Management expects 200 positions to go with new structures to be in place by year end

VC Iain Martin briefed staff yesterday on the second major set of changes in around 12 months. The new model is largely as set out in the change proposal required by the university’s enterprise agreement, which was sent to staff last month, (CMM September 1).  Back then management estimated 180-220 positions would be abolished and yesterday 200, mainly professional staff ones, were announced as going, although teaching and research positions are abolished across faculties with some teaching-only roles created.

Yesterday’s announcement follows 2020 staff cuts when around 300 positions were abolished after a long, and bitterly contested industrial process, in part over consultation (CMM August 4 2020).

The new Deakin Reimagined Plan has been in development for months – a team reporting to the CFO was working on it back in March.

This second set of changes appears to be more than an emergency response to pandemic- caused income loss. “Deakin Reimagined is about not only emerging from the difficulties of COVID-19 but investing in a vibrant and sustainable future,” ProfessorMartin told staff yesterday.