Thursday, 29 August 2024

Western Victoria Region

Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (12:36): (1081) The management of Federation University in my electorate currently plans to cut over 160 staff members as part of its 25th restructure since 2020. This would be one of the most severe cuts an Australian university has faced when considering the small size of this institution. In the shadow of these cuts Fed Uni staff members are reporting that teaching standards have declined at the institution, including through the overuse of hybrid and online teaching. They are also up against pervasive practices of poor consultation, with major decisions regularly made without the genuine involvement of staff members, such as the decision to axe the bachelor of arts. My question is for the Minister for Skills and TAFE: will you meet with the staff of Federation University to discuss how you can support a permanent, ongoing and supported workforce at the university?