SafeWork NSW has lifted its prohibition notice against the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), allowing the institution to proceed with its proposed restructure and job cuts. The notice, which had ordered a pause due to risks of psychological harm to staff, was removed on Friday afternoon after the university engaged with the regulator, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfitt told a Senate inquiry.
Parfitt acknowledged the 'stressful time' for staff and confirmed meetings would be held on Monday to consult on the changes. 'We're balancing two stressful circumstances: the stress of people who want to know what the proposal is, and the stress of those uncertain about the process,' he said. UTS had previously halted its restructure after the rare regulatory intervention, cancelling meetings and deferring the proposal's release.
The restructure follows an announcement that about 400 jobs would be lost to save $100m annually, and a temporary pause on enrolments for 120 of 615 courses until 2026. Academics reported a 'culture of fear', while the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) has been investigating UTS since last month. Parfitt confirmed senior staff would not receive bonuses, saving $2.5m, and that $44m was spent on consultants last year.
UTS Students' Association President Mia Campbell told the inquiry students felt 'blind-sided' and 'abandoned', with some learning of course suspensions shortly after attending honours information sessions. She said PhD supervisors might have to supervise students for free if they lose their jobs. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Kylie Readman said about 1,000 prospective students would be affected, with 33 suspended courses having fewer than ten enrolments.
Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi raised concerns about staff fear and mistrust, with staff resorting to encrypted WhatsApp groups. Parfitt said 'genuine and open consultation' was needed, adding that Australian universities face an 'unprecedented' confluence of challenges. A SafeWork NSW spokesperson confirmed UTS had taken 'appropriate action' to comply with the notice.
