The VC thanks them for their “wonderful contribution” to the university’s future

Vice Chancellor Martin Bean tells staff that 355 staff are approved for voluntary redundancy. “I want to thank those of you who applied for voluntary redundancy for your wonderful contribution to the future of RMIT,” he says

The VRs will save RMIT $48m, which the VC says “will not be enough … we need to find savings in excess of $200m as we head into 2021.” But while Mr Bean mentions non-staff savings sources, he is silent on further redundancies, although they are likely on the list. In June, he told staff VRs were being explored, “before we consider forced redundancies,” (CMM June 24).

There is no word on how many RMIT casuals have already not had contracts renewed overall, but in May the School of Science told staff it needed to reduce the budget for casual staff by 40 per cent in second semester (CMM 18).

The next news on savings is due early next month.