U.C. is fifty million dollars in the red to balance the books, staff have to go out the door. “They are bearing the brunt for decisions and states of affairs for which they were not responsible.” With hundreds of jobs set to be axed, the mood at today's 'town hall' meeting was far from buoyant. “I think there is anger. It would be strange for me to deny it” Where and when the jobs will be cut and, crucially, who will lose their position is uncertain. Alongside the uncertainty and anger, there is also blame. They really clearly blame largely former leaders of the university that are no longer here, like the former Vice Chancellor, Paddy Nixon. Nixon left in January job cuts were announced last month, leaving some joining the dots. “I think there's a lot of questions to be asked about why Paddy Nixon suddenly left, because it's completely unexplained.” The current V.C. says a lack of growth, optimistic financial forecasting and the covid pandemic are behind the university's woes. “Something has gone wrong at the University of Canberra, and it's probably the result of many decisions or some things being overlooked rather than the single episode.” Whoever's to blame, Stephen Parker says the problem can only be fixed cutting staff. “It is over 200 I don't think it's over 250 but I can't be held to them.” The university won't sell assets or raise fees to generate income. But sponsorship deals with the capitals and brumbies could be on the chopping block. Staff made redundant will be offered free post-grad courses in areas such as teaching, nursing and construction. “We think it's part of our duty to do it for our own staff, and we're extending the opportunity to the staff of other universities who are being made redundant.” “It's small comfort to people that won't have employment while they're studying and still need to pay the bills.” More certainty about the number of jobs cuts is expected next month.
