr Murphy was unceremoniously sacked as council chief executive in November 2020 – 18 months into his five year contract – when the organisation’s financial situation came to light.

At the time, council had recorded an $89m deficit, was $565m in debt and unable to pay its staff.

Senior corporate planner Jackie Svedas was employed at the same council from 2019-2020 while Mr Auhl was chief information officer.

Five years later, Ms Svedas became Deakin’s senior director of engagement and experience.

Mr Auhl also worked at the Adelaide City Council from 2015 to 2018, alongside Mike Zbierski.

Mr Zbierski became the senior director of portfolio delivery at Deakin in November 2024.

Former Central Coast Council boss Gary Murphy in 2020. Picture: Fiona Killman

The Geelong Advertiser is not suggesting any wrongdoing by Mr Auhl, nor that Mr Murphy, Ms Svedas, or Mr Zbierski were undeserving of their appointments, only that concerns have been raised about the handling of the restructure.

NTEU Victoria assistant secretary Ruth Jelley said the legitimacy of the procedure was dubious.

“The introduction of additional layers of management within the department have … raised questions regarding the transparency of senior leadership appointment processes,” she said.

“We call on Deakin University to investigate any allegations relating to the selection and appointment of senior leadership in the department formerly led by Mr Auhl.”

Mr Auhl did not respond when contacted for comment.

Originally published as National Tertiary Education Union wants Deakin University to investigate restructure